Last updated on July 9th, 2024 at 03:25 pm
Today we’re featuring one of the many members of Salem University’s faculty who work every day toward our mission of designing innovative academic programs for a globalized world:
Dr. LaQueda Taulton is a faculty advisor and adjunct faculty member at Salem University. She has spent the past decade teaching and serving as an administrator in online higher education settings, with particular expertise in admissions and advising. She has conducted research on topics related to nontraditional education and has been involved in strategic leadership relative to the vision for online education. Her primary research interests include online teaching and learning, organizational leadership, critical race theory, and intersectionality. She holds an Ed.D. in Administration & Leadership Studies in Education with a specialization in Higher Education and a master’s degree in Curriculum & Instruction: Adult Learning & Training. She received her bachelor’s degree in social work and also holds a certificate in online teaching and diversity and inclusion in higher education.
Dr. Taulton, what inspired you to pursue education as a career?
I have always been an advocate for continuing education. I am a first-generation college student. My journey inspired me to help others move forward and successfully complete their degrees.
In what ways has the field of education changed over the years you’ve been working in it? How has this affected how and what you teach students?
Since the pandemic, we have adapted to many changes in higher education. Some positive and easy adjustments, some challenging. Technology has changed the way students want to learn. You must learn new skills and ways to keep your students engaged (especially while teaching online).
What are some of the biggest challenges facing the education field right now?
In my opinion, the biggest challenge is finding a way to keep students motivated, while adapting to the changes in technology and social media. Social media is a primary tool used by students to engage. In addition, universities have become very competitive. Finding ways to serve your students and ensure student success, while remaining competitive is a challenge.
From your point of view as a professor, how do you define student success? What are the goals you aim for?
I believe student success can be defined in many ways. One way is establishing rapport with your students and figuring out what student success means to them. The goals I aim for: allowing my students to have a voice, and learning with my students.
What is your advice to students on the ways they can be successful, in both their degree program and in their education careers?
I always encourage networking. In fact, I encourage students to reach out to professors in other departments (aside from their major) and communicate. You never know when you will need that professor. It’s always good to have a great networking system.
What are some of the key benefits of the education programs at Salem University?
The key benefits of the education programs at Salem University would be the faculty focus on student success, competitive tuition cost, and the ability to pursue your degree 100% online.
What is your favorite part of being an education professor?
I love establishing rapport with students. A lot of my students let me know how much they have learned and enjoy the classes I have taught. They also reach out and let me know ideas on how to improve the online environment. It really helps me as a professor, knowing I can count on my students to help me improve my teaching abilities.
Tags: Career Guides, Classroom Instruction, Educational Leadership, Higher Education, Management, Teaching
