Vicki Baker | Development | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Academic achievements

Dr. Vicki Baker | Development | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Vicki Baker | Development – Professor at Albion College, United States

Dr. Vicki L. Baker is a distinguished scholar in the field of higher education with a robust academic and administrative career. She specializes in faculty development, leadership development, mentoring, liberal arts colleges, and identity formation. Over the course of her career, Dr. Baker has contributed significantly to research and practices in academia, particularly in fostering leadership in higher education. With numerous published works and influential contributions to the development of higher education policies, Dr. Baker is widely recognized for her academic expertise and leadership skills. She currently serves as the Associate Dean for Strategic Partnerships & Innovation at Albion College, where she spearheads efforts in fostering partnerships and enhancing experiential learning opportunities.

Profile:

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Education:

Dr. Baker holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from The Pennsylvania State University, where she honed her expertise in educational leadership and management. She also earned an M.S. in Management and Organization from the Smeal College of Business at Penn State. Additionally, she completed an M.B.A. from Clarion University of Pennsylvania, where she graduated with honors and received the Beta Gamma Sigma recognition for being among the top 10% of her class. Dr. Baker’s academic journey was further enriched by a B.S. in Safety Sciences from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, coupled with minors in Applied Statistics and Spanish. Her international immersion at The Center for Bilingual and Multicultural Studies in Cuernavaca, Mexico, furthered her cross-cultural understanding and added to her global academic perspective.

Experience:

With an extensive career in both academic and administrative roles, Dr. Baker has amassed a wealth of experience in leadership and institutional development. She currently holds the position of Associate Dean for Strategic Partnerships & Innovation at Albion College, where she oversees initiatives related to faculty development and strategic college-industry partnerships. In this role, she has successfully secured major grants, including a $400,000 NSF EPIIC grant, and has played a pivotal role in advancing experiential learning initiatives. Dr. Baker’s leadership extends beyond institutional borders, as she is deeply involved in strategic planning, fundraising, and the development of cross-functional collaborations. She has also mentored numerous faculty members, helping them navigate the complexities of academic leadership while fostering innovation and professional growth within their institutions.

Research Interests:

Dr. Baker’s research interests are broad and deeply impactful, focusing primarily on leadership development, faculty professional growth, and mentoring within the context of higher education. She explores how faculty development programs can be optimized to enhance institutional effectiveness and promote faculty engagement. A significant portion of her work examines the dynamics of liberal arts colleges and how these institutions can balance tradition with innovation in their academic and community service missions. Additionally, Dr. Baker’s research delves into identity formation in academic settings, with an emphasis on how faculty and students navigate professional and personal development. Her ongoing research seeks to integrate evidence-based strategies for leadership training with practical, real-world applications that can transform higher education institutions.

Awards:

Dr. Baker has received multiple recognitions for her excellence in research, leadership, and academic service. She was awarded the Pi Lambda Theta Honor Society in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the field of higher education. Furthermore, her research has been continuously cited by scholars and practitioners, underscoring the influence and relevance of her work. She is a recognized leader in her field, and her efforts in advancing educational development and faculty mentorship have been integral to shaping the policies and practices in many academic institutions.

Publication:

Dr. Baker’s scholarly output is vast, with notable publications in top-tier journals. Here are some of her key publications:

  1. Baker, V.L. & Boland, L.M. (2023). “Harnessing the Power of the Sabbatical: Providing Strategic Guidance to Faculty Developers.” Journal of Faculty Development, 37(3), 48-53.
    Cited by: 45+ scholars in the field of academic leadership.
  2. Pifer, M.J., Tevis, T.L., & Baker, V.L. (2023). “Advancing the Institution and the Individual: Women’s Enactment of Equity-Minded Leadership in Colleges and Universities.” The Journal of Higher Education.
    Cited by: 50+ related studies on equity and leadership in higher education.
  3. Young, S.P., & Baker, V.L. (2024). “Developing Leaders Through Rotational Programs: What is the Cost to Followers?” Global Business & Organizational Excellence, 43, 72-88.
    Cited by: 30+ in leadership studies.
  4. Baker, V.L., & Walling, C. (2023). “Community Engaged Learning in Liberal Arts Colleges: Developing Engaged Citizens.” The Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education, 15(1), 23-36.
    Cited by: 60+ in community engagement research.
  5. Austin, A.E., Singer, S.R., Grimm, A., Baker, V.L., & Shanks, L. (2024). “Organization Change Networks (OCNs): A Framework for Understanding Their Development and Functioning.” Innovative Higher Education.
    Cited by: 20+ in organizational development literature.
  6. Baker, V.L., & Pifer, M.J. (2023). “Colleagues, Culture, and Leadership: The Academic Department as a Location of Faculty Experiences in Liberal Arts Colleges.” Review of Higher Education, 42(2), 537-564.
    Cited by: 40+ in liberal arts and leadership studies.
  7. Baker, V.L., & Manning, C.E.N. (2022). “Fostering Professional Development through Undergraduate Research: Supporting Faculty Mentors and Student Researchers.” Mentoring & Tutoring Journal, 30(2), 216-234.
    Cited by: 35+ in mentoring research.

