About The Gathering

The Academic Gathering is a 2-day event for academic faculty and staff focused on community-building, shared learning, and readiness for the year ahead.

The annual Academic Gathering is planned by the Faculty Development Committee with the support of the division of Teaching and Learning. The gathering aims to engage faculty and academic staff, reignite our energy for the year to come and to foster community. 

The Adjunct Faculty Gathering is an hour-long event for all Vanguard University adjunct faculty. The gathering aims to engage adjunct faculty and reignite our energy for the year to come and to foster community. 

The Faculty Development Committee recognizes the importance of connecting faculty members and understanding our unique roles in achieving Vanguard’s broader mission and vision. The gatherings are designed to foster conversation and collaboration between experienced and newer faculty, as well as across different disciplines and divisions.

This year’s theme is All, inspired by Romans 15:13 and the ways in which God provides all of us with all hope, all joy, and all peace.  

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit

Romans 15:13

The Planning Team

The Academic Gathering is planned by the prior year’s Faculty Development Committee members. 

Ona LaMotte
[Committee Chair] Assistant Professor, English
Enid Bozic
Assistant Professor, Communication
Alicia Jackson
Associate Professor, Theology
Shannon Jonsson
Assistant Director, Division of Teaching + Learning
Eunice Kang
Assistant Professor, Political Science
Kerry Moore
Associate Professor, Social Work. Chair of UG Psychology
Hien Park
Associate Professor, Sociology
Kevin Qualls
Assistant Professor, Psychology
David Rhoads smiles for a headshot photo
David Rhoads
Director of Hybrid/Emerging Pedagogy
Bonni Stachowiak
Dean of Teaching + Learning, Professor of Business and Management
Julie Wilson
Professor of Nursing
NAOMI KASA
Director of Academic Tech + Strat Comm, "Stealth" Planning Team Member