Dr. Jennifer T. Edwards: A Texas Professor Focused on Artificial Intelligence, Health, and Education

Tuesday, December 19, 2023

Preparing Our Higher Education Institutions for the Future - 5 Recommendations

As we prepare for an upcoming year, I have to stop and think about the future of higher education. The pandemic changed our students, faculty, staff, and our campus as a whole. The Education Advisory Board (EAB) provides colleges and universities across the country with resources and ideas to help the students of the future.

I confess, I have been a complete fan of EAB and their resources for the past ten years. Their resources are at the forefront of higher education innovation.

One of their resources, "Campus 2030: Envisioning Tomorrow’s Multi-Modal Campus" projects the future of several services available at colleges and universities across the nation. These services include:

🏛 - Dining Halls and Food Spaces

🏛 - Modern Student Housing

🏛 - Hybrid and Flexible Office Spaces

🏛 - Tech-Enabled Classrooms

🏛 - Libraries and Learning Commons

🏛 - Interdisciplinary Research Facilities

Higher education institutions should also focus on the faculty and staff as well. When I ask most of my peers if they are comfortable with the numerous changes happening across their institution, most of them are uncomfortable. We need to prepare our teams for the future of higher education.

Here's the Millennial Professor's Call the Action Statements for the Higher Education Industry

🌎 - Higher Education Conferences and Summits Need to Provide Trainings Focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Their Attendees

🌎 - Higher Education Institutions Need to Include Faculty and Staff as Part of Their Planning Process (an Important Part)

🌎 - Higher Education Institutions Provide Wellness and Holistic Support for Faculty and Staff Who are Having Problems With Change (You Need Us and We Need Help)

🌎 - Higher Education Institutions Need to Be Comfortable with Uncommon Spaces (Flexible Office Spaces)

🌎 - Faculty Need to Embrace Collaboration Opportunities with Faculty at Their Institutions and Other Institutions

Here are some additional articles about the future of higher education:

The Future of Higher Education: 5 Trends to Watch

EDUCAUSE 2023: How AI Could Impact Student Success in Higher Ed

Anti-DEI and the Future of Higher Education

How Will Artificial Intelligence Change Higher Ed?

The Future of College Policing and Security - Campus Safet

Higher education will continue to transition in an effort to meet the needs of our current and incoming students.

Here's the link to the entire infographic - https://attachment.eab.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/PDF-FF-Campus-of-the-Future-2030-Infographic.pdf

For our particular university, we are striving to modify all of these items simultaneously. It is a challenge, but the changes are well worth the journey.

Here's the challenge for this post: "In your opinion, which one of the items on the list is MOST important for your institution?"

***.

Check out my book - Retaining College Students Using Technology: A Guidebook for Student Affairs and Academic Affairs Professionals.

Remember to order copies for your team as well!

Interested in a specific student success topic or do you need a speaker for an upcoming conference? Contact me via direct message on Twitter or join our Student Success and Retention Institute - Learning Community on Facebook!

Thanks for visiting!

Sincerely,

Dr. Jennifer T. Edwards
Professor of Communication

Executive Director of the Texas Social Media Research Institute & Rural Communication Institute

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Friday, September 8, 2023

Traveling to Europe with Rural Communication Students

Hi everyone! It's September and summer and officially over! :(

Summer is one of those sacred times of year for faculty to determine the next steps of their faculty career. From my dear colleague who is focused on his retirement to new faculty members who are focused on their new research agenda, everyone is focused on renewal. Our department faculty members usually travel to work at state parks, volunteer in the community, and participate in professional development activities.

This summer, we traveled on a study abroad experience to Scotland, Ireland, and England. This was an incredible journey with 17 students from our university. I have not traveled outside of the country for a year and the students were filled with excitement from the end of the spring semester.

The trip to Europe was long and uneventful. We traveled with EF Tours and it was definitely an adventure. Many of our rural students have never traveled outside of the country before this adventure and they learned many new skills along their journey. I was proud of their progress.

