Public health launches new Office of Teaching and Learning

The UNMC College of Public Health is launching a new office to support educators in innovating, collaborating and growing their instructional skills.

Starting July 1, the Office of Teaching and Learning will facilitate discussions and knowledge sharing among public health educators. The office will provide programs, resources and guidance to support faculty and staff in providing the highest quality educational experience to public health students. Specific services will include educational consulting, course reviews and instructional design for credit, non-credit and grant-funded educational courses.

Analisa McMillan, PhD, director of educational design and development at the UNMC College of Public Health, will serve as director of the Office of Teaching and Learning. Dr. McMillan, who has served UNMC for 11 years, is also director of distance education at UNMC and associate director of the Interprofessional Academy of Educators. 

As director, Dr. McMillan will oversee the office’s growth and success, lead educational research initiatives and develop programs around topics such as faculty development and mentoring.

April Elker will serve as an instructional designer, charged with creating innovative and effective learning experiences for students. Janet Skogerboe will focus on the effective use of technology to improve teaching and learning as the office’s instructional technologist. 

“We are excited to provide faculty and staff with educational development resources to promote excellence in teaching and mentoring while creating a space for collaboration at the UNMC College of Public Health,” Dr. McMillan said. “Through innovative practices, professional development programs and support, we aim to create a community of shared learning and bring together educators passionate about improving the quality of education.” 

While it is largely funded by tuition and occasional grant support, the office also will market its services, such as faculty and course consultation and instructional design content development, for a range of projects.