Appalachian Colleges Collaborating for Equity (ACCE) hosted its final professional development webinar of the Spring 2024 semester. ACA faculty members joined Jennifer Brigati, Chair of the Natural Sciences Division and Professor of Biology at Maryville College, to consider the obstacles and opportunities of running a research program in a resource-limited environment. Brigati is familiar with such challenges herself, as she reflected upon her own career, “In 2006, when I accepted a position as an Assistant Professor of Biology at Maryville College, I knew I would have to adapt my research to make it work at a small undergraduate institution. I’ve learned tips and tricks from colleagues at a wide variety of institutions doing research in a wide variety of fields. So many of the struggles of maintaining a research program at a small institution are universal regardless of your field of expertise.” Brigati’s tips and tricks were plentiful, as she provided participants with new ideas for how to carve out time for research and to make the most of one’s time.

In reflecting upon the importance of faculty research (re)engagement, Brigati shared, "There are lots of reasons why its beneficial for faculty to maintain a research program. For many faculty it helps with marketability and tenure/promotion, but in addition it improves teaching by keeping you current in your field, it creates research opportunities for students, and it brings professional fulfillment." Considering the diverse array of disciplines represented at ACA institutions, Brigati also strongly encouraged faculty to attend any discipline-specific conference geared toward undergraduate educators. Doing so may further assist ACA faculty in honing time management skills. 

Following Brigati’s presentation, ACA's President, Beth Rushing, reflected, "Finding time is the most formidable challenge for faculty to sustain their research. Jennifer offered some easily actionable ideas for how faculty can carve out the time necessary to sustain research projects." The ACA has long recognized this challenge and thus offers a wide variety of supports. Brigati observed, “The ACA offers ways to free up time (Faculty Fellowships), funding for students and supplies (Ledford Fellowships), and workshops/seminars on relevant topics such as grant writing—a really important topic for faculty seeking to maintain a research program.”

A recording of Brigati’s presentation is available for those who missed the professional development session. Additionally, faculty at Maryville College will soon have the opportunity to further engage with this topic. Brigati shared that she was so inspired by this ACCE invitation to present, she has since suggested that her institution offer a similar professional development workshop at Maryville College; “I’m planning and coordinating a full day workshop on similar topics. While I will lead some sessions, I am looking forward to learning from some of my colleagues that we have invited to lead sessions. I am also hoping to find inspiration in working with the enthusiastic new faculty that will be participating.” 

ACCE leadership is currently working to finalize a theme for the Fall 2024 webinar series. ACA faculty interested in sharing their expertise and interest with the ACA community should contact Alexa Arndt, ACCE Project Director, at alexa.arndt@acaweb.org.

Funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) ADVANCE Program, Award #2304868 aims to address the significant challenge of hiring and retaining women and underrepresented minorities in STEM faculty positions, particularly at small rural institutions in the Appalachian region. As a non-profit consortium of 33 private four-year liberal arts institutions, the Appalachian College Association (ACA) serves Appalachian communities through the transformational work of its faculty, staff, and students. The National Science Foundation’s ADVANCE program is aimed at increasing the participation and advancement of women in academic science and engineering careers, thereby developing a more diverse science and engineering workforce. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the NSF.