During the study abroad experience, I also had an opportunity walk a mile by myself in Ireland. Previously, I have ALWAYS traveled in groups - large groups and small groups. However, when most of the attendees wanted to participate in an activity together and I had to travel back to the hotel to pick up an item - I had the opportunity be independent. I walked by myself across the city to the hotel. This prepared me for another big adventure that I had this summer. Summer 2023 was filled with solo adventure travel for this female faculty member.

We also had an opportunity to view the Book of Kells in Ireland. It was a great experience and the library that housed the book of Kells (the Bible) was one of the most beautiful libraries I've ever visited.

This was my second time to visit the palace in England. There is always a crowd at Buckingham palace and the students enjoyed snapping pictures with the statues.

Who am I kidding? I enjoyed snapping pictures as well! It was crowded and it was definitely an adventure.

I've only heard about it on YouTube from flight attendants, but Primark lived up to its reputation. The clothes were inexpensive, high quality, and were gorgeous! I was very excited to buy professor clothes at Primark!

Overall, we had a great time. The students enjoyed themselves and I did as well. I learned a lot about European culture and I added two additional countries to my list. In fact, I added THREE new countries to my list (more about that later). Another day, another post. ;)

Let me know if you have any questions about traveling with students. They are a trip - literally! I cannot remember the last time that I laughed so hard. Traveling with rural students enables them to be themselves while experience a whole new world.

Until next time!

J. Edwards

***

Check out my book - Retaining College Students Using Technology: A Guidebook for Student Affairs and Academic Affairs Professionals.

Remember to order copies for your team as well!

Thanks for visiting!

Sincerely,

Dr. Jennifer T. Edwards
Professor of Communication

Executive Director of the Texas Social Media Research Institute & Rural Communication Institute

Wednesday, March 8, 2023

Preparing for Research Presentations - Poster Presentation Survival Kit

Hi Y'all!

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of presenting for an Undergraduate Research Group at my university. When they initially asked me about presenting about visual presentations, I had to think back to the numerous presentations that I have been fortunate to facilitate all over America.

Then, I thought about the items that I wish I would have had on site when I saw the place where I needed to place my poster. So, I decided to make a "Poster Presentation Survival Kit". This kit contains: masking tape, t-pins, white out, sharpie markers, and cuticle clippers (to serve as scissors for your poster (just in case)).

The presentation was well received and they asked for a copy. I was very impressed with this group and their questions focused on research and the presentation process. We also had a great conversation about presenting information that has not yet been published.

Here's the presentation:

Here are some additional resources. Thanks UNC, UC Davis, and Bucknell!

Designing Effective Posters: Poster Templates - UNC University Libraries

How To Make An Effective Poster- UC Davis - Undergraduate Research Center

Designing Effective Posters - Bucknell University

Enjoy! Please let me know if you have any questions.

Dr. Jennifer Edwards

***

Check out my book - Retaining College Students Using Technology: A Guidebook for Student Affairs and Academic Affairs Professionals.

Remember to order copies for your team as well!

Thanks for visiting!

Sincerely,

Dr. Jennifer T. Edwards
Professor of Communication

Executive Director of the Texas Social Media Research Institute & Rural Communication Institute

Thursday, March 2, 2023

Stay Interviews: Do They Work? How Can You Use These Questions For Your Organization?

One thing that I have recently become very interested in is - "stay interviews".

These types of interviews are very beneficial because they determine which factors keep a current employee engaged and which ones do not.

Think about it. Why do you decide to remain at your current job? What would entice you to leave? Perhaps a better offer?

This information is perfect for employers and who wish to attract millennials to their workplace.

