The Dr. Pallavi Patel College of Health Care Sciences Anniversary Highlights CAPE Reflections

Since 2011, the Center for Academic and Professional Excellence (CAPE) has graduated 150 dedicated faculty and staff members, who have participated in a variety of professional development initiatives, including courses on leadership, research and teaching/learning and professional growth. The Academy for Career Enrichment, the Hybrid Institute, and conflict resolution courses have all been added since the inception of CAPE, as the professional development needs within the college continue to evolve.

The CAPE Executive Council, developed in the second year of the academy programs, continues to be a vital force for shaping the direction of professional development in the Dr. Pallavi Patel College of Health Care Sciences. Sonia Kay, Ph.D., OTR/L, assistant professor, led the council during the initial years, initiating the bylaws, and creating new committees for outcomes research and program development.

Leading the council now is Jennifer Bencsik, M.H.A., RRT, assistant professor and director of clinical education for the Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy First-Professional Program. Bencsik’s goals include ensuring strategic plan accountability and overseeing the development of new courses related to interprofessionalism within the next year.

Many committed faculty leaders have coordinated the multiple course offerings. Without their contributions, CAPE would not be successful. A sincere thank-you to all faculty and staff members who have worked with the professional development office coordinators to ensure that quality programs are developed and effectively taught.

It has been extremely rewarding to see the progress of CAPE and hear about the many ways in which faculty and staff members have benefited. Cape graduate Lonette Spence, D.H.Sc., RVT, assistant professor and course coordinator for the Teaching and Learning Academy, provides an example of how the professional development initiatives influenced her as an academician.

“I began working at NSU in August 2011 and took the TLA course in September that same year, when it was first offered. The Dr. Pallavi Patel College of Health Care Sciences orientation component was helpful to me since I was a new employee. The course was 16 weeks long, and I was simultaneously enrolled in the D.H.Sc. Program, so I had a lot going on at the time,” Spence explained.

“The course was interesting, and the instructors made it engaging. I persevered, and as a result, I was inducted into the Teaching and Learning Academy. It has now been seven years since I took the course, and over this period, it has helped me with discovering my teaching style and theoretical methods,” she added. “It has also helped me to integrate successfully into my position as an assistant professor. A year ago, I was given the opportunity to coordinate the TLA course, which is an added benefit of being an alumna.”

Former dean Richard E. Davis, Ed.D., PA-C, and current dean Stanley Wilson, Ed.D., PT, CEAS, had a compelling vision to ensure that faculty and staff members are well supported in their academic roles. We look forward to continuing this journey that supports the NSU Core Values of academic excellence, opportunity, and scholarship.