A group of students interact with each other

About Teaching + Learning

at Vanguard University of Southern California

Our Purpose

We develop and encourage people, maximize digital and physical places for learning and research, and foster impactful pedagogy. We are committed to nurturing personal and organizational excellence and improvement, pursuing educational effectiveness, and advancing data-informed decision-making—all to equip Vanguard for the future.

People

One of Vanguard’s greatest strengths is our community, which is comprised of incredible people. We encourage others and find ways to celebrate success and foster kindness at Vanguard. We invest our time and talents in those things that will help faculty and academic staff flourish.

Places

Whether it is leading the O. Cope Budge Library, maximizing existing learning spaces, or envisioning future classrooms, we use human design principles and approaches, collaboration, and creativity to be good stewards of digital and physical spaces and places.

Pedagogy

We cultivate teaching excellence in ourselves and in others by offering various programs and coaching throughout the academic year. We contribute to course build quality and consistency by partnering academic leaders in the college and schools and growing our collective capacity and skills for flexible and hybrid courses.

Students gather in graduation regalia
A young man with a podcast microphone
Students gather outside the library

What We Do

Workshops + Events

We host a variety of workshops and events year-round, both on campus and online. These initiatives are developed in collaboration with the Faculty Development Committee, the Assessment Committee, and other task forces and committees.

Teaching, Learning + Assessment Resources

Our resources section includes videos, guides, articles, and links to support your journey toward teaching excellence. It helps expand our collective capabilities for culturally-responsive teaching and leveraging technology to enhance learning.

Library Support Services

Our library staff and librarians foster academic success by providing access to diverse resources, research assistance, and study spaces. We cultivate a collaborative learning environment to enhance and extend student and faculty development.

Professional Development Funding

We provide funding opportunities for faculty and staff to pursue professional development. This includes attending conferences, workshops, and courses that enhance their teaching and research skills.

Course Design Coaching

Our team collaborates with coaches within the Schools and College at Vanguard to develop high-quality, flexible courses that deepen student learning. We offer support in course planning, design, and assessment.

Program Review

We conduct thorough program reviews to ensure academic programs meet high standards of quality and effectiveness. This process includes evaluating curriculum, teaching practices, and student outcomes.

Institutional Research

Our institutional research office supports data-driven decision-making by providing detailed analysis and reports on various aspects of the university’s operations. This research helps guide academic planning and increases our capacity for continually improving what we do.

Academic Technology + Learning Spaces

We enhance teaching and learning through the integration of various academic technologies and the development of learning spaces and places. These resources support active learning and improve student engagement.

Who We Are

Jim Darlack

Senior Director of the Library

Associate Professor

Jim Darlack has served as an academic librarian for 20+ years. He began working as a student employee while earning graduate degrees in biblical studies at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He went on to earn a degree in library science at Drexel University and served as director of the seminary’s main library. He joined Vanguard in 2021 to serve on faculty as the Senior Director of the Library. His research interests include biblical studies, global Christianity, Pentecostal theology, librarianship, and scholarly communication. Jim is passionate about connecting faculty and students with the resources and skills they need for success. A self-professed geek, Jim enjoys books, bookbinding, LEGO, Tolkien, and Star Wars.

Shannon Jonsson

Assistant Director of Teaching + Learning

Shannon Jonsson is the Assistant Director of Teaching + Learning at Vanguard University. Shannon joined Vanguard in 2017 providing administrative support to the Professional Studies Department. Prior to her position she worked in various sales and purchasing positions with Nordstrom, Kraft Foods and Hydr-O-Seal. Shannon is known for her ability to build relationships across the university and working to move complex projects forward toward done.

    Naomi Kasa

    Chair + Associate Professor of Communication

    Director of Academic Technology + Strategic Communication

    Technologist, designer, film producer and frequent nerd, Naomi loves teaching students how to strategically communicate in a variety of visual mediums and to use their God-given creativity to solve problems. She is the architect of the MediaHub, a digital skills training initiative, chair of the Department of Communication and also currently serves as the Director of Academic Technology and Strategic Communication in the Division of Teaching and Learning.

    Dr. John Kim

    Associate Director of Institutional Research

      Priscilla Ziegler

      Educational Effectiveness Specialist

      As Educational Effectiveness Specialist, Priscilla spearheads the collection and analysis of university-wide surveys and assessments (some nationally normed) and course evaluations used for campus decision making. Through communication with nearly all departments on campus, she is also responsible for aiding in the completion of mandatory surveys for Vanguard University. As a Graduate Research Assistant, she is the Co-Primary Investigator on a conduct qualitative research study in the Social and Technological Sciences. Her responsibilities have involved creating research instruments, conducting observations and interviews, and transcription. In working towards her Master’s Degree in Sociology at California State University, Fullerton, Priscilla's thesis focuses on Minimized Involvement in American Evangelical Christianity. Using Grounded Theory, this qualitative research project centers the experiences of participants in semi-structured interviews to understand their processes of minimizing involvement with a prior faith identity.

        Jack Morgan

        Library Circulation Supervisor

        Over the past 17 years, Jack has served as Circulation Supervisor, welcoming the Vanguard Community to O. Cope Budge Library. In addition to providing service to library patrons, he also supervises the library’s student employees. When not at the library, you will perhaps find him camping or enjoying a walk at Back Bay. “Contributing to the success of today’s students who will be tomorrow’s leaders” is a favorite expression.

