Nipissing University has created two new Teaching Chairs to provide leadership and peer support while contributing to scholarship in teaching and learning across the institution according to a news release.
Dr. Denyse Lafrance Horning has been appointed Teaching Chair in Experiential Learning, and Dr. Sal Renshawhas been appointed Teaching Chair in Interdisciplinary Learning. Both Chairs began their two-year terms on July 1, 2018.
“The introduction of our Teaching Chairs Program is another example of our commitment to providing an exceptional student learning experience,” said Dr. Arja Vainio-Mattila, Provost and Vice-President Academic, and Research. “Dr. Lafrance Horning and Dr. Renshaw are both exemplary teachers and scholars, and we look forward to the knowledge and ideas they will bring to the teaching and learning realm at Nipissing.”
Teaching Chairs are tenured, tenure-track or continuing faculty who have demonstrated teaching excellence and a desire to advocate and support evidence-based, university-wide teaching excellence. Chairs will be responsible for fostering a culture of teaching and learning; championing teaching and learning best practices on-campus, online, and in community classroom spaces; and contributing to the scholarship of teaching and learning across all Faculties, Schools, and Departments.
Each Chair will receive an annual grant to assist with research and the dissemination of scholarship related to teaching and learning.
Dr. Denyse Lafrance Horning is an Assistant Professor in Nipissing’s School of Business. Her research in the area of cause-related sport sponsorship showcases her interest in integrating academic scholarship and real-world applications.
Dr. Sal Renshaw is an Associate Professor who holds a cross-appointment between the departments of Gender Equality and Social Justice, of which she is currently Chair, and Religions and Cultures. Dr. Renshaw was instrumental in the development of a series of innovative courses at Nipissing including DIRT, SLOTH, SECRETS, WATER, GENIUS and WHITE, that provide students with a rich and complex look at some of society’s most pressing issues. Her research in this area coupled with over 20 years of experience teaching in interdisciplinary programs will help inform her work as Teaching Chair in Interdisciplinary Learning.
