Sign inOpen the app
Artwork for CFI Faculty Lounge Podcast
Education

CFI Faculty Lounge Podcast

Center for Faculty Innovation

The CFI Faculty Lounge Podcast is an interview-style podcast created as a convenient faculty development resource. Focused on teaching effectiveness and related areas, it offers valuable insights through the experiences of current educators. We explore real-world stories, best practices, and teaching strategies in each episode. Whether listeners are seasoned educators or new to the field, they’ll find actionable takeaways that will bolster their teaching and overall faculty experience.  


SubscribeListen in podnodRSS feedShow website
  • 23 episodes
  • Updated June 1

Episodes23

Newest first
  • Mar 25, 2025 · 15 min

    Episode 3 - Creating a Classroom That Feels Like Home: A Conversation with Dr. Cindy Klevickis

    Welcome back to the CFI Faculty Lounge Podcast, where we explore the experiences and strategies of passionate educators. In this episode, host Dr. Eric Magrum sits down with Dr. Cindy Klevickis from JMU’s Faculty of Integrated Science and Engineering to discuss her journey from industry to academia and how she fosters a learning environment that feels like home. In this episode, Dr. Klevickis shares: -Her transition from working in the pharmaceutical industry to teaching at JMU -What excellence in teaching means to her and how she continues to learn from others -The role of enthusiasm and hands-on experiences in student engagement -How food, real-world examples, and even dog walks inspire her classroom -The quote that guides her philosophy: “A classroom should be the next best place to home” -Why being a lifelong learner helps her grow alongside her students Tune in for a thoughtful and grounded conversation about curiosity, connection, and the everyday joys of teaching. __________________________________________ CFI Faculty Lounge Podcast would love hearing from you! Do you have a question for our guests, a teaching tip to share, or a story about faculty life? Send us a message by clicking on this text. Your message might make it into a future episode.

  • Feb 7, 2025 · 29 min

    Episode 2 - Teaching Excellence, Personalizing the Classroom, and Building Rapport – A Conversation with Dr. Robyn Kondrad

    Welcome back to the CFI Faculty Lounge Podcast, where we explore the experiences, challenges, and strategies of dedicated educators. In this episode, host Eric Magrum sits down with Dr. Robyn Kondrad, Associate Professor at JMU’s Department of Psychology, to discuss her journey in academia, her approach to excellence in teaching, and how she fosters strong connections with her students. In this episode, Dr. Kondrad shares: -Her journey as an educator, teaching on a ship, and how she arrived at JMU. -What excellence in teaching means to her. -The unique qualities she brings to her role. -How she integrates her personal life into her teaching using real-life experiences, including sharing photos of her own placenta! -The importance of professor-student rapport and how building strong relationships enhances learning. -Strategies for balancing faculty responsibilities with personal life. -Expert advice on managing and engaging large classes effectively. Dr. Kondrad’s approach to teaching highlights the power of authenticity, connection, and global perspectives in education. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on making learning engaging, personal, and impactful. __________________________________________ CFI Faculty Lounge Podcast would love hearing from you! Do you have a question for our guests, a teaching tip to share, or a story about faculty life? Send us a message by clicking on this text. Your message might make it into a future episode.

  • Feb 7, 2025 · 24 min

    Episode 1 - Lessons in Excellence: A Conversation with Dr. Timothy Ball

    Welcome to the CFI Faculty Lounge Podcast, a space for continuous learning and actionable insights for faculty. In this first episode, host Eric Magrum sits down with Dr. Timothy Ball, Professor in the School of Communication Studies at James Madison University, to explore his journey through academia, the key moments that shaped his career, and what excellence in teaching means to him. In this episode, Dr. Ball shares: -His journey as an educator, where it started and how he arrived at JMU. -The mentors and turning points that shaped his path. -What it means to be excellent in his role. -The hobbies and interests that bring fresh energy to his work. -How he balances faculty responsibilities with personal life. -Advice he’d give his past self before his first day at JMU. Disclaimer: In discussing his transition from journalism to academia, Dr. Ball shares an experience that includes a difficult conversation with a grieving parent. Listener discretion is advised. Join us for an insightful conversation about career growth, work-life balance, and the evolving definition of scholarship in higher education. __________________________________________ CFI Faculty Lounge Podcast would love hearing from you! Do you have a question for our guests, a teaching tip to share, or a story about faculty life? Send us a message by clicking on this text. Your message might make it into a future episode.