Jennifer Lui, a CNBC writer, highlighted the importance of stay interviews in her article, "Why the ‘stay interview’ is the next big trend of the Great Resignation". She stated:

Stay interviews are informal conversations
What to ask in a stay interview
Ask what would make your employee leave
How managers can stay accountable

The Society for Human Resource Management gives suggestions for questions that human resources departments in their How to Conduct Stay Interviews: 5 Key Questions article.

Question 1 - What do you look forward to each day when you commute to work?

Question 2 -What are you learning here, and what do you want to learn?

Question 3 - Why do you stay here?

Question 4 - When is the last time you thought about leaving us, and what prompted it?

Question 5 - What can I do to make your job better for you?

This is especially important for rural workplaces where they struggle to attract and retain employees. It is especially difficult for rural employers. Let's support them in any possible way we can.

Now, I do not have any direct reports at this time, but I have had a wealth of organizational leadership experiences throughout my 20 years in higher education. As a employee, i would not like to answer these questions. I would suggest that leaders determine which questions are most appropriate for their teams.

We do not want these "stay interviews" to be the first interview on a short journey to an "exit interview".

In the comment box, let us know which questions you would add and which questions you would delete.

Jennifer

***

Check out my book - Retaining College Students Using Technology: A Guidebook for Student Affairs and Academic Affairs Professionals.

Remember to order copies for your team as well!

Thanks for visiting!

Sincerely,

Dr. Jennifer T. Edwards
Professor of Communication

Executive Director of the Texas Social Media Research Institute & Rural Communication Institute

Monday, August 1, 2022

Let's Learn About Telehealth (Sessions from the National Telehealth Conference)

In May, I was pleased to see the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) offer a virtual Telehealth Conference. I am always on the lookout for good professional development opportunities, so I signed up.

My schedule had a conflict on that day and I was unable to attend, BUT they posted videos of the sessions online. I was so excited and I could not wait to block time on my schedule, grab some lunch, and listen to the sessions.

You can listen to the sessions as well!

Here is a list of the sessions and the video links:

HHS Leading the Way in Telehealth

Leaders from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will discuss priorities and highlight key efforts across the Department to expand access to telehealth services.

Telehealth's Role in Behavioral Access & Outcomes

Providers and experts will discuss telehealth’s key role in access to behavioral health services as well as the integration of behavioral and physical health services, especially for those in underserved communities.

Telehealth & Licensure Portability - Access Beyond State Lines

This session will discuss ongoing efforts to facilitate access to inter-state telehealth services through HRSA’s Licensure Portability Grant Program. Through this program, HRSA provides support to the Federation of State Medical Boards and the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards. Participants will learn about current options to address licensure portability reform and have an opportunity to provide feedback.

Here's a link to a PDF Resource from the session.

Ensuring Access to Telehealth Beyond the Pandemic

This session will discuss key policy and infrastructure issues at the state and federal level needed to ensure continued access to telehealth beyond the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Integrating Telehealth into Healthcare Practice

This session will discuss key considerations for integrating telehealth in various medical settings. Participants will learn of current models and provide input on ways to address challenges and barriers.

Here's a link to the PDF Resource from the sessions

Improving Access to Telehealth & Broadband Services

This session will provide an overview of Federal efforts and resources to improve access to broadband, which is a key component to the delivery of telehealth services as well as other social determinants of health.

Here's a link to the PDF Resource from the sessions

Preparing the Current & Future Healthcare Workforce

This session will discuss current efforts to assist providers in using telehealth and considerations for training the workforce for tomorrow. Issues to be discussed will include provider-to-provider mentoring, developing telehealth curriculum for providers and addressing burnout.

Here's a link to the PDF Resource from the session

Tapping into the Telehealth Resource Centers

This session will provide participants with an opportunity to learn more about the HRSA supported Telehealth Resource Centers including their work and expertise in assisting providers with implementing telehealth services.

Here's a link to the PDF Resource from the session

Telehealth & COVID - Challenges and Solutions

This session will discuss leveraging telehealth technology in addressing and treating COVID-19.

