Thrive! Your Guide to Success in College and Beyond
Edition: 1
Copyright: 2019
Pages: 0
Edition: 1
Copyright: 2019
Choose Your Format
Print Package
$72.93
Ebook Package
$66.85
Thrive! Your Guide to Success in College and Beyond delivers cutting-edge material based on the challenging and unique experience of attending a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). Each visually stimulating chapter contains concept maps, illustrations, and relevant advice and strategies from successful HBCU alums and professionals from various fields in our Sage on Page feature. With thought-provoking exercises and content authored by experienced academic administrators, counselors, and an HBCU educator of more than 30 years, this book will serve as a vital tool for the successful matriculation of every HBCU student.
Thrive! addresses critical issues relevant to students in today's college campuses such as:
- The Legacy and Significance of the HBCU Experience
- The Value of the Liberal Arts and General Education
- Goal Setting and Character Building
- Time Management and Test Taking Strategies
- Educational, Career and Financial Planning
- Health and Wellness
This engaging and comprehensive textbook includes a range of research-based material and scholarly references that support the success of both the academic and personal development of the first year college student supplying them with the knowledge and tools necessary to THRIVE!
Thrive! Your Guide to Success in College and Beyond features access to AchieveWORKS®, helping students identify their career and educational paths.
Preface
Acknowledgments
About the Authors
Introduction
Chapter 1: The Legacy and Significance of Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Welcome to a Culture of Excellence: Your Pathway to Success
The History
Private Colleges
Land-Grant Public Colleges
Imprint: Funding A Way
Imprint: Moving a Mountain
Imprint: Making a Difference
Visionaries: HBCU Presidents Then and Now
Dr. Mordecai W. Johnson
Dr. Benjamin E. Mays
Dr. Charles S. Johnson
Dr. Willa B. Player
Dr. Norman Francis
Dr. Frederick S. Humphries
Dr. William R. Harvey
Dr. Johnetta B. Cole
Dr. Beverly Wade Hogan
Standing on the Shoulders: Icons
Booker T. Washington
Joseph C. Price
Mary McLeod Bethune
Elizabeth Evelyn Wright
Brigadier General Samuel Chapman Armstrong
Shout out to your HBCU!
Private Schools
Public Schools
Chapter 1 Exercises
Chapter 2: The Value of the Liberal Arts and General Education
What it Means to be a Well-Educated Person in the 21st century
The Meaning and Purpose of the Liberal Arts
The Liberal Arts Curriculum
Major Bodies of Knowledge in the Liberal Arts Curriculum
Humanities
Fine Arts
Mathematics
Natural Sciences
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Physical Health and Wellness
The Liberal Arts Liberate You from Narrowness and Broaden Your Perspectives
The Social–Spatial Perspective: Moving Beyond the Self to the Wider World
The Perspective of Family
The Perspective of Community
The Perspective of Society
The National Perspective
The International Perspective
The Global Perspective
The Perspective of the Universe (Cosmos)
The Chronological Perspective: Embracing the Past, Present, and Future
Historical Perspective
Contemporary Perspective
Futuristic Perspective
The Synoptic Perspective: Integrating Multiple Perspectives into a Coherent Whole
The Liberal Arts Develop the Whole Person
The Co-Curriculum: Using the Whole Campus to Develop the Whole Person
The Liberal Arts Develop Transferable Skills that Can be Applied in Multiple Contexts
The Liberal Arts Develop Skills for Success in Your College Major
The Liberal Arts Enhance Career Preparation and Career Success
The Liberal Arts Prepare You for Lifelong Learning
Chapter Summary and Highlights
Learning More through the World Wide Web: Internet-Based Resources
Chapter 2 Exercises
Chapter 3: Principles of Student Success
Using Powerful Principles of Student Success and Key Campus Resources
Powerful Principles of College Success
The First Principle: Active Involvement (Engagement)
