Part I. Personal Information and Demographic Data
Applicant Full Name / Nombre completo:
Jennifer Lang
Applicant Title / Título:
Professor
Institution or System / Institución o Sistema:
LCTCS (Delgado Community College)
Address for Official Correspondence / Dirección oficial donde recibe su correspondencia:
jrlang@dcc.edu
Mobile Phone / Número de celular:
910-297-1049
Work Phone / Número del trabajo:
604-671-6399
Track of interest / Área de interés:
English track
Which platform do you prefer the Academy to be offered on? / ¿En qué plataforma prefiere que se ofrezca la Academia?
Zoom
Languages / Idiomas:
English
Have teach an online course in the past three years / ¿Ha enseñado un curso en línea en los pasados tres años?:
Yes
Have taken an online course in the past three years / ¿Ha tomado un curso en línea en los pasados tres años?:
Yes
Have you been in charge of an instructional technology initiative / ¿Ha liderado alguna iniciativa de tecnología instruccional?:
Yes
Have you been in charge of a distance education initiative / ¿Ha liderado alguna iniciativa de educación a distancia?:
Yes
Years of experience in Higher Education / Años de experiencia en educación superior:
21 or more years
Gender / Género:
Female
Age Range / Edad:
41 to 50
Are you Hispanic / ¿Es usted hispano?:
No
Race Category / Raza:
White
Part II. Education
Highest Earned Degree / Grado más alto de educación obtenido:
MA
College/University / Colegio/Universidad:
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Field/Major / Campo de estudio/Especialidad:
History
Other Degrees Earned / Otros grados obtenidos:
Teaching in the Virtual Classroom Graduate Certificate
Part III. Experience
Present Responsibilities (up to 150 words) / Resumen de responsabilidades (máximo de 150 palabras) *
A scholar specializing in the field of History, serving as both an educator in traditional and virtual classroom settings and an appointed board member representative for the Hispanic Educational Technology Services within the Louisiana Community & Technical College System.
Academic and Professional Distinctions and Honors (up tp 150 words) / Reconocimientos y premios académicos y profesionales (máximo de 150 palabras)
Appointed Board Member representative for the Hispanic Educational Technology Services within the Louisiana Community & Technical College System
Actively works with publishing openly licensed books (OER) with OpenStax
Participated in the Louisiana Library Network, a program of the Louisiana Board of Regents, I
in the Interactive OER for Dual Enrollment for American History I & II
Nominated for the Teaching in Excellence Award, 2021
Civil and Community Activities (up to 150 words) / Actividades civiles y comunitarias (máximo de 150 palabras)
Created the Dr. René Cintrón Hispanic Student Scholarship at the Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS) Foundation in honor of former HETS Board Member Representative Dr. René Cintrón
Professional Goals (up to 150 words) / Metas profesionales (máximo de 150 palabras):
My professional goal is to become a History Professor specializing in Curriculum and Instruction and Online Education. I aim to leverage my expertise in history to design an engaging and inclusive curriculum that fosters critical thinking and historical literacy among students. Additionally, I aspire to explore innovative approaches and technologies in online education to create dynamic and interactive learning experiences for students in the digital realm. Through my research, teaching, and mentorship, I strive to advance historical knowledge and promote effective instructional practices in both traditional and online educational settings.
Please explain what you expect to gain by participating in the H-LTLA (up to 150 words) / Explique lo que espera adquirir al participar en la H-LTLA (máximo de 150 palabras):
Enhanced Leadership Skills: I aim to develop strong leadership abilities that will enable me to promote and implement teaching and learning technologies at HSIs effectively. This includes developing strategic plans, fostering collaboration, and making informed decisions to drive positive change.
In-depth Knowledge of Teaching and Learning Technologies: I aspire to gain comprehensive knowledge about the latest advancements in educational technologies and their practical applications. This includes understanding emerging trends, best practices, and practical strategies for integrating technology in teaching and learning environments.