Here's a link to the PDF Resource from the session

What's Next for Telehealth? Looking Beyond the Pandemic & Closing Remarks

Experts will discuss the key telehealth issues and priorities identified by their stakeholders and how those telehealth issues may evolve beyond the pandemic.

Here's a link to the PDF Resource from the session

Check out the sessions. Which session was your favorite?

***

Check out my book - Retaining College Students Using Technology: A Guidebook for Student Affairs and Academic Affairs Professionals.

Remember to order copies for your team as well!

Thanks for visiting!

Sincerely,

Dr. Jennifer T. Edwards
Professor of Communication

Executive Director of the Texas Social Media Research Institute & Rural Communication Institute

Monday, July 25, 2022

How Did Your Local Grocery Store Pivot During the Pandemic?

One of my favorite grocery stores is H-E-B. Seriously, after our major grocery store in Carthage, Texas (a very rural area in East Texas) left a sizable gap in the strip center between Wal-Mart and Eckerd's (CVS Pharmacy), we were pleased when H-E-B moved into the grocery store space that was vacant for 10+ years. It opened in the late 1990s and the city has shown their love for H-E-B since that time. It greatly contributes to the health of the region.

One of my cousins works for H-E-B and she absolutely loves the company. Even when she travels, she is all about visiting the nearest H-E-B store. Talk about H-E-B-based travel, that is her favorite thing!

H-E-B, like other stores, had to pivot during the pandemic. In fact, our local H-E-B store in Carthage, Texas was very proactive in implementing measures to keep their team members and shoppers safe. They enabled only a certain amount of people to enter the store at one time, etc.

Earlier this month, I saw this amazing webinar focused on how the H-E-B organization reflected on how they changed procedures during the pandemic and other aspects of their store.

So, take a BIG bite of this webinar and reflect in the comment box below about how your local grocery stores pivoted (or did not pivot) during the pandemic.

Thanks for visiting!

Sincerely,

Dr. Jennifer T. Edwards
Professor of Communication

Executive Director of the Texas Social Media Research Institute & Rural Communication Institute

***

Check out my book - Retaining College Students Using Technology: A Guidebook for Student Affairs and Academic Affairs Professionals.

Remember to order copies for your team as well!

Monday, July 18, 2022

Resource Alert: A Health Check-In for Meeting and Classrooms - Team Color Check-In Tool

Throughout the past few years we have definitely been part of a Zoom and Microsoft Team centric world. As we meet with teams and individuals, we have to account for the life that is happening on the other side of the screen. Through Zoom we have a unique opportunity to gain a glimpse into another person's life to which we would normally not have access.

This means that we have a moral and ethnical responsibility as peers and as leaders to genuinely care about the people to which we are communicate with on Zoom. Here's a great resource from the Collective Impact Forum (http://www.collectiveimpactforum.org).

The Team Color Check-In Tool is a communication tool to help people in virtual and face-to-face conversations have a check-in. The colors range from:

Red

Orange

Yellow

Green

Blue

Gray

Team Status Check for Individuals and Groups

If you are wondering how to apply this for your teams or classrooms, I would definitely recommend the following:

#1 - Utilize it when you meet with individuals one-on-one (BEFORE) the meeting.

#2 - Utilize it in Zoom via an anonymous poll to gauge how their audience is feeling BEFORE the meeting and providing resources at the end of the meeting (or in a follow-up email).

#3 - Send the check-in tool to your team/organization at the beginning of the week and provide workshops and support throughout the week for the team.

Respond Below - How would you use the resource? Do you think teams would benefit from this resource? How would you modify it?

Thanks for reading!

Sincerely,

Dr. Jennifer T. Edwards
Professor of Communication

Executive Director of the Texas Social Media Research Institute & Rural Communication Institute

***

Check out my book - Retaining College Students Using Technology: A Guidebook for Student Affairs and Academic Affairs Professionals.