Time in Class
Time Spent on Coursework Outside of Class
Active Involvement in the Learning Process
Active Listening and Note-Taking in Class
Active Class Participation
Active Reading
Contents
The Second Principle: Capitalizing on Campus Resources (Resourcefulness)
Learning Center (a.k.a. Academic Success Center)
Writing Center
Disability Services (a.k.a. Disability Resource Center)
Campus Library
Academic Advisement
Office of Student Life or Student Development
Financial Aid Office
Health Center
Career Development Center (a.k.a. Career Center)
Counseling Center
The Third Principle: Interpersonal Interaction and Collaboration (Social Integration)
Interacting with Faculty Members
Interacting with Academic Advisors
Interacting with a Mentor
Interaction with Peers (Student–Student Interaction)
The Fourth Principle: Reflection and Self-Awareness (Mindfulness)
Self-Awareness
Chapter Summary and Highlights
Learning More through the World Wide Web: Internet-Based Resources
Chapter 3 Exercises
Chapter 4: Goal Setting, Motivation, and Character
Moving from Intention to Action
The Relationship between Goal Setting and Success
Characteristics of a Well-Designed Goal
Strategies for Maintaining Motivation and Progress toward Your Goals
Characteristics of Successful People
Internal Locus of Control
Self-Efficacy
Grit
Growth Mindset
Chapter Summary and Highlights
Learning More through the World Wide Web: Internet-Based Resources
Chapter 4 Exercises
Chapter 5: Time Management
Prioritizing Tasks, Preventing Procrastination, and Promoting Productivity
The Importance of Time Management
Strategies for Managing Time and Tasks
Create a Time-Management Plan
Dealing with Procrastination
Myths That Promote Procrastination
Psychological Causes of Procrastination
Strategies for Preventing and Overcoming Procrastination
Chapter Summary and Highlights
Learning More through the World Wide Web: Internet-Based Resources
Chapter 5 Exercises
Chapter 6: Strategic Learning
Moving Beyond Basic Knowledge to Critical and Creative Thinking
What Is Higher-Level Thinking?
Defining and Describing the Major Forms of Higher-Level Thinking
Analysis (Analytical Thinking)
Synthesis (Integrative Thinking)
Application (Applied Thinking)
Multidimensional Thinking
Balanced Thinking
Critical Thinking (Evaluation)
Creative Thinking
Using Higher-Level Thinking Skills to Improve Academic Performance
Strategies for Increasing Creativity
Chapter Summary and Highlights
Learning More through the World Wide Web: Internet-Based Resources
Chapter 6 Exercises
Chapter 7: Strategies and Skills for Test-Taking
What to Do Before, During, and After Exams
Pre-Test Strategies: What to Do in Advance of Exams
Recitation
Creating Retrieval Cues
Strategies to Use Immediately Before a Test
Strategies to Use During Exams
Strategies for Answering Multiple-Choice Test Questions
Strategies for Answering Essay Questions
Post-Test Strategies: What to Do After Receiving Your Test Results
Strategies for Reducing Test Anxiety
Chapter Summary and Highlights
Learning More through the World Wide Web: Internet-Based Resources
Chapter 7 Exercises
Chapter 8: Social and Emotional Intelligence
Relating to Others and Regulating Emotions
The Importance of Social Relationships and Social Intelligence
Interpersonal Communication Skills
Human Relations Skills (a.k.a. “People Skills”)
Strategies for Meeting People and Forming Friendships
Romantic Relationships
Stage 1. Passionate Love (Infatuation)
Stage 2. Mature Love
Managing Interpersonal Conflict
Emotional Intelligence
Stress and Anxiety
Effective Methods for Managing Stress
Simple Stress Reduction Strategies and Habits
Depression
Strategies for Coping with Depression
Chapter Summary and Highlights
Learning More through the World Wide Web: Internet-Based Resources
Chapter 8 Exercises
Chapter 9: Diversity and the HBCU Experience
Learning About and From Human Differences
Differences
What Is Diversity?
What Is Racial Diversity?
What Is Cultural Diversity?
What Is an Ethnic Group?
The Relationship between Diversity and Humanity
What Is Individuality?