Expertise in Promoting Technology Adoption: I hope to acquire the necessary skills to effectively advocate for and promote the adoption of teaching and learning technologies within HSIs. This involves developing persuasive communication skills, creating effective implementation plans, and addressing potential challenges or barriers.
Understanding of the HSI Context: I seek to gain a deep understanding of the unique characteristics and challenges Hispanic-Serving Institutions face. This includes knowledge of the student population, cultural considerations, and specific needs related to technology integration within this context.
Preparation for Leadership Roles: I aim to prepare myself for future college, university, or school administrator leadership positions. I hope to acquire the necessary skills, knowledge, and perspectives to excel in these roles and effectively guide institutions toward embracing technology in teaching and learning.
Part IV. Professional References
Professional Reference #1 (Include name, title, institution, phone, and email) / Referencia profesional #1 (incluya nombre, título, institución, número de teléfono, y correo electrónico):
Brett Heintz
Professor of Psychology
Delgado Community College
504-671-6521
bheint@dcc.edu
Professional Reference #2 (Include name, title, institution, phone, and email) / Referencia profesional #2 (incluya nombre, título, institución, número de teléfono, y correo electrónico)
Kenya Jackson
Chair
Delgado Community College
504-671-6367
kjacks1@dcc.edu
Professional Reference #3 (Include name, title, institution, phone, and email) / Referencia profesional #3 (incluya nombre, título, institución, número de teléfono, y correo electrónico)
Missy Lacour
LCTCS
Director of New Markets
melissalacour@lctcs.edu
Upload a letter from a president, chancellor, or administrator stating the nominee’s qualifications for the program, leadership strengths, and development opportunities. NOTE: If at the moment of sending the application you don’t have a signed nomination letter, please upload a document with the evidence that it is being processed (for example: a print screen of an email requesting the letter) along with the contact information of the person in charge of completing it. (Accepted format: pdf) / Someta una carta de un presidente, decano o administrador que indique las cualificaciones del candidato para el programa, sus fortalezas de liderazgo y oportunidades de desarrollo. NOTA: Si al momento de enviar la solicitud no tiene una carta de nominación firmada, por favor suba un documento con la constancia de que se está tramitando (por ejemplo: una pantalla impresa de un correo electrónico solicitando la carta) junto con la información de contacto de la persona encargada de completarlo. (Formato aceptado: PDF)
Part V. Initiative and Mentor
A letter describing a project that you will consider implementing at your campus or organization with the name of the Mentor of your preference. Your Mentor can be different from your references and should be a staff with experience in the area selected. The Mentor information will be submitted with the signature to confirm the availability to guide the implementation of your campus initiative. NOTE: If at the moment of sending the application you don’t have the signature of your Mentor on the project letter, please upload a document with the evidence (for example: a print screen of an email requesting the signature of your Mentor) that it is being processed along with the contact information of the Mentor. (Accepted format: pdf)* / Una carta que describa un proyecto que considerará implementar en su campus u organización con el nombre del mentor de su preferencia. Su mentor puede ser diferente a sus referencias y debe ser una persona con experiencia en el área seleccionada. La información del mentor se enviará con la firma para confirmar la disponibilidad para guiar la implementación de su iniciativa. NOTA: Si al momento de enviar la solicitud no tiene la firma de su mentor en la carta del proyecto, por favor cargue un documento con la evidencia (por ejemplo: una pantalla impresa de un correo electrónico solicitando la firma de su mentor) que se está procesando junto con la información de contacto del mentor (Formato aceptado: PDF)
Part VI. Statement of Purpose
1. From your perspective, what are the top three issues facing higher education today? Why? (no more than 300 words) / Desde su perspectiva, ¿cuáles son los tres principales problemas que enfrenta la educación superior hoy día? ¿Por qué? (máximo de 300 palabras)
In my perspective, the three primary challenges confronting higher education today are as follows:
Affordability and Accessibility: Higher education’s escalating costs have become a significant hurdle for individuals aspiring to obtain a college degree. Mounting student loan debt poses long-term financial burdens, while limited access to educational opportunities creates disparities and impedes educational equality. It is imperative to address the issues of affordability and accessibility to ensure that higher education remains within reach for all and fosters social mobility.
