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The University of Arkansas at Monticello has awarded its inaugural UAM Innovation Grant of $10,000 for the proposed UAM Virtual Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning.

Dr. Kimberly Wilkerson, educational leadership coordinator and associate professor for the School of Education at UAM, and Dr. Deborah Givhan, special education coordinator and instructor for the School of Education at UAM, submitted the grant proposal and will lead the project's implementation.

Set to launch in the fall 2025 semester, the center aims to improve student engagement, retention and achievement by providing faculty with research-based teaching resources and strategies to create dynamic, inclusive learning environments aligned with UAM's mission of supporting diverse learners.

Full-time faculty and staff at UAM are eligible to receive funding through the UAM Innovation Grant, which was initially announced during UAM Professional Development Week in August 2024. The grant offers up to $10,000 in private funding to support initiatives that align with the UAM Strategic Plan, may be duplicated in other units or programs at UAM and have the potential to improve student retention, learning, engagement or sense of belonging.

The grant's first funded project will be the UAM Virtual Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning, a scalable, virtual resource designed to improve teaching practices and foster student success across disciplines.

“The UAM Innovation Grant has given us a wonderful opportunity to develop a resource that directly supports UAM’s mission to enhance student engagement and success,” Dr. Wilkerson said. “We’re incredibly grateful for this opportunity, as it allows us to provide faculty with research-based strategies that engage students cognitively, emotionally and behaviorally. We believe that when professors feel supported and equipped with the right tools, they’re better able to create a dynamic classroom environment. This ultimately helps students stay motivated, deepen their understanding and become more prepared for success, not just in their studies but in their future careers as well.”

The center will offer 24/7 access to online resources, including blogs, instructional videos, research articles and teaching tools, helping faculty refine their pedagogical practices and better support students. Available via Blackboard, the center will encourage collaboration among faculty and empower them to create more engaging, student-centered classrooms.

Dr. Givhan added that the center’s impact will not only enhance teaching practices but also foster a sense of community among faculty and students. “We’re excited to see how this project will evolve. The strategies we’re developing now can grow into a sustainable faculty development model that enhances student engagement and success across UAM. By supporting faculty in refining their teaching practices, we aim to strengthen classroom connections, which are crucial for student retention. Ultimately, this initiative will benefit both professors and students for years to come.”

Dr. Peggy Doss, chancellor of UAM, stated, “Through the support of the UAM Innovation Grant, UAM continues to demonstrate its commitment to fostering academic excellence and student success. Dr. Wilkerson and Dr. Givhan’s visionary project aligns with our mission to create inclusive, dynamic learning environments that actively engage our student body. The establishment of the UAM Virtual Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning marks an important step forward in advancing our efforts to equip students for future success, both academically and professionally. I am excited to see the positive impact the center will have on both faculty and students in the years to come.”