Faculty Speaker Series AY2024-25

The Faculty Speaker Series presentations are delivered by our own faculty or other experts at Aspen University. 

Each series covers four presentations that relate to a broader topic in the faculty member's area of expertise or interest. 

Abstract of  the Speaker Series

In this series, factors that contribute to the increased risk of domestic terrorism will be explored. The implications of the Southwest Border on the risk of domestic terrorism will be discussed. Data regarding those apprehended on the terror watchlist at the border will be examined. The role of specific terror groups and the impact of the turmoil in the Middle East will be discussed through the lens of domestic terrorism risks. Strategies to mitigate the risk of domestic terrorism will be explored.

·    Factors that are Leading to an Increased Risk of Domestic Terrorism 

Nov 05 @ 9:00am PST- Recording Link

·    The Implications of the Southwest Border in Terms of Terrorism 

Nov 21 @ 12:00pm PST- Recording Link

·    Specific Terror Groups and the Impact of the Unrest in the Middle East on the Risk of Terrorism Against the U.S. 

Dec 03 @ 10:00am PST- Recording Link

·    What can be Done to Mitigate the Risk of Domestic Terrorism? 

Dec 17 @ 9:00am PST- Recording Link

Brief Bio of Speaker

With a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice, Dr. Sadulski frequently conducts research on the evolving threat of terrorism. He served on the frontlines combating terrorism. He participated in counter-terrorism operations and critical infrastructure protection. Jarrod has interviewed a suspected terrorist who was plotting an attack at the Port of Miami shortly following 9/11. Dr. Sadulski received the Global War on Terror Medal.

Benefits of Attending the Speaker Series

The benefits of attending this presentation are gaining a deeper understanding of the threat of domestic terrorism from a research perspective. The influence of current events in our society and around the world on the risk of domestic terrorism will be explored. Participants will be provided with data that reflects the risk of domestic terrorism and what is being done to mitigate it.

Abstract of  the Speaker Series

Technology has become integral to healthcare. Regulations mandate patient portal engagement for patient-centered care and active communication with the healthcare team. The advantages far outweigh the barriers with innovative solutions to increase patient portal activation. A regional pediatric hospital has worked to increase portal use through a nursing task force, having set strategic goals for daily activation. Through a qualitative project design based on theoretical frameworks and a model for change, the importance of digital health literacy to assist patients with portal activation led to finding a standard of best practice for portal activation. Directly working with nursing and patient staff found a standard of best practice in high-performing departments, a solution to assist departments with low activation numbers to better meet strategic goals. There emerged further solutions for ongoing quality improvement by the task force, applicable to other healthcare institutions.

·    The Advantages and Barriers to Using a Patient Portal 

Jan 7 @ 9:00am PST- Recording Link

·    The Impact of Digital Health Literacy Theoretical Frameworks in Rural Healthcare 

Jan 21 @ 9:00am PST- Recording Link

·    Leading Change Using a Qualitative Design Project for Improvement 

Feb 4 @ 9:00am PST- Recording Link

·    Outcomes, Results, and Findings Following Implementation 

Feb 18 @ 9:00am PST- Recording Link 

Brief Bio of Speaker

Dr. Catron has been a nurse for 50 years. She started in the NICU giving direct patient care, advanced into clinical education, and later simulation-based education. She has worked as nursing faculty and simulation coordinator in a community college, clinical education specialist in a pediatric regional hospital, simulation coordinator for hospital interprofessional education, and simulation director of a 20,000 square-foot simulation center in a new college of osteopathic medicine. And now, her interests turn back to training student nurses in a new advanced BSN program plus providing NCLEX exam review through Kaplan North America. Dr. Catron is keenly interested in the development of empathy and compassion in new graduates.

