The Adjunct Files

The Lucas Center at FGCU

Adjunct faculty are a growing majority in higher education, shaping student experiences while navigating the challenges of contingent employment. As adjuncts at a regional public university, we know firsthand the realities, rewards, and roadblocks that come with the role. That’s why we’re here—to boost your mood and pedagogy with insightful dialogues on current challenges, practical strategies, and pathways forward for you and your students.

  1. 2H AGO

    From Newsrooms to Classrooms: George Lang on Student Media at FGCU

    Send us Fan Mail What can adjunct faculty learn from a veteran journalist dropped into the deep end of FGCU’s Eagle Media? In this episode, we sit down with George Lang, former entertainment editor, long‑time reporter, and now advisor to Eagle Media’s three student‑run platforms. George shares what student journalists are facing today, how media literacy affects every discipline, and why the most powerful teaching tool—whether in a newsroom or a classroom—is simply asking better questions. If you’ve ever wondered how to help students find their voice, navigate today’s chaotic media landscape, or connect your courses to real‑world reporting, this conversation is packed with practical insights, stories, humor, and heart. Give it a listen—your next class might look different afterward. Theme music composed, performed and produced by James Husni.  Adjunct Nation is a collaborative podcast under the auspices of The Lucas Center for Faculty Development at FGCU.  You can learn more by clicking on this link: https://www.fgcu.edu/lucascenter/

    45 min

  2. MAR 17

    The Power of Adjuncts: Give Day Bonus Episode

    Send us Fan Mail In this special Give Day bonus episode of The Adjunct Files, John sits down with three dedicated FGCU adjunct faculty—Marsha Oenick, Jessica Carter Peer, and Andrew Berkow—to talk openly about their journeys, their challenges, and the powerful community that has formed around adjunct teaching at FGCU. Together, they reflect on how much has changed: ✨ the creation of adjunct orientation, ✨ the Adjunct Academy, ✨ new mentoring structures, ✨ the adjunct workspace, ✨ stronger communication and support from departments, ✨ and FGCU’s national recognition through the 2025 Delphi Award. But they also highlight why this moment matters. FGCU’s new Adjunct Faculty Program Endowment—seeded with the Delphi Award’s $15,000 prize—is just $10,000 away from the $25,000 needed to activate it. With a $5,000 matching challenge and potential Foundation bonuses for donor count, even a small contribution goes a long way. This endowment will fund: • mentorship stipends • conference and professional development opportunities • initiatives that strengthen belonging and community Listen in as these instructors share how FGCU changed their teaching, why community and belonging matter, and why your Give Day gift—large or small—helps build a future where adjunct faculty feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. Give today. Double your impact. Support the educators who shape every Eagle. Select Fund #10442 on the Give Day page. https://donate.fgcu.edu/g/lucas-center Theme music composed, performed and produced by James Husni.  Adjunct Nation is a collaborative podcast under the auspices of The Lucas Center for Faculty Development at FGCU.  You can learn more by clicking on this link: https://www.fgcu.edu/lucascenter/

    25 min

  3. MAR 17

    The Matchmaker of FGCU: Jamie Wilson on Connecting Classes to Community through Service Learning

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Adjunct Files, John and Maggie sit down with the incomparable Jamie Wilson—FGCU alumna, faculty member, and faculty–community matchmaker in the Office of Service Learning & Civic Engagement. Jamie shares the history behind FGCU’s unique service‑learning requirement, why it remains central to the university’s identity, and how even the busiest adjuncts can weave meaningful community engagement into their courses. From creative STEM partnerships to therapy‑dog reading programs, Jamie brings stories that remind us how service learning changes students, strengthens community connections, and helps faculty enrich their teaching without reinventing the wheel. A lively, inspiring conversation packed with practical ideas and big-hearted energy. You can contact Jamie at jawilson@fgcu.edu and find resources online for faculty who are interested in service learning at: https://www.fgcu.edu/studentlife/servicelearning/facultyresources  Theme music composed, performed and produced by James Husni.  Adjunct Nation is a collaborative podcast under the auspices of The Lucas Center for Faculty Development at FGCU.  You can learn more by clicking on this link: https://www.fgcu.edu/lucascenter/