Major Forms or Types of Diversity in Today’s World
Ethnic and Racial Diversity
Socioeconomic Diversity
International Diversity
Generational Diversity
The Benefits of Experiencing Diversity
Diversity Increases Self-Awareness and Self-Knowledge
Diversity Deepens Learning
Diversity Promotes Critical Thinking
Diversity Stimulates Creative Thinking
Diversity Enhances Career Preparation and Career Success
Overcoming Barriers to Diversity
Ethnocentrism
Stereotyping
Prejudice
Discrimination
Strategies for Overcoming Stereotypes and Prejudices
Chapter Summary and Highlights
Learning More through the World Wide Web: Internet-Based Resources
Chapter 9 Exercises
Chapter 10: Educational and Career Planning
Making Wise Choices about a College Major and Future Career
To Be or Not to Be Decided: What Research Shows about Students’ Choice of a College Major
The Importance of Long-Range Educational Planning
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Major or Field of Study
Multiple Intelligences: Becoming Aware of Your Mental Abilities and Talents
Discovering a Major that’s Compatible with Your Personal Interests and Talents
Myths about the Relationship between Majors and Careers
Do What You Are (DWYA)
The Importance of Career Planning
Strategies for Career Exploration and Preparation
Step 1. Awareness of Self
Step 2. Awareness of Career Options
Step 3. Awareness of Career Options that Provide the Best “Fit” for You
Step 4. Awareness of the Major Steps Needed to Reach Your Career Goal
Course Transcript
Personal Resume
Chapter Summary and Highlights
Learning More through the World Wide Web: Internet-Based Resources
References
Chapter 10 Exercises
Chapter 11: Financial Literacy
Managing Money and Minimizing Debt
Sources of Income for Financing a College Education
Student Loans
Scholarships
Grants
Veterans Benefits
Salary Earnings
Developing a Money Management Plan
Gain Financial Self-Awareness
Track Your Cash Flow
Developing a Plan for Managing Money and Minimizing Debt
Long-Range Fiscal Planning: Financing Your College Education
Chapter Summary and Highlights
Learning More through the World Wide Web: Internet-Based Resources
Chapter 11 Exercises
Chapter 12: Health and Wellness
Body, Mind, and Spirit
What Is Wellness?
Physical Wellness
Essential Elements of Physical Wellness
Nutrition
Nutrition Management Strategies
Eating Disorders
Exercise and Fitness
Benefits of Exercise for the Body
Benefits of Exercise for the Mind
Guidelines and Strategies for Maximizing the Effectiveness of Exercise
Rest and Sleep
The Value and Purpose of Sleep
The Importance of Sleep for College Students
Adjusting Academic Work Tasks to Your Biological Rhythms
Strategies for Improving Sleep Quality
Substance Abuse and Risky Behavior
Alcohol Use among College Students
Alcohol Abuse among College Students
Use and Abuse of Illegal Drugs
Unhealthy Relationships
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Campus Safety
Chapter Summary and Highlights
Learning More through the World Wide Web: Internet-Based Resources
Chapter 12 Exercises
Glossary and Dictionary of College Vocabulary
Index
Karen Turner Ward holds a doctoral degree in Criticism and Public Address from Regent University. Dr. Ward has the distinction of being the first student to earn a Ph.D. from the University. Dr. Ward currently serves as Chair of the Department of Fine and Performing Arts at Hampton University where she teaches communication and theatre courses. She serves on the School of Liberal Arts and Education University 101 (First-Year Experience) Advisory Committee and assists in the development of the course curriculum. She also helped prepare the course’s interactive textbook, The Individual and Life: Your Pathway to Success. She has served as a national consultant on recruitment, assessment, and retention of African American students.
