Faculty dedicated to student learning

25 professors complete ACUE courses

For the last year, the partnership between Adams State University and the Association of College and University Educators (ACUE) has proven beneficial for faculty and the students they serve.

The following Adams State faculty members completed the 2025 ACUE Effective Teaching Practices (ETP) course: T.Y. Akinlade, M.S.N., assistant professor of nursing; Olivia Ayers, Ph.D., School of Counselor Education clinical faculty; Umesh Bhattarai, Ph.D., associate professor of chemistry; Madalyn Caldwell, School of Counselor Education clinical faculty; Cecilia Ibarra Cantú, Ph.D., assistant professor of business; Jessica Gazzola, M.S., School of Counselor Education clinical faculty; Jess Gagliardi, Ph.D., instructor first year seminar; Timothy Gross, M.F.A., assistant professor of theatre; Anthony Guntren, M.F.A., assistant professor of art; Ralph Hanke, Ph.D., assistant professor of business; Liz Thomas-Hensley, Ph.D., School of Business director; Stephanie Hilwig, Ph.D., professor of sociology; Chayan Lahiri, Ph.D., assistant professor of earth sciences; Christina Miller, Ph.D., professor of chemistry; Ana Melendez, M.F.A., assistant professor of art; Janene Mondragon, Ed.D., assistant professor of education; Kris Mugrage, lecturer of kinesiology; Jenna Neilsen, M.F.A., professor of theatre; Artemis Preeshl, Ph.D., Center for Teaching, Innovation, and Research director; Justine Schwarz, Ph.D., assistant professor of education; Christopher Schwinghamer, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology; Paul Tunis, M.F.A., assistant professor of media communications; Billy Ulibarri, Ph.D., professor of sociology; Tony Weathers, Ph.D., professor of mathematics; and Ben Wilson School, Ph.D., of Counselor Education clinical faculty.

Dr. Christy Miller is in her 26^th year teaching chemistry at Adams State. “The ACUE course rejuvenated me. It made me really want to improve my teaching.”

Director of the Center for Teaching, Innovation, and Research Artemis Preeshl, Ph.D., said the certification provides Adams State faculty with practical teaching strategies to be effective in the classroom with all students.

“Adams State University is committed to providing our faculty with professional development opportunities that promote student-centered teaching and holistic support services
for students, the Alamosa community and the San Luis Valley. The partnership with ACUE provides high quality, nationally tested courses on a variety of topics that benefit all faculty whether new to teaching or very experienced,” said Provost Margaret Doell. “Completion of one of these courses demonstrates our faculty’s commitment to teaching.”

President David Tandberg, Ph.D., hosted a pinning ceremony to celebrate the dedication of the faculty to enhance how they teach students.

According to acue.org, faculty who complete the courses are proven to boost persistence and completion for students and improve their own confidence in teaching and engagement. Effective Teaching Practices reinvigorates educators and ensures students experience dynamic and inspired teaching.

Through adjunct work and a full faculty position, Dr. Janene Mondragon has facilitated and instructed courses at Adams State for four years. “The scaffolded modules of the ACUE course helped me reflect on the strategies and lesson designs I currently use to create a more learner-centered experience for my students and me.”

This year, Adams State joined ACUE Complete, which increases the offerings available to employees.

The benefit to students is reflected in ACUE data: retention rates increase by four percent in first-year students, and drop, fail, and withdrawal rates shrink by three percent, and more students persist. “This transformative partnership champions Adams State’s investment in the faculty to expand the reach of impactful teaching and increase student engagement, learning outcomes, and persistence in higher education,” added Dr. Preeshl.