    48 min

  4. MAR 6

    More Than a Login: Humanizing Online Adjunct Support at Villanova

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Adjunct Files, John and Maggie sit down with Marissa Caldwell, Assistant Director of Instructional Support at Villanova University’s College of Professional Studies. They dig into what it really takes to support more than 180 online adjunct faculty—from one-on-one onboarding conversations to low‑stakes discussion groups and a newly built asynchronous orientation hub. Marissa shares her journey from K–12 English teacher to faculty developer, the realities of online teaching support, and why personal connection matters just as much as LMS training. This episode shines a light on scalable, human-centered practices that help adjuncts feel prepared, supported, and seen—no matter where they’re logging in from. Theme music composed, performed and produced by James Husni.  Adjunct Nation is a collaborative podcast under the auspices of The Lucas Center for Faculty Development at FGCU.  You can learn more by clicking on this link: https://www.fgcu.edu/lucascenter/

    40 min

  5. FEB 16

    “We See You”: How Salt Lake CC Is Rethinking Adjunct Support

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Adjunct Files, John and Maggie are joined by Alia Criddle and Kristin Morley from Salt Lake Community College’s Faculty Teaching and Learning Center. Fresh from the 50th POD Network Conference, they share how SLCC is building a comprehensive, paid professional development pathway for adjunct faculty—from orientation through an Adjunct Faculty Institute. The conversation explores compensation for professional development, mentoring models, classroom outreach, community building, and why investing in adjunct faculty is ultimately an investment in student success. This episode offers a concrete, hopeful model for institutions serious about teaching quality, equity, and belonging. Theme music composed, performed and produced by James Husni.  Adjunct Nation is a collaborative podcast under the auspices of The Lucas Center for Faculty Development at FGCU.  You can learn more by clicking on this link: https://www.fgcu.edu/lucascenter/

    44 min

  6. FEB 2

    Wellness Without Borders: Why It’s Everyone’s Job

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Adjunct Files, we sit down with Nikki Kirdahy, Director of Prevention and Wellness at FGCU, to explore what holistic wellness really means for students—and for faculty. Nikki breaks down the eight dimensions of wellness, shares practical ways instructors can support student well-being, and reminds us why modeling healthy habits matters. From tackling stress and loneliness to finding balance in our own lives, this conversation is packed with insights and actionable tips for creating a healthier campus community. Recreation and Wellness: https://www.fgcu.edu/university-recreation-and-wellness/ Wellness Coaching:  https://www.fgcu.edu/university-recreation-and-wellness/wellness/wellness-coaching Theme music composed, performed and produced by James Husni.  Adjunct Nation is a collaborative podcast under the auspices of The Lucas Center for Faculty Development at FGCU.  You can learn more by clicking on this link: https://www.fgcu.edu/lucascenter/

    39 min

  7. JAN 19

    Vital Voices: KC Culver on Advocacy, Faculty Futures, and Student Success

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Adjunct Files, we sit down with KC Culver—Assistant Professor at the University of Alabama and Associate Director of the Delphi Project—to explore the evolving landscape of higher education. KC shares her journey from non-tenure-track writing instructor to national advocate for improving faculty roles, explains the concept of “vital faculty,” and highlights strategies for institutional change that support both educators and student success. Tune in for insights on policy, professional development, and why faculty working conditions are student learning conditions. For more on the Delphi Project: https://pullias.usc.edu/project/the-delphi-project/ Theme music composed, performed and produced by James Husni.  Adjunct Nation is a collaborative podcast under the auspices of The Lucas Center for Faculty Development at FGCU.  You can learn more by clicking on this link: https://www.fgcu.edu/lucascenter/

    44 min

  8. JAN 14

    The Delphi Connection - Montclair and FGCU

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Adjunct Files, John Roth and Maggie Hohne sit down with Courtney Crimmins from Montclair State University—one of this year’s Delphi Award winners alongside FGCU. Courtney shares how Montclair built a comprehensive, collaborative model to support its 1,400 adjunct faculty, including initiatives like the 360° Support Network, professional development funding, union-driven changes, and community-building programs. From orientation to teaching innovation, discover how Montclair is transforming adjunct engagement and why these efforts matter for student success. Theme music composed, performed and produced by James Husni.  Adjunct Nation is a collaborative podcast under the auspices of The Lucas Center for Faculty Development at FGCU.  You can learn more by clicking on this link: https://www.fgcu.edu/lucascenter/

    40 min
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About

Adjunct faculty are a growing majority in higher education, shaping student experiences while navigating the challenges of contingent employment. As adjuncts at a regional public university, we know firsthand the realities, rewards, and roadblocks that come with the role. That’s why we’re here—to boost your mood and pedagogy with insightful dialogues on current challenges, practical strategies, and pathways forward for you and your students.

Information

  • Creator
    The Lucas Center at FGCU
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    34
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Adjunct Files
  • Show Website
    The Adjunct Files