To meet student needs, Dr. Ward has incorporated innovative approaches to instruction and introduced technology into traditional instructional programming. It was this search for innovative approaches to instruct “today’s students” that inspired her to write the communication textbook, Communication for Today’s Student, now in its fourth edition. The textbook, published by Kendall Hunt Publishing, is accompanied by an interactive program, which enables students to submit assignments online, sit for digital exams, take practice tests and post-tests, and absorb the material through interactive games and flash cards. This program enables students as well as instructors to obtain immediate assessment results. The overwhelming success of this program inspired Dr. Ward to develop both the Humanities One Interactive and Humanities Two Interactive textbooks.
Dr. Ward has received numerous awards for her commitment to innovative teaching, including the coveted, E. L. Hamm Distinguished Teaching Award presented each academic year by the University President.
Aaron Thompson is a nationally recognized leader in higher education with a focus on policy, student success and organizational leadership and design. He serves as President of the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education and as professor of sociology in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at Eastern Kentucky University. He recently served as interim president of Kentucky State University. Thompson holds a doctorate in sociology in areas of organizational behavior and race and gender relations.
His leadership experience spans 27 years across higher education, business and numerous non-profit boards. Thompson has researched, taught and consulted in areas of diversity, leadership, ethics, multicultural families, race and ethnic relations, student success, first-year students, retention, cultural competence and organizational design throughout his career.
As a highly sought after national speaker, Thompson has presented more than 800 workshops, seminars and invited lectures in areas of race and gender diversity, living an unbiased life, overcoming obstacles to gain success, creating a school environment for academic success, cultural competence, workplace interaction, leadership, organizational goal setting, building relationships, the first-year seminar, and a variety of other topics. He continues to serve as a consultant to educational institutions (elementary, secondary and postsecondary), corporations, non-profit organizations, police departments and other governmental agencies.
Thompson has published more than 30 publications and numerous research and peer reviewed presentations. He has authored or co-authored the following books: Changing Student Culture from the Ground Up, The Sociological Outlook, Infusing Diversity and Cultural Competence into Teacher Education, Peer to Peer Leadership: Changing Student Culture from the Ground Up. He also co-authored Thriving in College and Beyond: Research-Based Strategies for Academic Success, Thriving in the Community College and Beyond: Research-Based Strategies for Academic Success and Personal Development, Diversity and the College Experience, Focus on Success and Black Men and Divorce.
Thrive! Your Guide to Success in College and Beyond delivers cutting-edge material based on the challenging and unique experience of attending a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). Each visually stimulating chapter contains concept maps, illustrations, and relevant advice and strategies from successful HBCU alums and professionals from various fields in our Sage on Page feature. With thought-provoking exercises and content authored by experienced academic administrators, counselors, and an HBCU educator of more than 30 years, this book will serve as a vital tool for the successful matriculation of every HBCU student.
Thrive! addresses critical issues relevant to students in today's college campuses such as:
- The Legacy and Significance of the HBCU Experience
- The Value of the Liberal Arts and General Education
- Goal Setting and Character Building
- Time Management and Test Taking Strategies
- Educational, Career and Financial Planning
- Health and Wellness
This engaging and comprehensive textbook includes a range of research-based material and scholarly references that support the success of both the academic and personal development of the first year college student supplying them with the knowledge and tools necessary to THRIVE!
Thrive! Your Guide to Success in College and Beyond features access to AchieveWORKS®, helping students identify their career and educational paths.
Preface
Acknowledgments
About the Authors
Introduction
Chapter 1: The Legacy and Significance of Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Welcome to a Culture of Excellence: Your Pathway to Success
The History
Private Colleges
Land-Grant Public Colleges
Imprint: Funding A Way
Imprint: Moving a Mountain
Imprint: Making a Difference
Visionaries: HBCU Presidents Then and Now
Dr. Mordecai W. Johnson
Dr. Benjamin E. Mays
Dr. Charles S. Johnson
Dr. Willa B. Player
Dr. Norman Francis
Dr. Frederick S. Humphries
Dr. William R. Harvey
Dr. Johnetta B. Cole
Dr. Beverly Wade Hogan
Standing on the Shoulders: Icons
Booker T. Washington
Joseph C. Price
Mary McLeod Bethune
Elizabeth Evelyn Wright
Brigadier General Samuel Chapman Armstrong
Shout out to your HBCU!
