E197: Jon Westfall: Navigating Academic Waters: Insights on Faculty Roles and Challenges

In this episode Eric interviews Jon Westfall from Delta State University in Cleveland, MS. This conversation delves into Jon's transformation from a tech enthusiast to a psychology professor at Delta State University, highlighting the vital role of education in addressing societal challenges. The discussion explores the intersections between psychology and technology, teaching methodologies, and the significance of adapting to students' needs in higher education. Note. Portions of the episode title and show notes were generated by Descript AI.

In this episode Garth interviews Kody Manke-Miller from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA. This conversation delves into the transformative power of mentorship in academia through two personal accounts. It highlights the pivotal role mentors play in setting high standards while providing warm support, aiding individuals like Kody in transitioning from first-generation college students to successful academics. The dialogue also explores the challenges, triumphs, and ongoing efforts in research and teaching, underscoring the importance of mentorship in nurturing academic success. Note: Descript AI generated the title and portions of the show notes.

In this sidebar episode Eric and Garth reflect on the "state of the podcast" on March 29, 2023.  We share our hopes, dreams, and aspirations for PsychSessions, looking to the future.

In this episode, Garth interviews Stephen Chew about his new writing project, coming on to Sarah Grison's introductory psychology textbook, Psychology in Your Life (along with Ebony Glover).

In this episode Eric interviews Jane Halonen from the University of West Florida in Pensacola, FL. We specifically sat down for this interview to discuss Jane's specialized leadership skills, especially when leading national efforts with many moving parts. We discuss her leadership skills and opportunities, and Bill McKeachie's memory is infused in much of our conversation. There are always challenges with these types of opportunities, whether national news events, a worldwide pandemic, the small-p politics of the task at hand, and more. Jane leverages her clinical skills and her story-telling ability to help with problem-solving amongst talented academics to complete the major tasks (such as being the lead on the APA Guidelines for the Undergraduate Psychology Major, Versions 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0). He chat about Jane's high school leadership experiences as well. 

In this episode Eric and special guest host Jane Halonen (University of West Florida) interview Kenn Barron from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA. Our thanks to STP for the opportunity to record this interview at the Annual Conference for Teaching in Portland (October 2023). Kenn shares his background growing up in Delaware and the educational influences of his mother and father.  He is deeply reflective, whether he is mapping out his career goals and trajectory or considering the three worlds of science (and validity, too). Jane was the chair at JMU when Kenn was hired a quarter-century ago, and Jane proved to be an important mentor in his life. There is a brief conversation about the introductory psychology chapter Eric never teaches, a chat about motivational theory, and much more.

In this episode: We welcome one of our all-time favorite guests, Sue Frantz, to the podcast. Sue talks about her new role as Associate Director of the Society for the Teaching of Psychology (STP). We also get a chance to discuss some of Sue's many contributions to psychology, including multiple blogs, conference presentations, and her published books (and books in the works). We also dip into a conversation about Open Educational Resources (OER).

In this episode: It's all about transitions, whether it's the transition to department chair or back again, the transitions with promotions in academia, sabbatical transitions, thoughts about retirement, and even the transition to leave academia for a different workplace. It's about flexibility and accepting gains and losses in any type of substantial transition.

In this episode: We discuss email, including etiquette matters, the joys, and the burdens of email. We address some email strategies for leaders, and we touch on some available email tools that can make your email-life a bit easier.

In this episode: We have the delightful opportunity to interview two international doctoral students, Moonkyung Min who is from South Korea, and Elvine Andjembe Etogho who is from Gabon in Central Africa. Our conversation touches on language challenges, living outside one's home country, plans for after graduate school, and much more. We engage in a fascinating discussion of deficit-based cultures and strengths-based cultures.