Instructor Coaches serve to bridge gaps between students and resources available on campus, to empower students to advocate for themselves, and to help foster a sense of belonging for students. Coaches ensure that students have a support network and that they feel valued on campus. 

"This program exemplifies the university motto, One Hog, by leveraging its extensive support resources to prioritize students and approach their success as part of a larger, interconnected vision," according to Ashleigh Severson, instructor coach from English.  

 "Coaches' outreach to students and helping students create student success plans is making a tremendous difference in academic success for students," says Romona West, assistant dean of Student Success for Fulbright College. "Knowing someone cares and having tangible support for the students while supporting the faculty as well is a win, win" she added. 

Instructor coaches help students navigate the campus resources so they can succeed. They also serve as advocates in times when the student needs to feel like someone is on their side. Lynn Meade, co-facilitator of the program, said, "It's a big campus with many moving parts; instructor coaches are trained to serve as a guide between the student and the resource." 

A senior communication major said of the program, "Having a faculty coach was beneficial to me; I would visit once a week to get help with my grades, and we would discuss how I could get support and how I could succeed. I didn't really know much about the university when I transferred from a small college and this program really helped." 

Students who participate in the program can see an increase not only in their academic but also their social well-being. "In addition to helping me improve my grade point from average to honors, my coach helped me make friend a new friend with whom I keep in touch today." 

Currently, the instructor coaches in the program are Fulbright College instructors whose job responsibilities are 75% teaching and 25% coaching. This structure enables instructors as a first line of defense to help students who may need a little help. Coaches receive training in campus resources and professional development in teaching. 

Students aren't the only ones benefiting, the instructors coaches benefit from participation in the program as well. Coaches have opportunities to earn prestigious micro-credentials from the Association of College and University Educators (ACUE) and have access to small group professional development in both teaching and coaching. Weston Perrine, veteran instructor coach said, "These trainings have made me analyze my own teaching and has caused me to teach in a way that is more relatable to students. Because of this training, I am a better teacher." 

Ashleigh Severson, instructor coach, notes, "Through this program, I gained a deeper understanding of the vast array of resources available at UARK and, just as importantly, how to navigate and utilize them effectively at both the faculty and student levels. Armed with this knowledge, I have been able to extend myself as a resource to the students in my classroom and not just those who are part of my coaching cohort. This has created a more supportive and resource-rich environment that fosters student engagement and success both within and beyond the classroom." 

At the close of the fall 2024 semester, these individual coaches were recognized for the work with the program: 

Amanda McGee (HIST), Jami Padgett (ENGL), Mitchell Carabio (ENGL), and Deanna Shields (PHYS) were awarded for effective use of Starfish Flags and Kudos to keep students on track for success. Anna Mercer (ENGL), Ali Hintz (ENGL), Amelie Langland (ENGL), and Ashleigh Severson (ENGL)  were awarded for using SignalVine texting to communicate effectively and engage students. Dene Wamsley (PSYC), Danielle Maynard (BIOL), Ryan Chamberlain (WLLC), and Layla Al-Mitib (BIOL) were awarded for using Starfish notes to share engagement content with staff and faculty across campus effectively.  Three coaches were inducted into the Coaching Hall of Fame for outstanding service to the Instructor Coach Program. Those honored were Thomas Shields (MASC), Michael McCoy (HIST), and Ninette Sosa (SJSM). 

Toby Phebus, associate director of retention and cofacilitator, said, "Our commitment to pairing exceptional teaching with outstanding coaching has led to higher student success rates. An 81% success rate in historically difficult courses such as University Chemistry I exemplifies that success. These coaches inspire me because they are committed to, not just being better teachers, but becoming better advocates for students holistically. There is a very real transformation taking place on this campus and I'm thrilled to be a part of it!"   

The Instructor Coach program is one of many programs supporting the Chancellor's 150 Forward plan which emphasizes "unparalleled access to a holistic education that is designed to help our students grow, contribute, and thrive throughout their lives and in their communities from matriculation to graduation." Deb Korth, senior associate vice-provost has been instrumental in the laying groundwork for the program and for continuing to prototype new approaches to instructor and student success. "My hope is that the influence of the instructor coaches continues to expand to assist even more students in the future." 

Perrine writes, "The best part of the program is seeing the change in confidence in the students over time. It is so powerful when they take ownership and learn that they can do it." 

The Instructor Coach program was first launched in 2021 as a collaborative initiative between Fulbright College, Campus Student Success and the Provost Office.  For more on the Instructor Coach Program Instructor Coach Program