Private Schools
Public Schools
Chapter 1 Exercises
Chapter 2: The Value of the Liberal Arts and General Education
What it Means to be a Well-Educated Person in the 21st century
The Meaning and Purpose of the Liberal Arts
The Liberal Arts Curriculum
Major Bodies of Knowledge in the Liberal Arts Curriculum
Humanities
Fine Arts
Mathematics
Natural Sciences
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Physical Health and Wellness
The Liberal Arts Liberate You from Narrowness and Broaden Your Perspectives
The Social–Spatial Perspective: Moving Beyond the Self to the Wider World
The Perspective of Family
The Perspective of Community
The Perspective of Society
The National Perspective
The International Perspective
The Global Perspective
The Perspective of the Universe (Cosmos)
The Chronological Perspective: Embracing the Past, Present, and Future
Historical Perspective
Contemporary Perspective
Futuristic Perspective
The Synoptic Perspective: Integrating Multiple Perspectives into a Coherent Whole
The Liberal Arts Develop the Whole Person
The Co-Curriculum: Using the Whole Campus to Develop the Whole Person
The Liberal Arts Develop Transferable Skills that Can be Applied in Multiple Contexts
The Liberal Arts Develop Skills for Success in Your College Major
The Liberal Arts Enhance Career Preparation and Career Success
The Liberal Arts Prepare You for Lifelong Learning
Chapter Summary and Highlights
Learning More through the World Wide Web: Internet-Based Resources
Chapter 2 Exercises
Chapter 3: Principles of Student Success
Using Powerful Principles of Student Success and Key Campus Resources
Powerful Principles of College Success
The First Principle: Active Involvement (Engagement)
Time in Class
Time Spent on Coursework Outside of Class
Active Involvement in the Learning Process
Active Listening and Note-Taking in Class
Active Class Participation
Active Reading
Contents
The Second Principle: Capitalizing on Campus Resources (Resourcefulness)
Learning Center (a.k.a. Academic Success Center)
Writing Center
Disability Services (a.k.a. Disability Resource Center)
Campus Library
Academic Advisement
Office of Student Life or Student Development
Financial Aid Office
Health Center
Career Development Center (a.k.a. Career Center)
Counseling Center
The Third Principle: Interpersonal Interaction and Collaboration (Social Integration)
Interacting with Faculty Members
Interacting with Academic Advisors
Interacting with a Mentor
Interaction with Peers (Student–Student Interaction)
The Fourth Principle: Reflection and Self-Awareness (Mindfulness)
Self-Awareness
Chapter Summary and Highlights
Learning More through the World Wide Web: Internet-Based Resources
Chapter 3 Exercises
Chapter 4: Goal Setting, Motivation, and Character
Moving from Intention to Action
The Relationship between Goal Setting and Success
Characteristics of a Well-Designed Goal
Strategies for Maintaining Motivation and Progress toward Your Goals
Characteristics of Successful People
Internal Locus of Control
Self-Efficacy
Grit
Growth Mindset
Chapter Summary and Highlights
Learning More through the World Wide Web: Internet-Based Resources
Chapter 4 Exercises
Chapter 5: Time Management
Prioritizing Tasks, Preventing Procrastination, and Promoting Productivity
The Importance of Time Management
Strategies for Managing Time and Tasks
Create a Time-Management Plan
Dealing with Procrastination
Myths That Promote Procrastination
Psychological Causes of Procrastination
Strategies for Preventing and Overcoming Procrastination
Chapter Summary and Highlights
Learning More through the World Wide Web: Internet-Based Resources
Chapter 5 Exercises
Chapter 6: Strategic Learning
Moving Beyond Basic Knowledge to Critical and Creative Thinking
What Is Higher-Level Thinking?
