The U of A recently hosted the Southeastern Conference Emerging Scholars Career Preparation Workshop Oct. 1 - 3, 2023, and welcomed more than 100 scholars and representatives from all 14 SEC universities.

The SEC Emerging Scholars Program provides professional development and networking opportunities to current doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers throughout the SEC who are considering careers in higher education. The program includes fellowships for scholars from their home universities. The goal of the program is to encourage scholars to seek employment and mentorship within the SEC. Each SEC university selects five scholars to participate in the program and workshop, which is hosted by an SEC university each year.

This year's workshop featured panel discussions on how to find, apply and interview for a faculty position in academia. In addition, the workshop sessions provided information on what scholars can expect after they receive a job offer and how to transition into a faculty role. Scholars and representatives from each institution also had the opportunity to network across disciplines. View the full agenda for more information on the sessions that were offered this year.

During the first day of the workshop, College of Engineering Dean Kim Needy delivered a keynote address titled "Educate, Research, Inspire: The Appeal of an Academic Career Path." The first day of the workshop concluded with dinner and a keynote address by Chancellor Charles Robinson.

The second day of the workshop provided opportunities for scholars to meet and give each other feedback on written statements on teaching, research and inclusive excellence that they can use in the job application process. Workshop attendees also toured the U of A campus and Fayetteville.

According to one of the scholars in attendance, the SEC Emerging Scholar Workshop provided them with "insightful panel discussions, with all panel members sharing their life experiences as examples. The organizing committee has executed this event meticulously, and I am personally grateful to the University of Arkansas for hosting this excellent workshop and providing exceptional hospitality throughout the three days."

Another scholar in attendance noted that they enjoyed "meeting other scholars at a similar stage in their careers" and that they "left the workshop knowing I have people rooting for me just as much as I am rooting for them, and that I can reach out to them at any time going forward."

Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs Anna Zajicek also said, "The SEC Emerging Scholars Career Preparation Workshop provided many great opportunities for scholars across the SEC to interact with each other, learn from each other and make connections that will serve them well in their future academic careers.  The University of Arkansas was thrilled to host this workshop. We hope the sessions provided attendees with valuable information and insight and encouraged them to apply for faculty positions at the U of A and within the SEC."

To learn more about the U of A's 2023 SEC Emerging Scholars, read this Arkansas News article. For more about the SEC Emerging Scholars Program, visit www.thesecu.com/programs/sec-emerging-scholars/.

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $2.2 billion to Arkansas' economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the few U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research and Economic Development News.