Watson’s faculty development experience includes serving as the instructional designer in the University Center for Excellence in Teaching at Indiana University South Bend for over five years. While serving in that capacity, she developed various professional development opportunities to help faculty design and facilitate face-to-face, blended and online courses. She also conducted the annual assessment of the faculty development activities provided by UCET.
Prior to serving at IUSB, Watson served for over five years as an online course manager at Southern Illinois University, where she taught online courses and trained course managers to teach online.
"Dr. Watson brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the directorship of the Faculty Development Center, and we look forward to both growing and continuing the high-impact programming offered to Murray State faculty,” said Ashley Ireland, dean of University Libraries. “Efforts in this area directly connect to the teaching and learning mission of the University, and Firm Faith's strengths will certainly enhance those efforts."
Watson grew up in Jamaica, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Administrative Management from the University of Technology, Jamaica. She developed a love for teaching while serving as a lecturer at the Jamaica Institute of Management. She later moved to the United States to complete a Master of Science in Education with an emphasis in workforce education and development at Southern Illinois University.
Subsequently, she earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Learning Systems Design and Technology at SIUC.
Subsequently, she earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Learning Systems Design and Technology at SIUC.
"I am very excited to serve as the Director of the Faculty Development Center at Murray State University. I look forward to collaborating with various campus stakeholders to promote deeper learning approaches that will help our students succeed,” said Watson. “As a faculty member, I identify with many of the challenges and opportunities that faculty encounter while facilitating learning, conducting research and providing service. Together, we can make a substantive difference in the lives of our students.”
The Faculty Development Center provides opportunities for ongoing discussions about pedagogy and instructional design. These are accomplished in one-on-one and group settings through faculty consultations, classroom visits, faculty learning communities, workshops and conferences.
Collaboration with people and programs on Murray State’s campus and beyond support the advancement of engaging pedagogies and effective instructional design. The center supports the University’s core mission of teaching excellence by helping cultivate an institutional climate that values, promotes and rewards teaching excellence at Murray State.
Collaboration with people and programs on Murray State’s campus and beyond support the advancement of engaging pedagogies and effective instructional design. The center supports the University’s core mission of teaching excellence by helping cultivate an institutional climate that values, promotes and rewards teaching excellence at Murray State.
Watson can be reached at fwatson2@murraystate.edu or 270-809-4595.