Defining and Describing the Major Forms of Higher-Level Thinking
Analysis (Analytical Thinking)
Synthesis (Integrative Thinking)
Application (Applied Thinking)
Multidimensional Thinking
Balanced Thinking
Critical Thinking (Evaluation)
Creative Thinking
Using Higher-Level Thinking Skills to Improve Academic Performance
Strategies for Increasing Creativity
Chapter Summary and Highlights
Learning More through the World Wide Web: Internet-Based Resources
Chapter 6 Exercises
Chapter 7: Strategies and Skills for Test-Taking
What to Do Before, During, and After Exams
Pre-Test Strategies: What to Do in Advance of Exams
Recitation
Creating Retrieval Cues
Strategies to Use Immediately Before a Test
Strategies to Use During Exams
Strategies for Answering Multiple-Choice Test Questions
Strategies for Answering Essay Questions
Post-Test Strategies: What to Do After Receiving Your Test Results
Strategies for Reducing Test Anxiety
Chapter Summary and Highlights
Learning More through the World Wide Web: Internet-Based Resources
Chapter 7 Exercises
Chapter 8: Social and Emotional Intelligence
Relating to Others and Regulating Emotions
The Importance of Social Relationships and Social Intelligence
Interpersonal Communication Skills
Human Relations Skills (a.k.a. “People Skills”)
Strategies for Meeting People and Forming Friendships
Romantic Relationships
Stage 1. Passionate Love (Infatuation)
Stage 2. Mature Love
Managing Interpersonal Conflict
Emotional Intelligence
Stress and Anxiety
Effective Methods for Managing Stress
Simple Stress Reduction Strategies and Habits
Depression
Strategies for Coping with Depression
Chapter Summary and Highlights
Learning More through the World Wide Web: Internet-Based Resources
Chapter 8 Exercises
Chapter 9: Diversity and the HBCU Experience
Learning About and From Human Differences
Differences
What Is Diversity?
What Is Racial Diversity?
What Is Cultural Diversity?
What Is an Ethnic Group?
The Relationship between Diversity and Humanity
What Is Individuality?
Major Forms or Types of Diversity in Today’s World
Ethnic and Racial Diversity
Socioeconomic Diversity
International Diversity
Generational Diversity
The Benefits of Experiencing Diversity
Diversity Increases Self-Awareness and Self-Knowledge
Diversity Deepens Learning
Diversity Promotes Critical Thinking
Diversity Stimulates Creative Thinking
Diversity Enhances Career Preparation and Career Success
Overcoming Barriers to Diversity
Ethnocentrism
Stereotyping
Prejudice
Discrimination
Strategies for Overcoming Stereotypes and Prejudices
Chapter Summary and Highlights
Learning More through the World Wide Web: Internet-Based Resources
Chapter 9 Exercises
Chapter 10: Educational and Career Planning
Making Wise Choices about a College Major and Future Career
To Be or Not to Be Decided: What Research Shows about Students’ Choice of a College Major
The Importance of Long-Range Educational Planning
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Major or Field of Study
Multiple Intelligences: Becoming Aware of Your Mental Abilities and Talents
Discovering a Major that’s Compatible with Your Personal Interests and Talents
Myths about the Relationship between Majors and Careers
Do What You Are (DWYA)
The Importance of Career Planning
Strategies for Career Exploration and Preparation
Step 1. Awareness of Self
Step 2. Awareness of Career Options
Step 3. Awareness of Career Options that Provide the Best “Fit” for You
Step 4. Awareness of the Major Steps Needed to Reach Your Career Goal
Course Transcript
Personal Resume
Chapter Summary and Highlights
Learning More through the World Wide Web: Internet-Based Resources
References
Chapter 10 Exercises
Chapter 11: Financial Literacy
Managing Money and Minimizing Debt
Sources of Income for Financing a College Education
Student Loans
Scholarships
Grants
Veterans Benefits
Salary Earnings
Developing a Money Management Plan
Gain Financial Self-Awareness
Track Your Cash Flow
Developing a Plan for Managing Money and Minimizing Debt
Long-Range Fiscal Planning: Financing Your College Education
Chapter Summary and Highlights
Learning More through the World Wide Web: Internet-Based Resources
Chapter 11 Exercises
Chapter 12: Health and Wellness
Body, Mind, and Spirit
What Is Wellness?
