Sharon Jacobson

After completing the Distance Learning Leader Certificate Program, Sharon Jacobson, a longtime SUNY Brockport adjunct faculty member, transformed ideas developed through her coursework into meaningful action on campus. Her exploration of the challenges adjunct faculty face began in the Online Student Support Services course and was further developed through the Distance Learning Leader program.

Inspired by these experiences, Sharon is partnering with Brockport’s Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT) to launch a year-long discussion centered on adjunct faculty voices. Participants will explore “Adjunct faculty voices: Cultivating professional development and community at the front lines of higher education,” meeting twice each semester to discuss topics related to adjunct faculty experiences, professional development, and institutional support. The initiative aims not only to foster connection among adjunct faculty, but also to engage department chairs and campus leaders in conversations about strengthening adjunct orientation, support, and professional development opportunities.

Sharon is also planning to propose an Adjunct Faculty Learning Community (FLC) to further advance these efforts. The initiative is made possible through the support of CELT and the Drake Memorial Library, which has acquired an e-book version for participants, while CELT is providing complimentary copies of the book to the first five SUNY Brockport adjunct faculty members who register.

Sharon credits much of this work to the support and advocacy of Catie Lalonde at CELT, as well as colleagues and mentors including Susan Warner, Michelle Forte, Danyelle O’Brien, Maureen Kinney, Milo Obourn and others who have encouraged her leadership and championed the value adjunct faculty bring to higher education. We are proud to see how Sharon has turned her learning into action and look forward to the positive impact of her efforts on the Brockport community.