In Pursuit of Excellence: Teaching in Christian Higher Education

Liberty University - Center for Teaching Excellence
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Liberty University’s Center for Teaching Excellence is excited to announce the launch of its podcast, “In Pursuit of Excellence: Teaching in Christian Higher Education.” The weekly podcast will feature educators who are recognized for their exemplary, innovative, and inspirational teaching. Targeted toward university faculty, this podcast aims to inspire and empower teachers in their quest for excellence, as they Train Champions for Christ. Listeners can expect to hear engaging stories, practical teaching strategies, and insights. www.liberty.edu/cte ctepodcast@liberty.edu

  1. May 18

    S3-E10: Self Control and the Scholar - How the Fruit of the Spirit Shapes Teaching

    Co-hosts Dr. Alexandra Barnett and Dr. Melissa Clemmons welcome Dr. Bruce Bell, Adjunct Professor of English in the College of Arts and Sciences at Liberty University, for a rich conversation on the fruit of self-control in the life of a Christian educator. Together, they explore how self-control—when produced by the Holy Spirit—guides faculty through academic life, from grading deadlines to classroom dynamics. This episode reflects on how self-control helps scholars respond with grace, lead with wisdom, and teach with integrity, even in moments that test patience and resolve. It’s an honest look at how spiritual discipline can shape not only what we teach but also how we live out our calling in higher education.

    37 min

  2. Apr 16

    S3-E9: Growing in Gentleness - How the Fruit of the Spirit Shapes Teaching

    Co-hosts Dr. Alexandra Barnett and Dr. Melissa Clemmons welcome Dr. Tom Doss, Project Manager in Liberty University’s Center for Teaching Excellence, for a conversation on Growing in Gentleness: How the Fruit of the Spirit Shapes Teaching. Together, they explore how gentleness transforms the way educators lead, communicate, and care for students. This episode highlights how a spirit of gentleness brings calm to the classroom (in-person, or online), and reflects the grace of God in every interaction.

    23 min

  3. Apr 2

    S3 - Bonus Episode: Supporting Students with Autism Spectrum Differences

    In recognition of April as Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month, cohosts Dr. Jerry Pitts and Jake Byrd sit down with Dr. Ester Warren, Executive Director of the Office of Disability Accommodation Support at Liberty University. Together, they talk candidly about the challenges and opportunities students with autism experience in higher education. The conversation offers practical guidance for instructors, including ways to design courses thoughtfully and engage students with clarity and care. Along the way, the episode highlights Universal Design for Learning as a helpful approach that supports students with autism while creating more equitable learning experiences for everyone.

    31 min

  4. Mar 16

    S3-E8: Cultivating Kindness - How the Fruit of the Spirit Shapes Teaching

    Co-hosts Dr. Alexandra Barnett and Dr. Melissa Clemmons welcome Hope Graham, Educational Technologist in Liberty University’s Center for Teaching Excellence, for a conversation on how kindness shapes teaching and learning in Christian higher education. Together, they explore how kindness—rooted in the fruit of the Spirit—can transform classroom culture and strengthen faculty-student relationships. Through practical insights and personal reflection, they discuss how small acts of grace, patience, and empathy can create spaces where students feel valued and supported.

    15 min

  5. Feb 16

    S3-E7: Faithful Foundations - How the Fruit of the Spirit Shapes Teaching

    Co-hosts Dr. Alexandra Barnett and Jake Byrd welcome Dr. Melissa Clemmons, Teaching Consultant in Liberty University’s Center for Teaching Excellence, for a conversation on Faithful Foundations: How the Fruit of the Spirit Shapes Teaching. Together, they explore how faithfulness, rooted in God’s unwavering nature, enables educators to remain steadfast in their calling, consistent in their care, and committed to excellence. This episode highlights how cultivating faithfulness in the classroom creates learning environments where both teachers and students can flourish.

    16 min

  6. Jan 16

    S3-E6: Guided by Goodness - How the Fruit of the Spirit Shapes Teaching

    Co-hosts Dr. Alexandra Barnett and Dr. Melissa Clemmons welcome Dr. Brad Burgess, Department Chair in the College of Applied Studies and Academic Success at Liberty University, for a conversation on Guided by Goodness: How the Fruit of the Spirit Shapes Teaching. Together, they explore how goodness, rooted in God’s character, guides educators to model integrity, compassion, and excellence in every aspect of their teaching. This episode highlights how the fruit of goodness inspires instructors to create classrooms where moral courage, faithfulness, and grace flourish, shaping both hearts and minds for a higher purpose.

    30 min

  7. 12/17/2025

    S3-E5: Patience in the Profession - How the Fruit of the Spirit Shapes Teaching

    Co-hosts Dr. Alexandra Barnett and Dr. Melissa Clemmons sit down with Dr. Jerry Pitts, Assistant Director in the Center for Teaching Excellence, to talk about what it really means to practice patience as a Christian educator. They explore how patience, rooted in the Spirit, can help faculty respond to challenges with grace, build stronger connections with students, and reflect Christ in everyday academic life. This episode invites listeners to think about patience not just as a virtue, but as a steady presence that shapes how we teach, lead, and grow in our calling.

    16 min

  8. 11/17/2025

    S3-E4: Peace in Practice -How the Fruit of the Spirit Shapes Teaching

    In this episode, co-hosts Dr. Alexandra Barnett and Dr. Melissa Clemmons welcome Justin Bamba, Educational Technologist in Liberty University’s Center for Teaching Excellence, for a conversation on Peace in Practice: How the Fruit of the Spirit Shapes Teaching. Together, they explore how a Spirit-shaped peace can steady the heart of a teacher, set the tone for learning, and calm the anxieties students often carry. Listeners will hear how peace in practice fosters focus, strengthens relationships, and creates an atmosphere where both faith and education can flourish together.

    14 min
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Liberty University’s Center for Teaching Excellence is excited to announce the launch of its podcast, “In Pursuit of Excellence: Teaching in Christian Higher Education.” The weekly podcast will feature educators who are recognized for their exemplary, innovative, and inspirational teaching. Targeted toward university faculty, this podcast aims to inspire and empower teachers in their quest for excellence, as they Train Champions for Christ. Listeners can expect to hear engaging stories, practical teaching strategies, and insights. www.liberty.edu/cte ctepodcast@liberty.edu

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