Professor Ishmael Irungu Munene Pays Courtesy Call to KCA University Vice-Chancellor

In a significant academic engagement, Professor Ishmael Irungu Munene, PhD (He/Him), a distinguished scholar from Northern Arizona University (NAU), paid a courtesy call to the Vice-Chancellor and CEO of KCA University. Professor Munene, a Fulbright U.S. Scholar, Carnegie African Diaspora Fellow, and Co-Chair of the Commission on Ethnic Diversity, was received at the university courtesy of the Director of the Centre for Teaching and Learning Excellence (CTLE). During his visit, Professor Munene and the Vice-Chancellor engaged in a cordial and insightful discussion on key issues in higher education, with a particular focus on teacher education and development at the university level. He also shared insights from his Fulbright scholarship experience at Kenyatta University, offering valuable perspectives on global best practices in higher education. A highlight of the meeting was the discussion on potential collaboration between Northern Arizona University and KCA University. The two institutions explored opportunities for academic partnerships, faculty exchange programs, and joint research initiatives aimed at enhancing teaching and learning in higher education. In a generous contribution to faculty professional development, Professor Munene donated ten book titles to the CTLE, further strengthening KCA University’s commitment to faculty pedagogical excellence. The donated books include:

1. The Productive Online and Offline Professor: A Practical Guide – Stachowiak, B. (2020)
2. Publish & Flourish: Become a Prolific Scholar – Gray, T. (2010)
3. The Freedom Writers Diary: How a Teacher and 150 Teens Used Writing to Change Themselves and the World Around Them – Gruwell, E. (2009)
4. Walking on Water: Reading, Writing and Revolution – Jensen, D. (2004)
5. How to Design and Deliver Online Education Using Universal Design for Learning – Novak, K. & Thibodeau, T. (2016)
6. Blended Learning: Across the Disciplines, Across the Academy – Glazer, F. S. (Ed.) (2012)
7. How Learning Works: Seven Research-Based Principles for Smart Teaching – Ambrose, S. A., Bridges, M.W., DiPietro, M., Lovett, M. C. & Norman, M. K. (2010)
8. To Improve the Academy: Resources for Faculty, Instructional, and Organizational Development (Vol. 25) – Robertson, D. R. & Nilson, L. B. (Eds.) (2007)
9. Writing Your Journal Article in Twelve Weeks: A Guide to Academic Publishing Success – Belcher, W. L. (2009)
10. The Online Teaching Survival Guide: Simple and Practical Pedagogical Tips (2nd ed.) – Boettcher, J. V. & Conrad, R. M. (2016)

The Vice-Chancellor expressed deep appreciation for Professor Munene’s visit and generous contribution, noting that the engagement marks a significant step towards enriching faculty development and strengthening international collaborations. The university looks forward to furthering discussions with NAU to establish lasting academic partnerships. Professor Munene’s visit underscores KCA University’s commitment to fostering global academic networks and enhancing faculty capacity for impactful teaching and research. The CTLE remains dedicated to equipping faculty with the latest pedagogical resources and best practices to enhance student learning experiences

CTLE Retreat on Faculty Handbook Development

From July 2^nd to 5^th, 2024, KCA University Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence hosted the CTLE Retreat at Peaks Hotel Nanyuki, which focused on the development of a comprehensive Faculty Handbook. The event was officially opened by the Vice Chancellor & CEO of KCA University, Prof. Isaiah I.C. Wakindiki who highlighted the critical role a well-structured handbook plays in fostering academic excellence and supporting faculty members. This four-day workshop was a collaborative effort involving Faculty, Administrative staff, and Academic leaders, all working together to draft and refine key handbook sections. The primary objectives were to standardize academic procedures, enhance faculty support, and promote innovative teaching strategies.