Remember to order copies for your team as well!

Monday, July 11, 2022

When Driving Through a Rural Area, Do You Think "How Far is the Local Hospital"?

As a lifelong rural resident, I think about the proximity of my home and my work to a local hospital. Actually, I always think about my proximity to a Level I hospital when traveling in a rural area or visiting a relative.

Many rural sections of our Texas interstates are located far from a Level I hospital. This means that when I am traveling to another location in Texas, I have to be very careful to practice defensive driving because I do not want to end up in a situation when I have to be transported to a high level hospital from a rural area.

As a result, I looked forward to this live session from the Texas Tribune for weeks. This panel highlighted the perils that many of our rural residents encounter everyday. In many of our rural Texas counties, you cannot deliver a baby in a hospital, because there is not a labor and delivery unit. Also, some of our rural counties like Shelby County, TX, do not have a rural hospital any longer.

Which part of the video stands out to you?

Thanks for visiting!

Sincerely,

Dr. Jennifer T. Edwards
Professor of Communication

Executive Director of the Texas Social Media Research Institute & Rural Communication Institute

***

Check out my book - Retaining College Students Using Technology: A Guidebook for Student Affairs and Academic Affairs Professionals.

Remember to order copies for your team as well!

Tuesday, July 5, 2022

A Review of Complete College America's ACT Conference (June 2022)

In June 2022, I was very excited to attend Complete College America’s ACT: Policy & Action Summit in Louisville, Kentucky. This was my first time visiting Kentucky and everything was beautiful!

Apparently, this conference is "where the magic happens. Where ideas come to life, decisions are made, and plans for impact take shape" and this was definitely true. Usually, when I attend a higher education summit, it is just focused on current information and best practices, but this conference took a different turn. It was all about action and implementation.

Several of the key groups from the Complete College were able to come together and to take action. These groups included: state teams of higher education leaders and policymakers came together.

Texas community colleges have been funded at the same rate that was established over 50 years ago. Dr. Stephanie Murphy @Commit2Dallas @SMirandaMurphy #CCAAction #highered #HigherEducation #retention #edu #StudentSuccess pic.twitter.com/4xhJeYR1nJ
— Dr. Jennifer T. Edwards (@drjtedwards) June 8, 2022

The content was amazing and the conversations were even better. Our conversations focused on Time to Degree, Corequisite Support, Guided Pathways, and more.

Here was the schedule:

Day 1

Welcome from the CCA President: Dr. Yolanda Watson-Spiva

Bringing in Those Left Behind in the College Completion Movement

Continued Progress and New Frontiers

No Middle Ground - Advancing Equity Through Practice

ACT I - Start, Stop, Continue

Day 2

The Politics of Equitable College Completion

Equity and Public University Funding

No Middle Ground - Advancing Equity in All States

ACT II & III - Policy Recommendation and Development

Innovation in Systems Change

New Opportunities for Your Complete College Alliance Team

I learned so much through this summit and the networking was great. One of the aspects of the conference that served as a highlight for me was the placement of several flags around the room to represent the institutions of each Complete College America member/partner.

This was evidence of intentional support and success.

The sponsors for this event included: The Lumina Foundation, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Ascendium, the Annie E. Casey Foundation, and the Barr Foundation

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Check out my book - Retaining College Students Using Technology: A Guidebook for Student Affairs and Academic Affairs Professionals.

Remember to order copies for your team as well!

Thanks for visiting!

Sincerely,

Dr. Jennifer T. Edwards
Professor of Communication

Executive Director of the Texas Social Media Research Institute & Rural Communication Institute

Pages

Tuesday, December 19, 2023

Friday, September 8, 2023

Wednesday, March 8, 2023

Thursday, March 2, 2023

Monday, August 1, 2022

Monday, July 25, 2022

Monday, July 18, 2022

Monday, July 11, 2022

Tuesday, July 5, 2022