October 6, 2021

SEC Emerging Scholars Workshop Welcomes Nearly 200

SEC Professor of the Year (2016), Dr. Isiah Warner, visits with chemistry student on LSU campus.

By: SEC Staff
SECU (Twitter: @TheSECU)

Birmingham, Ala. – Nearly 200 students, faculty and administrators participated in the first ever SEC Emerging Scholars Career Preparation Workshop, hosted virtually by the Louisiana State University Office of Academic Affairs, the SEC announced on Wednesday.

The two-day workshop featured presentations from speakers at different SEC universities; two panel discussions, one comprised of department chairs and another of associate professors; and there were breakout sessions throughout the program to engage participants in more direct conversation.

“As the workshop began, we could see the scholars appreciated the SEC-wide investment being made in them, and we are pleased to have been able to join the SEC Provosts in launching this new initiative,” said Dr. Torie A. Johnson, SEC Associate Commissioner for Academic Relations. “This first class of SEC Emerging Scholars was fully engaged, their questions were thoughtful, and their support of one another was refreshing.”

Established by the SEC Provosts to provide professional development and networking opportunities for current SEC doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers who are considering careers in higher education, the SEC welcomed nearly 140 scholars in a virtual format this year.

“I learned so much, and I really appreciated the perspectives of such well known and highly regarded faculty members,” said Mariah Harmon, a doctoral candidate from Vanderbilt University. “This workshop was unlike any other that I have attended, and I am proud to be an SEC Emerging Scholar.”

Scholars were able to join live sessions on preparing a compelling teaching portfolio, unconscious bias, and presenting themselves and written materials. They also had the opportunity to have real-time, small group discussions about applying and interviewing for faculty positions and what to expect as new faculty members.

“The SEC Emerging Scholars Workshop was very well done and inclusive of the most salient topics for individuals at the stage of the attendees,” said Dr. Lovoria Williams, Associate Professor and workshop panel moderator from the University of Kentucky. “The presenters were transparent regarding the realities of academe, yet they balanced the discussion with the positives.”

All SEC scholars were required to attend the entire two-day event and complete several pre-workshop assignments. They received contact information for colleagues at other SEC universities and each day ended with unstructured visits with ambassadors from each SEC member university.