Jarvis Christian University Associate Professor of Mathematics Dr. Widodo Samyono recently participated in a week-long, experiential learning event in July designed to increase leadership growth and development that call faculty to “Lead Differently.”
The event is the 2024 Project Kaleidoscope (PKAL) Stem Leadership Institute (SLI), sponsored by the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAUC), a global membership organization based in Washington, D.C. dedicated to advancing undergraduate liberal education. The 2024 event was held at the Claggett Center in Adamstown, Maryland.
The AAC&U PKAL STEM Leadership Institute is designed for early and mid-career faculty and administrators who are engaged in leading initiatives and interventions to transform undergraduate STEM education at their institutions.
Comprising group activities, as well as individual and collective introspection, the institute equips participants with tools, skills, and experiential learning they need to bring social change and true reform to undergraduate STEM education. Employing experiential learning methods, the institute teaches participants how to recognize their leadership strengths, navigate the poitics of change, resolve conflicts, and reform the institutional structures and systems that limit America’s capacity for global competitiveness in STEM fields.
A diversity simulation, MyTenureTrack ®, creates awareness and perspective on cultures, norms, traditions, and biases in higher education that often undermine national attempts to diversify the STEM workforce. The experiential simulation recognizes obstacles others face, and encourages considering diverse cultures when designing policies and practices for institutional transformation.
Returning to Jarvis with a deepened understanding of his own leadership style, Dr. Samyono said the leadership institute equipped him with a richer understanding of leadership, communication and organizational dynamics.
“The PKAL Leadership Institute experience will transform how I lead in the STEM areas at Jarvis, optimizing organizational structures, processes, and resources, as well as investing in faculty development, collaboration, and professional growth,” Samyono said.
“Building coalitions, advocating, and navigating power dynamics within the university and outside of the university is key. By creating a shared vision for STEM excellence, we can use storytelling to inspire and motivate others and celebrate our achievements to come. I am committed to leveraging these insights to elevate STEM education and research at Jarvis Christian University.”
JCU Dean of Arts and Sciences Dr. Herman Howard said professional development like the PKAL Leadership Institute enables faculty to grow and it informs their teaching, learning, and research strategies that they can incorporate into the classroom.
“Dr. Samyono can apply new research techniques into math classrooms for teaching and research as well as offer new methods in recruiting math majors moving forward,” Howard said.
Jarvis provides a culturally rich environment where students are empowered to achieve their career goals through an inclusive and diverse academic experience that prepares them for a life of significance. Whether a student is a recent high school graduate or a working adult seeking career advancement, Jarvis Christian University develops all of its students intellectually, socially, spiritually, and emotionally.
