ACUE March 2025 Newsletter
Association of College and University Educators (ACUE)
Equipping faculty with evidence-based practices to elevate teaching, boost student success & advance institutional goals
Andrew Hermalyn Named as ACUE's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
On March 3, ACUE announced the appointment of Andrew Hermalyn as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. With nearly 20 years of experience in higher education, Andrew brings a strong commitment to building lasting partnerships and extensive expertise with innovation.
“I am excited to be part of ACUE and grateful for the opportunity to help steward this mission-driven company, alongside the team and its partners. ACUE’s dedication to teaching excellence, its unwavering commitment to quality, and the meaningful difference it makes for educators and students is both singular and important."
We invite you to learn more about Andrew in our recent press release.
Official Launch of ACUE’s Effective Teaching 101 Course
We’re excited to have officially launched Effective Teaching 101: Starting the Semester Strong, a course designed to help instructors create engaging and impactful learning experiences from day one.
“Whether helping faculty lead a strong first day or integrating career readiness into the curriculum, ACUE equips educators with practical, research-backed strategies to enhance student success,” said Penny MacCormack, ED.D. , Chief Academic Officer at ACUE.
Learn more at acue.org/effective-teaching-101.
Tools You Can Use
Webinar: First Day Magic – Effective Teaching Practices for a Strong Start
How can faculty create an engaging and welcoming first-day experience? Watch our latest on-demand webinar to gain real-world insights from experienced educators on how they’ve refined their approach to the start of a semester over time. Plus, learn how ACUE’s Effective Teaching 101 course can help you set the stage for a successful semester.? Watch Now.
Blog: Boosting Student Engagement with ACUE’s Promoting Active Learning Courses
Discover how active learning strategies can drive student participation and deepen understanding in the classroom.? Read Blog.
Upcoming Events
Webinar: Increasing Student Retention Through Great Teaching
Wednesday, March 26 | 3:00 - 4:15 p.m. ET | Register Now
In higher education, it’s often said that “student retention is everyone’s job,” but what does that really mean in practice? Faculty play a crucial role in student success—especially when it comes to building meaningful connections that keep students engaged and on track. Join us and our following panel for a dynamic conversation with faculty and higher ed leaders as we explore the real impact of great teaching on student retention and share actionable strategies to support students inside and outside the classroom.
Partner Highlights
DREAM 2025: Advancing Student Success Through Faculty Development
ACUE had a fantastic time at Achieving the Dream ’s DREAM 2025 Conference, connecting with educators and leaders dedicated to student success. Additionally, we hosted a productive session featuring Aaron M. Bolton (ACUE), Page Wolf, Ph.D. ( College of Lake County ), and Dallas Dolan , PhD ( Community College of Baltimore County ), discussing how faculty development enhances student success. Reflecting on their ACUE partnership, Dolan shared, “If we were going to invest the time and resources in evidence-based practices, we wanted to be sure the evidence supported it.”
Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Expands Faculty Initiative with ACUE
The Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) announced the expansion of its faculty development initiative with ACUE, furthering its commitment to high-quality teaching and student success. PASSHE partnered with ACUE in 2021, and to date, nearly 500 PASSHE faculty have become certified in ACUE’s Effective Teaching Practice Framework, enhancing instruction and student engagement across the system. And the momentum isn’t slowing down! “PASSHE believes that every college student deserves an extraordinary education and that faculty members are the central driver of that success,” said PASSHE Board Chair Dr. Cynthia Shapira .?Read PASSHE's full press release.
Learning Never Stops: Faculty Reflections on ACUE Certification
Below are a few of the many insights that ACUE course-takers have recently shared on LinkedIn.?How has ACUE impacted your teaching? Share your experience with us at?linkedin.com/company/acue.
Sherell Fuller, Ph.D.
Assistant Director, Center for Teaching Excellence, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
“I’ve dedicated over 25 years to education, spending my career in elementary and middle school classrooms before transitioning to higher education, in teacher preparation programs for 18 years. For the first time since 1999, I’m not working directly with students—but instead, I’m focusing on faculty development, supporting my colleagues in enhancing their teaching practices. While I miss the daily interactions with students, I’m energized by this new chapter and the opportunity to make a broader impact. One thing remains constant in education: we never stop learning and growing. I’m proud to share that I have completed the Association of College and University Educators’ Effective Teaching Practice Framework course. This comprehensive 25-module program required the implementation of evidence-based instructional strategies designed to improve student engagement and success. Earning this certificate reaffirms my commitment to educational excellence and lifelong learning.”? ?
Jericha Hopson Ph.D.
Business Relationship Manager for Research, Tarleton State University
“This experience has deepened my understanding of effective teaching practices, including fostering a welcoming classroom, promoting student persistence, ensuring equitable access to learning, and embracing diversity. Through the course’s seven modules, I explored strategies for providing meaningful feedback, leading a productive first day, and creating a truly inclusive learning space.”?