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New inductees in the Interprofessional Academy of Educators included faculty and staff members, student members and emeritus members. |
Twenty-four faculty and staff members were inducted into UNMC’s Interprofessional Academy of Educators (IAE) in a Sept. 19 ceremony. In addition, two students were inducted as associate members, four non-UNMC faculty and staff members were inducted as affiliate members, and six retired faculty and staff were inducted as emeritus members.
“We are thrilled to introduce these incredibly talented and dedicated individuals into the Academy who bring with them innovative ideas that will benefit students and faculty alike,” said IAE Director Brian Boerner, M.D.
The mission of the IAE is to strive for improved quality in teaching and learning through innovation, mentorship and scholarship, and to engage in activities within the community of educators to help make UNMC and Nebraska Medicine the most learning-centered organization in health professions education.
Dele Davies, M.D., senior associate vice chancellor of academic affairs, said he was delighted with the new class of inductees.
“The large size of this year’s class is a testament to the depth and breadth of UNMC’s most important resource — our extraordinary faculty and staff,” Dr. Davies said. “In just a few years, the academy has become indispensable in enhancing the professional development of our faculty and staff to lead the nation through peer-to-peer educational mentoring, creation of innovative educational programs and tools and support for increased scholarly productivity.
“This year’s class is especially unique due to the inaugural inclusion of colleagues from UNO and Nebraska Medicine and creation of an emeritus status,” he said. “Ultimately, the biggest beneficiaries of all these innovations and collaborations are our students.”
Dr. Davies also thanked the IAE leadership team and staff for their excellent shepherding of the IAE over its pivotal first few years.
New inductee Ally Dering-Anderson, Pharm.D., associate professor in the UNMC College of Pharmacy, said she wanted to be a part of the IAE because she wants to become a better teacher – “not to embrace the latest fad, but actually find a way to look at the impact of any classroom changes,” she said.
“I think that somehow we believe that change has to be sweeping and painful, and I don’t believe that’s true,” Dr. Dering-Anderson said. “Small changes, carefully monitored and evaluated, are sustainable and can improve teaching. I’ve also done a lot of dumb stuff in my career and I’d like to help people avoid the potholes I’ve already found.”
For more information on the Interprofessional Academy of Educators, visit the academy website.