Category: Faculty Development Channel

Dr. Stephanie Petrosky, Chair of the Department of Nutrition in the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, reflects on ten years of growth, mentorship, and innovation. Hear how she leads with flexibility, fosters a strong sense of community, and reminds us to “be open to the next opportunity, and give yourself the grace to learn on the job.”

In this episode of Behind the Scenes: A Day in the Life, Jessica Garcia-Brown, Associate Professor of Law and Director of Undergraduate Law Programs, shares how she helped shape one of the nation’s first bachelor’s programs in law. She reflects on saying “yes” to new opportunities, the power of mentorship, and her commitment to preparing students for meaningful professional pathways.

In this episode of Behind the Scenes: A Day in the Life, Dr. Elizabeth Swann, Professor and Director of Interprofessional Integration for NSU Health, shares how she brings together 22 healthcare programs across nine campuses to transform learning and patient care. She reflects on her leadership journey, her servant-leadership philosophy, and her vision for preparing students to thrive in collaborative, team-based environments.

What does it take to balance leading, mentoring faculty, and still staying deeply connected to students? In this episode of Behind the Scenes: A Day in the Life, host Marti Snyder talks with Dr. Grace Telesco, Associate Professor and Director of the School of Criminal Justice in NSU’s Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice.

The LEC is proud to share our newly created podcast designed to go Behind the Scenes with the heart of Nova Southeastern University’s educational experience, our amazing faculty. Join us as we explore their innovative teaching methods, inspiring stories and unique perspectives. Hosted by Marti Snyder, Ph.D., LEC’s Director of Faculty Professional Development, the podcast features special guests as they explore the passion and creativity that inspire our educators to connect with students and bring learning to life. Whether you are a lifelong educator, a student, or simply curious about the magic that happens at NSU, this podcast will provide you with an understanding of how our faculty make lasting impacts on the academic journeys of all NSU Sharks.

What does it really take to lead a department or direct a program, while still teaching, mentoring, and contributing as a faculty member? Season 2 of Behind the Scenes: How Faculty Bring Learning to Life at NSU explores our faculty leaders. They’re educators and administrators, mentors and decision-makers. We follow their daily routines and dig into how they balance classroom commitments with leadership responsibilities, navigate unexpected challenges, and stay true to their academic passions while advancing the mission of their departments and colleges. The first guest of the season Dr. Akiva Turner shares his approach to academic leadership and how he leads with humility to keep students at the heart of the mission.

In this closing episode of the season, Dr. Yuri Zagvazdin shares how he blends empathy, humor, and deep scientific knowledge to help students engage with complex topics in physiology and neuroscience. Discover how he creates a safe space for learning, encourages critical thinking, and inspires curiosity in the next generation of medical professionals.