Physical Wellness
Essential Elements of Physical Wellness
Nutrition
Nutrition Management Strategies
Eating Disorders
Exercise and Fitness
Benefits of Exercise for the Body
Benefits of Exercise for the Mind
Guidelines and Strategies for Maximizing the Effectiveness of Exercise
Rest and Sleep
The Value and Purpose of Sleep
The Importance of Sleep for College Students
Adjusting Academic Work Tasks to Your Biological Rhythms
Strategies for Improving Sleep Quality
Substance Abuse and Risky Behavior
Alcohol Use among College Students
Alcohol Abuse among College Students
Use and Abuse of Illegal Drugs
Unhealthy Relationships
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Campus Safety
Chapter Summary and Highlights
Learning More through the World Wide Web: Internet-Based Resources
Chapter 12 Exercises
Glossary and Dictionary of College Vocabulary
Index
Karen Turner Ward holds a doctoral degree in Criticism and Public Address from Regent University. Dr. Ward has the distinction of being the first student to earn a Ph.D. from the University. Dr. Ward currently serves as Chair of the Department of Fine and Performing Arts at Hampton University where she teaches communication and theatre courses. She serves on the School of Liberal Arts and Education University 101 (First-Year Experience) Advisory Committee and assists in the development of the course curriculum. She also helped prepare the course’s interactive textbook, The Individual and Life: Your Pathway to Success. She has served as a national consultant on recruitment, assessment, and retention of African American students.
To meet student needs, Dr. Ward has incorporated innovative approaches to instruction and introduced technology into traditional instructional programming. It was this search for innovative approaches to instruct “today’s students” that inspired her to write the communication textbook, Communication for Today’s Student, now in its fourth edition. The textbook, published by Kendall Hunt Publishing, is accompanied by an interactive program, which enables students to submit assignments online, sit for digital exams, take practice tests and post-tests, and absorb the material through interactive games and flash cards. This program enables students as well as instructors to obtain immediate assessment results. The overwhelming success of this program inspired Dr. Ward to develop both the Humanities One Interactive and Humanities Two Interactive textbooks.
Dr. Ward has received numerous awards for her commitment to innovative teaching, including the coveted, E. L. Hamm Distinguished Teaching Award presented each academic year by the University President.
Aaron Thompson is a nationally recognized leader in higher education with a focus on policy, student success and organizational leadership and design. He serves as President of the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education and as professor of sociology in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at Eastern Kentucky University. He recently served as interim president of Kentucky State University. Thompson holds a doctorate in sociology in areas of organizational behavior and race and gender relations.
His leadership experience spans 27 years across higher education, business and numerous non-profit boards. Thompson has researched, taught and consulted in areas of diversity, leadership, ethics, multicultural families, race and ethnic relations, student success, first-year students, retention, cultural competence and organizational design throughout his career.
As a highly sought after national speaker, Thompson has presented more than 800 workshops, seminars and invited lectures in areas of race and gender diversity, living an unbiased life, overcoming obstacles to gain success, creating a school environment for academic success, cultural competence, workplace interaction, leadership, organizational goal setting, building relationships, the first-year seminar, and a variety of other topics. He continues to serve as a consultant to educational institutions (elementary, secondary and postsecondary), corporations, non-profit organizations, police departments and other governmental agencies.
Thompson has published more than 30 publications and numerous research and peer reviewed presentations. He has authored or co-authored the following books: Changing Student Culture from the Ground Up, The Sociological Outlook, Infusing Diversity and Cultural Competence into Teacher Education, Peer to Peer Leadership: Changing Student Culture from the Ground Up. He also co-authored Thriving in College and Beyond: Research-Based Strategies for Academic Success, Thriving in the Community College and Beyond: Research-Based Strategies for Academic Success and Personal Development, Diversity and the College Experience, Focus on Success and Black Men and Divorce.