At the start of Caring Campus sessions with college and university faculty, Caring Campus coaches ask the participants to reflect on someone who inspired them to become educators. Faculty often recall that it was a professor who impacted their lives.
This spring, faculty members across Texas are taking part in Caring Campus, fostering a strong sense of community and connection. By creating an environment where students feel they belong, faculty can help inspire students to succeed.
“The role of a faculty member requires wearing many hats – we are teachers, mentors, instructors, encouragers, coaches, and advisors. It’s not just a profession; it’s a calling,” said Edlyn de Oliveira, a music professor at Palo Alto College. “Modeling care and compassion is an integral part of what we do every day in our classrooms.”
De Oliveira said she has seen higher education evolve in many ways throughout her nearly two decades of teaching, but that one constant remains – the power of building strong relationships with students.
“In a world where apathy seems to be on the rise, it’s easy to lose sight of why we became educators in the first place,” said Keegan Gold, a Northeast Lakeview College chemistry professor. “Caring Campus is an opportunity to reignite that passion, connect with colleagues, and gain valuable insights from experienced educators who are just as dedicated to student success.”
Through commitments like practicing situational fairness, providing meaningful support, and ensuring students have access to the resources they need, faculty create an environment that truly empowers students to succeed.
“My favorite part of participating in Caring Campus has been the opportunity to build stronger relationships with students and colleagues,” said Fulden Wissinger, Texas A&M University – Kingsville ceramics and design professor. “Ultimately, I hope to create a classroom environment where students feel more supported, valued, and engaged.”
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