The Governor’s Teaching Fellows Program, established by Zell Miller when he was governor of Georgia, celebrated its 20th anniversary with a day-long conference in January 2015. Offered through the IHE and currently funded by UGA, the program provides higher education faculty from public and private institutions across Georgia with expanded opportunities for developing important teaching skills. Former GTF participants returned to the Institute to discuss ways in which the program had benefitted them beyond their GTF experience. Participants from 14 different cohorts presented papers to a crowd of nearly 70 former fellows on how they have used and implemented what was learned during their time in the program. Here are a few quotes from program participants: “GTF revived me when I had reached a place in my teaching that felt a little flat, mundane and less invigorating for me than it had been. I love my students and want to give them my best! GTF gave me the opportunity to do that by equipping me with new and innovative ways to connect with them and help them learn. #IloveGTF!” —Paul Dixon - Emmanuel College “The GTF program was a wonderful opportunity for me as a new faculty member to learn how to improve my pedagogy and to be more effective as an academic. I enjoyed the opportunity to meet faculty from different universities and disciplines and to form a learning community where we could explore new ideas. The program covered many different aspects beyond teaching and I repeatedly find myself going back to the resources I was given during the program. — Seema Shrikhande - Oglethorpe University “GTF introduced me to many new and innovative techniques in teaching, including incorporating technology. As a result, I continued this work to develop hybrid and online courses at my college. In addition, this encouraged me to go back to school and complete my Ph.D., with an emphasis in online learning. I learned so much and I am honored I was able to participate in the program.” — Kimberly Bennekin - Georgia Perimeter College “My year as a GTF fellow was professionally rewarding and reinvigorating – and attending the 20th anniversary reunion helped me reconnect with colleagues while learning about new student centered approaches.” — Laura Regassa - Georgia Southern University Type of News/Audience: Outreach 2015 IHE Report
