Two of the thirteen 2014-2015 Michigan State University Adams Academy Fellows come from the College of Veterinary Medicine. Jane Merrills, assistant professor in the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, and Taylor Epp, instructor in the Veterinary Technology Program, have been selected to participate in the Walter and Pauline Adams Academy for Instructional Excellence and Innovation, which begins in September.

The program, now in its sixth year, brings together a cross-disciplinary group of instructors for a yearlong fellowship focused on teaching and learning. Adams Academy participants explore the scholarship on effective university teaching and learning practices and consider how this robust body of research can be used to guide instructional decisions in the courses they teach.

"Dr. Merrills has been instrumental in designing a student-focused clinical curriculum that has significantly enhanced the student learning experience in our Primary Care Service within the hospital," says William Horne, chair of the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences.

Since the Adams Academy inception, several teacher-scholars from the College have been selected for the program—a reflection of the College's interest in and commitment to instructional excellence. Most recently, Helen Mayer, coordinator and assistant instructor in the Veterinary Technology Program, was a 2013-2014 Adams Academy Fellow.

"Extraordinary teaching is what makes our Veterinary Technology Program so special," says Helene Pazak, Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Programs. "For two instructors from the program to be selected in two years is not only a great honor for them, but an honor for the entire program."

June 4, 2014