Innovation Connections is a monthly newsletter that features Instructional Innovation Division updates and college-wide innovation and collaboration. Contact Luann Crosby, Director of Library Services, if you wish to contribute to the content.
As we prepare to welcome Dr. Lawson as our new president in January, I am writing to share some personal reflections and extend my heartfelt thanks to the many individuals who have made this semester such a meaningful and productive time. With Dr. Lawson's arrival, I will transition out of the Interim Vice President for Learning role and return to my position as Dean of the Division of Instructional Innovation (DII). It has been an honor to serve in this interim capacity, and I want to take a moment to express my appreciation to those who supported me during these past seven months...
Where are you from originally and/or currently?
I grew up in southern Minnesota for 14 years, then moved back and forth a few times between Tucson and the White Mountains. Been here in Snowflake for 5 years.
What is your educational background?
I've had various levels of study between bassoon, auto repair, architecture, mechanical engineering, programming, and welding. Most of my education has been welding.
What do you love doing the most in your work?
Being able to show people how to do things, especially with technology, has always been gratifying.
If you were to take a course in something, what would it be?
Other than welding courses, I honestly can't think of anything I'd want to take right now.
What are your favorite things to do/eat/read?
I do a lot of programming on the side, and I love making things with my welding skills. Some of my favorite foods are steak, chicken wings, potatoes (of all kinds), and fried zucchini. I love fantasy books.
What goal are you dreaming about completing?
I want to be able to work as a contracting welder in the White Mountain area.
Spring 25 registration has gone smoothly. Most TALON students are registered. We will have NAVIT registration completed well before their due date of December 12th. This year is the earliest that we had all courses built and most students registered in Dual Enrollment classes in Early College history! We are so grateful to our Early College advisors working with their high school partners to make this happen. And all of these milestones are even more impressive when you consider the steady increase in demand for Early College programs at NPC.
Fantastic Books and Where to Find Them
December is a great time to curl up with a new book or an old favorite and enjoy some time reading. Often after reading a fantastic book, you want to discuss it with others. You can do that each month at a virtual book group called Fantastic Books and Where to Find Them. Our next meeting is on Wednesday, December 11 at 2:00 pm. You're invited to join us! The December 2024 Library Newsletter highlights a few of the great books that have been discussed at previous meetings this year.
Discovery Nest
There will be a Discovery Nest activity at the Silver Creek Campus Library in Snowflake on Monday, December 23, from 10 to 2. This activity will be for all ages five and older, including teens and adults. Participants will create freestanding spinner cards. For pictures and a video showing the project, visit the Discovery Nest page.
Read the ITCS December 2024 newsletter for information about an upcoming digital accessibility training, which will introduce college instructors to the ALLY Accessibility tool in Moodle courses. The workshop will be on Tuesday, December 10 from 11-12 pm.
Photo by Annika Thierfeld at Pexels.
While the animals chew their cud, they also enter a state of rest.
Happy holidays to you from the Instructional Innovation Division!