Evolving Educational Landscape: The dynamic nature of technology and shifting societal needs necessitate a transformation in the traditional educational model. Higher education institutions must adapt by embracing innovative teaching methods, integrating technology effectively, and equipping students with skills relevant to an evolving job market. The successful navigation of this evolving landscape entails maintaining academic rigor, promoting critical thinking, and incorporating online education to meet the needs of diverse learners.
Equity and Inclusion: Establishing a fair and inclusive educational environment is crucial for higher education institutions. They must proactively address systemic barriers and foster diversity, representation, and inclusivity. This includes ensuring equal opportunities for underrepresented groups such as racial and ethnic minorities, the LGBTQ+ community, and individuals with disabilities. Achieving equity and inclusion requires inclusive admissions practices, diverse faculty recruitment, and curricula that encompass diverse perspectives and histories.
These challenges are interconnected and profoundly impact higher education’s overall effectiveness and quality. Tackling these issues is vital to maintain an accessible, relevant, and inclusive higher education system that serves as a catalyst for personal growth, social mobility, and societal advancement.
2. What are your own institution’s priorities and challenges with regard to leveraging instructional technology and distance education for the benefit of the entire organization? (no more than 300 words) / ¿Cuáles son las prioridades y los retos de su institución con respecto al aprovechamiento de la tecnología educativa y la educación a distancia en beneficio de toda la organización? (máximo de 300 palabras)
The Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS) faces several challenges, including:
Student Access, Success, and Completion: Promoting access, supporting student success, and increasing completion rates are ongoing challenges for LCTCS. Issues such as limited financial resources, academic preparedness, and personal circumstances can hinder student progress. Addressing these challenges involves providing comprehensive support services, enhancing academic advising, implementing retention initiatives, and fostering a supportive learning environment.
Equity and Inclusion: Achieving equity and inclusion within LCTCS institutions is an important challenge. Ensuring students from diverse backgrounds have equal access to educational opportunities, addressing achievement gaps, and creating inclusive environments supporting underrepresented populations require deliberate efforts. LCTCS must work towards recruiting and retaining a diverse faculty and staff, implementing inclusive policies and practices, and offering culturally responsive programming.
Technological Integration: Embracing and effectively integrating technology in teaching, learning, and administrative processes is a challenge faced by LCTCS. Providing faculty with necessary training and support, ensuring equitable access to technology for all students, and leveraging digital platforms to enhance instructional delivery and student engagement require ongoing investment and adaptation.
By proactively addressing these challenges, LCTCS can strengthen its ability to provide accessible, relevant, and quality education.
3. If have the influence to instill change at your Institution, was one thing you could change, what would that be; and what is the unique aspect of your institution you would like to keep? (no more than 300 words) / Si pudiera influir para lograr algún cambio en su institución, ¿cuál sería? y ¿cuál es el aspecto único de su institución que le gustaría mantener? (máximo de 300 palabras)
If I had the influence to instill change at LCTCS, one thing I would prioritize changing is the implementation of a hyflex (hybrid-flexible) learning model. Hyflex combines in-person and online instruction, giving students the flexibility to choose the mode of learning that suits their needs while maintaining an interactive and engaging learning experience. By adopting hyflex, LCTCS can offer greater accessibility and flexibility to students, accommodating different learning preferences and allowing them to balance their educational pursuits with other commitments.
As for the unique aspect of LCTCS that I would like to preserve, it is the strong sense of community and collaboration among students, faculty, and staff. Maintaining this sense of community and creating spaces for collaboration and engagement would continue to enrich the educational experience at LCTCS, ensuring that students feel valued, connected, and supported throughout their journey.