Twenty-nine faculty and staff were inducted into UNMC’s Interprofessional Academy of Educators in the seventh annual ceremony held on Sept. 22. In addition, five learners were inducted as associate members, two University of Nebraska at Omaha faculty were inducted as affiliate members, and one retired faculty was inducted as an emeritus member.
“We are excited to welcome our new inductees, and we appreciate the contributions they’ve already made to further UNMC’s educational mission through innovation and dedication to teaching and scholarship,” said Brian Boerner, MD, director of the Interprofessional Academy of Educators.
The 2022 induction was a hybrid event, in which new inductees, their guests and current members came together in-person and virtually to connect and network, Dr. Boerner said. “During the engaging hybrid induction ceremony, we learned about the interests of our new members, and we look forward to working together in special interest groups and other academy venues.”
New inductee Kellie S. Gossman, DPT, assistant professor of physical health education in the UNMC College of Allied Health Professions, praised the academy for its ability to connect faculty across Nebraska. “Being located on the Kearney campus, I have the pleasure of teaching alongside many great faculty members, but now I can develop relationships across the state with the camaraderie and support that the academy provides,” she said. “It’s a great honor to be selected as a member, as I have had this goal to apply with the hopes of joining for the past few years. It feels like a milestone finally achieved as I transition from early to mid-career as an educator, knowing I will need to continue to advance my skills.”
The academy’s associate member category is specifically designed to connect learners with members of the IAE community to help them grow and hone their skills.
“By joining the IAE, I hope to become a better educator both in and out of the lab by gaining a deeper understanding of how meaningful learning occurs and the best practices to foster it,” said Luke Allen, a UNMC Graduate Studies doctoral student in biochemistry and molecular biology. “Hopefully in doing so, it will set me up to be both a lifelong learner and educator in a way that will serve me well beyond my time at UNMC, wherever that may lead.”
Jessica Semin, DNP, assistant professor in the UNMC College of Nursing, joined the academy in 2020 as a learner member and was inducted as a full member this year. “It is a true honor and privilege to be inducted into the IAE,” she said. “As an associate student member, I had the opportunity to experience the wealth of knowledge, support and resources the academy had to offer. When I transitioned from being a student to a faculty member, membership in the IAE offered a chance to grow as a new educator and actively engage with other educators.
“It is very humbling and awe-inspiring to be able to work as a colleague with many of the faculty who have been extraordinary teachers and mentors during my educational journey.”
For more information on the Interprofessional Academy of Educators, visit the academy website.