New Faculty First Year Program Fosters Connection, Collaboration and Growth

5/21/2025

The first cohort of Lamar Institute of Technology’s (LIT) New Faculty First Year Experience Program celebrated the conclusion of a successful year on Tuesday, May 6. The program paired 12 new faculty members with 13 veteran mentors across various departments to develop campus-wide connection, collaboration and professional growth. The initiative was funded through the Texas State University System Institutional Enhancement Grant.

“I wanted to create a program that fostered mentorship in a way that inspires faculty to lean on their peers when thinking of amazing ideas, when having a hard day or when they need general advice,” said Dr. Maegan Collins, General Education and Developmental Studies Department Chair.

New faculty members were provided a topic each month that focuses on strengthening teaching skills. Topics included classroom observations, how to teach technical college students, handling difficult situations, active learning strategies and good assessment practices. The new faculty would review the material with their mentor every month and attend one group meeting.

“The New Faculty First Year Experience Program was beneficial from start to finish. It helped me feel supported as I transitioned into my new position,” said Esther Courville, English instructor. “The unwavering guidance, encouragement and togetherness made me grateful to be a part of LIT.”

To conclude the program, two participants were recognized as standout participants. Zachery Pavlicek was named New Faculty Member of the Year and Brenda Barrow was named Mentor of the Year.

“It is nice to know that my efforts have been seen and appreciated,” said Zachery Pavlicek, Humanities instructor. “With respect to the program, it is good to know that I am meeting or exceeding the expectations of our faculty community.”

For more information on the New Faculty First Year Experience Program, contact Dr. Maegan Collins at mcollins3@lit.edu or 409-257-0053.