Benefits of Attending the Speaker Series

Everyone is impacted by the increased use of technology in healthcare today and with the advent of the first patient portal in 1990, today regulatory agencies dictate their daily use to improve patient-centered care. The literature is unmistakable on the need for further study of why patients do not adopt and continue using a patient portal. Institutions seek strategic solutions to increase patient-centered care using practical communication tools with providers. Studies indicated the value of continuing research on who the portal users are, the advantages of use, overcoming the barriers to adoption, and effective interventions that could make a difference in clinical outcomes. Currently, prevailing themes preventing patient portal engagement include poor digital health literacy, location from the medical center or provider, and low socioeconomic status. Attending this series will provide insight into innovative problem-solving for activation within any healthcare system thus adding to solutions to improve care communication.

Abstract of  the Speaker Series

Human trafficking exists in all 50 states. Anyone can become a victim of human trafficking in this $244 billion-dollar illicit trade. This important topic will be explored. Different forms of human trafficking will be explored with a focus on the common targets of human trafficking, which are often children and women. An overview of sextortion will be provided, which according to the FBI is the fastest online threat to children. Case studies will be presented on cases of sextortion and how to protect children will be covered. Grooming in terms of sex trafficking will be explored. Human trafficking legislation will be covered in this series, which can be used to hold traffickers accountable for their crimes.

·    Human Trafficking Legislation and How to Bridge the Gaps to Ensure Traffickers are Held Accountable

March 11 @ 9:00am PST- Recording link

·    Sextortion, which according to the FBI is the largest online threat to teenagers. We will explore how parents can protect their children from this devastating crime.

March 25 @ 9:00am PST- Recording Link

·    Grooming- The presentation will focus on how grooming occurs in human trafficking and what people can do to protect themselves from becoming a victim. A discussion on how the internet and social media are used in grooming will be covered. 

April 8 @ 9:00am PST- Recording Link

·    The Different Forms of Human Trafficking- The presenter will detail the difference between trafficking and smuggling.

April 22 @ 9:00am PST- Recording Link 

Brief Bio of Speaker

Alicia Hopper is on the front lines to combat human trafficking. She is a subject matter expert on the topic of human trafficking. She provides presentations nationwide on the most pressing issues involving human trafficking. Alicia collects data from former sex traffickers who were incarcerated in the U.S. and abroad. Alicia goes to the front lines to hear the accounts of human trafficking victims to gain a deeper understanding of the scope of trafficking and how it can be mitigated.

Benefits of Attending the Speaker Series

The benefits of attending this speaker series are that the audience will gain a deeper understanding of the presence of human trafficking in our communities. Participants will learn how to protect themselves and loved ones from different forms of human trafficking. Participants will gain knowledge of how to recognize human trafficking and what to do if it is suspected. Human trafficking will be explored from a criminology perspective.

Abstract of  the Speaker Series

Are you curious about why your students appear not to listen to you or to follow “clear” instructions?  It may be a traumatized brain. Do not dismiss the idea.  Most people have experienced some form of trauma at some time in life. People experience and cope with traumas differently. Some traumas are not recognized as traumas, but they are classified as traumatic events.  When those “traumatized” adults choose to attend institutions of higher education, the insidious nature of trauma tends to manifest itself. This series will discuss:

·  The insidious and detrimental nature of some traumas

·  Trauma Informed Care as a concept of care that can be applied in the academic environment

·  The benefits of being a proactive trauma-informed academic workforce.

At the end of the series, the participants will be provided with resources that can help influence their instructional practice.

·    What is Trauma Informed Care and What is Not? Why Should this Matter in Higher Education? The Multifaceted Benefits for Institutions of Higher Education to Invest in a TIC Workforce  

May 6 @ 9:00am PST- Recording Part 1     Recording Part 2

·    Oh! That May Explain It! How Learning and Critical Thinking Skills are Impacted by Trauma  

May 20 @ 9:00am PST- Recording Passcode: #KA9RM0f

·    A Trauma Informed Care (TIC) Workforce in Higher Education has Become a Public Health Priority: A Review of the Facts, Stories, and Conversations Over the Last 10 Years 