          Elena Nipper

          Reference & Instruction Librarian

          Associate Professor

            Rebekah Pulaski

            Library Acquisitions & Services Coordinator

            Rebekah Pulaski joined the library team in 2024. She graduated with her degree in English and a minor in Theology from Vanguard University. Rebekah previously worked as a Writing Center Consultant where she helped students with their academic papers. As a student, she led the Creative Writing club at Vanguard, hosting workshops for writers and open mic nights. Rebekah hopes to eventually get a Master of Fine Arts and delve further into higher academia. Newer to the world of libraries, Rebekah is especially excited to use creativity and collaboration to serve the student population.

              Dr. Ludmila Praslova

              Director of Educational Effectiveness

              Professor of Psychology

              Ludmila N. Praslova, Ph.D., is a Professor of Psychology and Director of Graduate Program in Organizational Psychology at Vanguard University.  Her Ph.D. is from the University of Akron in Industrial and Organizational Psychology.  Her areas of expertise include organizational effectiveness, survey research, organizational culture assessment and change, intercultural relations, and training and curriculum development. In addition, she has extensive experience in Higher Education assessment and accreditation, and program development and evaluation.  As an Accreditation Liaison Officer (ALO), Dr. Praslova provided leadership in institutional self-studies, the preparation of well-received accreditation reports and campus visits, and facilitated successful substantive change processes.

              Dr. David Rhoads

              Director of Teaching Excellence + Digital Pedagogy

              David Rhoads has been teaching in the areas of leadership and educational technology for the last seven years. He enjoys helping faculty do what they do best by equipping them with solutions and best practices for their classroom. David has extensive experience in the area of online pedagogy and program development, non-traditional enrollment and support, instructional design, and educational technology. David’s background, prior to working in Higher Education, included teaching at the High School level as well as 12 years of youth and young adult ministry. David is passionate about helping faculty maximize face to face and online learning opportunities so their students can gain the most benefit from their instruction. He believes that our goal as educators should be to facilitate learning is such a way that encourages and equips students to be passionate life-long learners.

                Dr. Bonni Stachowiak

                Dean of Teaching + Learning

                Professor of Business + Management

                Dr. Bonni Stachowiak has been teaching in a higher education context for 20+ years. She’s also the host of the Teaching in Higher Ed podcast. Since its start in 2014, her podcast has become an essential resource for faculty and academic leaders around the world. Currently, Dr. Stachowiak serves as the Dean of Teaching and Learning at Vanguard University and is also a Professor of Business and Management. For Bonni, teaching and learning aren’t just job titles—they're her passion and a big part of what gives her life meaning and purpose.

                We’ve got a very particular set of skills.

                We are writers, thinkers, teachers, learners, storytellers, librarians, technologists, questioners, readers, podcasters, statisticians, planners, contributors to the flourishing and joy of others, and people made in the image of God.

                Where We Are

                O. Cope Budge Library

                The O. Cope Budge Library at Vanguard University is located at the heart of the campus, providing a welcoming space for study and research. In addition to its physical collections, the Vanguard Library offers an extensive digital collection and a variety of online tools accessible through its website. These resources support the academic and research needs of the university community.

                Smith Hall

                The Vanguard University Institutional Research offices are located upstairs in Smith Hall, along with the Dean’s office, T+L Studios and the Assistant Director of Teaching and Learning. These offices provide essential support for data-driven decision-making and academic leadership, and innovative teaching practices at Vanguard University.

                A bronze statue of a lion roaring
                A room with tables and chairs and whiteboards full of light and warm wood and bright teal accents

                Heath Academic Center

                Our Director of Educational Effectiveness, who also teaches in the Graduate Organizational Psychology program, is based in the Heath Academic Center. Her dual role as an educator and director ensures that evidence-based practices in educational effectiveness are integrated into both administration and instruction.

                Hybrid/Virtual Spaces

                Our Director of Hybrid and Emerging Pedagogy and our Director of Academic Technology and Strategic Communication primarily work in the virtual space but maintain a campus presence when needed. This hybrid approach maximizes their efficiency and effectiveness in supporting Vanguard University’s academic mission.

                The Heath Academic Center building
                a pair of hands cradling a cup of coffee with a heart design in the foam
                View the Campus map

                On any given day, any of us may be found across varied contexts, on and off campus. We strive to foster effective virtual team dynamics, continuously experimenting with innovative collaboration methods. By leveraging each other’s strengths and maintaining strong communication, we ensure seamless teamwork regardless of physical distance. Our commitment to adaptability and mutual support enhances our collective productivity and success.

                Message from the Dean

                In my 20+ years at Vanguard, God has shown me, in ways big and small, the transformative power of a VU education. In Teaching + Learning, we seek to show up for the work in healthy ways and in the fullness of our unique selves. We strive to help others be able to do the same. We do the work, living up to our commitments and leaning into our unique strengths. We make the work visible such that people and progress are celebrated, and further growth may be achieved.

                As the song goes, I know a little bit about a lot of things. My doctorate is in organizational leadership and I enjoy geeking out with technology. In addition to my role as dean, I’m also a professor of business and management. I enjoy getting to regularly answer people’s questions on the Coaching for Leaders Podcast. I met Dave Stachowiak, the host of Coaching for Leaders, while we were earning our MA in organizational leadership. We took a class in teams and decided to start a team of our own. We have two curious kids who teach us about learning and leadership on a daily basis. I also thoroughly enjoy conversations about and the joy-filled work of teaching. I have aired an episode of the Teaching in Higher Ed podcast each week since June of 2014.

                It can get overwhelming thinking about ways we want to improve our teaching and live out our values, so I subscribe to the methods described in James Lang’s Small Teaching. Start small… and remember what adrienne maree brown says in Emergent Strategy: “Small is all” (as in “the large is a reflection of the small”).

                ~ BONNI

                Dr. Stachowiak with a student at graduation
                Dr. Bonni Stachowiak recording a podcast
                Dr. Bonni Stachowiak in her office