Conclusion:

Dr. Vicki L. Baker is a highly respected scholar and leader in higher education, with a distinguished record of impactful research, teaching, and service. Her work in faculty development, leadership, and mentoring has not only contributed to the academic community but also shaped institutional policies that foster student and faculty success. Through her role at Albion College and her extensive publications, Dr. Baker has consistently demonstrated her commitment to advancing the field of higher education. Her research is widely cited and has influenced practices across various domains of academia. As an educator, researcher, and administrator, Dr. Baker continues to make significant strides in improving faculty development and leadership, making her a worthy nominee for the Best Researcher Award.

Bethany Smith | Professional Development | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Academic achievements

Ms.Bethany Smith | Professional Development | Best Researcher Award 

Lecturer in PE and School Sport Hartpury University United Kingdom

Evaluation of Bethany Jane Smith for the Research for Best Researcher Award

Strengths for the Award

  1. Extensive Academic and Professional Background: Bethany Jane Smith holds an MA in Professional Education Practice and a BA (Hons) in Sports Coaching and Physical Education, showcasing her strong academic foundation. Her education is complemented by numerous sports qualifications, including UEFA B and FA Secondary Teachers Award, which highlight her dedication to the sports education field.
  2. Research Contributions: Bethany has contributed to academic research, evidenced by her latest peer-reviewed publication in Professional Development in Education. This publication underscores her involvement in significant educational research, specifically in teacher development.
  3. Practical Experience and Leadership: Bethany’s employment history demonstrates a strong blend of academic and practical experience. Her roles as a UEFA C Coach Developer, FA Coach Mentor, and Lecturer at Hartpury University involve leadership, mentoring, and teaching, aligning with her research interests. These roles reflect her ability to translate research into practice, an essential quality for a researcher.
  4. Commitment to Professional Development: Bethany has continuously pursued professional development, earning certifications and taking on leadership roles, such as Course Manager for the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport. Her achievements, including being named Sportswoman of the Year at Plymouth Marjon University, further emphasize her dedication and recognition in her field.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Focus on Research Output: While Bethany has a solid foundation in education and professional practice, her research output could be expanded. Increasing the number of peer-reviewed publications, particularly in high-impact journals, would strengthen her profile as a researcher.
  2. Interdisciplinary Research: Bethany’s work is primarily focused on sports coaching and physical education. Engaging in interdisciplinary research, particularly in areas such as sports psychology or education technology, could broaden her impact and demonstrate versatility as a researcher.
  3. Global Impact and Collaboration: Participating in international research collaborations and projects could enhance her visibility and influence in the global research community. This would also offer opportunities to engage with diverse perspectives and methodologies.

Conclusion

Bethany Jane Smith is a dedicated and accomplished professional in the field of sports education and coaching. Her strong academic background, practical experience, and leadership roles make her a strong candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. However, to further bolster her candidacy, increasing her research output and expanding her work into interdisciplinary and international arenas would be beneficial. With these improvements, Bethany has the potential to significantly contribute to her field and gain broader recognition as a leading researcher.

Bethany Jane Smith is a passionate educator, coach, and mentor in the sports sector, with a deep commitment to developing holistic learners. Her dedication to fostering growth in both education and sports is evident in her extensive experience working with a diverse range of learners. Bethany’s approach is rooted in empathy, patience, and resilience, driving her to continually refine best practices in her field. Currently based in Gloucester, she is a recognized leader in professional teacher development within universities, with a strong focus on enhancing the effectiveness of educational practices.

Profile

ORCiD

Education 🎓

Bethany Jane Smith holds an MA in Professional Education Practice from Plymouth Marjon University, where she also earned a Post Graduate Certificate in Education, specializing in Secondary Physical Education with PSHE and SEND Enhancement, achieving a distinction. Her academic journey began with a BA (Hons) in Sports Coaching and Physical Education, where she graduated with First Class Honors. Bethany’s education was further enriched by her roles as a course representative and her in-depth study of inclusive classroom practices, professional development, and sports science.

Experience 💼

Bethany has a wealth of experience in the education and sports sectors. Currently, she serves as a UEFA C Coach Developer at The Football Association, where she supports learners in achieving their coaching qualifications. Additionally, she mentors coaches within the Women’s and Girls’ divisions, ensuring best practices are upheld. Her role as an Academy Coach at Hartpury College allows her to design and deliver sessions that develop holistic players, while her position as a Lecturer at Hartpury University involves creating high-quality teaching materials and managing undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Previously, Bethany was a Lecturer in Sport and Public Services at West Kent College, where she also served as a Course Manager.

Research Interest 🔍

Bethany’s research interests are centered around professional teacher development, particularly within the university setting. She is dedicated to exploring what makes teacher development effective and how educational practices can be improved to foster better learning outcomes. Her work is informed by her practical experience in coaching and education, aiming to bridge the gap between theory and practice.

Awards 🏆

Bethany has received numerous awards and recognitions throughout her career. She was elected as the Course Manager for the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport in 2019 and was named Sportswoman of the Year at Plymouth Marjon University in 2018. Her leadership roles include serving as the Devon FA Project Officer for the Youth Council and captain of various BUCS Ladies sports teams.

Publications 📚

Bethany’s latest peer-reviewed publication is titled “What makes professional teacher development in universities effective? Lessons from an international systematised review,” co-authored with L. Wyness. Published in 2024 in the journal Professional Development in Education, this paper delves into the key factors that contribute to effective teacher development. Read the publication here