Date Change: Thurs June 5 @ 9:00am PST- Recording   Passcode: 4AAtJ^j*

·    Tips and Resources for Creating a Trauma Informed Academic Environment Without Compromising Standards and Quality  

June 17 @ 9:00am PST- Recording

Brief Bio of Speaker

Dr. Vergie M. Brannon, RN is an enthusiastic proponent of “all things mental health”.   She is a relentless advocate for vulnerable populations and a student of the Social Determinants of Health. Her personal philosophy is based on this quote:

“You can easily judge the character of others by how they treat those who can do nothing for them or to them.” Malcolm Forbes

She has been a Registered Nurse for 37 years.  Dr. Brannon has served in various clinical and academic nursing leadership roles in several states. She has multiple advanced degrees and certificates to support her qualifications in education, psychology/mental health, and nursing.  She is currently Adjunct Graduate Nursing Faculty at Aspen University for the Nursing Public Health specialty. She serves as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Psychology and Addictions. Dr. Brannon’s full-time position is with Dallas College at Northlake (Dallas, TX) as the Mental Health Coordinator. Dr. Brannon has identified that her most rewarding job in life is serving as the best “GiGi” to Raylee, Zoey, Cameron, and Moriah.

Benefits of Attending the Speaker Series

This series will benefit novice and experienced educators, student advisors, counselors and administrators because it may explain trends that are being noticed in institutions of higher education. Traumatized students are accepted into academic programs every day. Accreditors and regulatory bodies are expecting that academic rigor increases as a way for schools to stay relevant. This translates to instructors assigning more lessons, creative assessments, and less time for the students to complete those requirements. Administrators are challenged with retention/matriculation rates of students and the retention of quality staff. Having a proactive system in place, such as Trauma Informed Care concepts, can help retain both students and staff. The pressures of academic rigor, family demands, financial responsibilities, and other pressures can “unlock” the hidden psychological manifestations of a traumatized brain. This cost-effective approach to supporting students and staff will be a “win-win” for all stakeholders.

Abstract of  the Speaker Series

In today's fast-paced world, navigating life's challenges requires more than academic prowess. "Navigating Life's Highway: Strengthening Students with Emotional Intelligence, Compassion, Balance, and Flexibility" explores the crucial role of emotional intelligence (EQ) in enhancing student development and well-being. This presentation delves into strategies and practices that empower educators to cultivate EQ in students, fostering resilience, empathy, and effective interpersonal skills. By emphasizing compassion, balance, and flexibility, educators can equip students with essential tools to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Through practical insights and case studies, these sessions seek to inspire educators to integrate EQ principles into their teaching, promoting a supportive and enriching learning environment where students can flourish holistically.

·    Harnessing Emotional Intelligence for Stronger Students 

July 8 @ 9:00am PST- Recording Link

·    Cultivating Compassion: The Heart of Education

July 22 @ 9:00am PST- Recording Link

·    Achieving Work-Life Balance: A Key to Sustainable Education and Nursing 

Aug 5 @ 9:00am PST- Recording Link   Passcode:  6Wkxw&n^

·    Embracing Flexibility: Adapting to the Ever-Changing Educational and Nursing Environment 

Aug 19 @ 9:00am PST- Recording Link   Passcode:  0&qBB.aW 

Brief Bio of Speaker

Dr. Stephen Kalb is an experienced educational and nursing professional with over twenty years of leadership and education experience. He has worked in various settings in both the industry and education sectors. He earned a Doctor of Nursing from Aspen University and a Master of Nursing in Nursing Education from the same institution, indicating his dedication to academic excellence. Throughout his career, Stephen has focused on educating a wide range of students, from high school to adult learners, with a specific emphasis on utilizing Emotional Intelligence, Emotional Resilience, and Compassion, focusing on students with neurodiversity. One primary goal for Stephen is to provide a solid set of tools for every student to be successful as they navigate life's highway.

Benefits of Attending the Speaker Series

Navigating Life's Highway" promotes emotional intelligence as a critical component of student development, offering educators valuable tools and strategies to create a supportive and enriching learning environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.