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Anchin Faculty Speaker Series Celebrates Emerging, Expanding, and Enduring Voices in Education

a picture of four faculty members

The David C. Anchin Center for the Advancement of Teaching hosted Emerging, Expanding, and Enduring Voices on March 26, 2026, in TECO Hall at the USF College of Education. The event brought members of the college community together to celebrate faculty scholarship, exchange ideas and explore how varied perspectives can help shape innovative responses to a changing educational landscape.

The program featured three distinguished faculty voices representing different dimensions of the College of Education community:

  • Dr. Clarence V. Walker Jr., assistant professor, represented an emerging voice in educational research.
  • Dr. Jenifer Jasinski Schneider, dean of the College of Education and a Fulbright scholar, contributed an expanding global perspective.
  • Dr. Waynne James, emerita faculty member, shared an enduring voice grounded in a distinguished career in education.
a group shot of people

Each speaker presented a brief faculty research talk highlighting insights from their scholarship and professional experience. The presentations were followed by a panel discussion and audience question-and-answer session moderated by Dr. Jose Castillo, creating opportunities for participants to consider connections among research, practice, experience and global engagement.

Designed to strengthen relationships across the College of Education, the speaker series recognizes the value of learning across career stages and areas of expertise. By bringing together emerging scholars, internationally engaged faculty and experienced educators, the program demonstrated how multiple perspectives can deepen understanding and inspire new possibilities for teaching, research and educational leadership.

a picture of the crowd at the event

The evening also included a dinner celebrating Dr. James’s retirement and her many contributions to the USF College of Education. Her inclusion as an enduring voice offered a meaningful opportunity to honor the knowledge, relationships and institutional legacy she developed throughout her career.

Through the Anchin Faculty Speaker Series, the Center continues to create spaces that elevate faculty scholarship, encourage interdisciplinary dialogue and strengthen connections throughout the College of Education.