Podcast
The Adjunct Files
Hosted by The Lucas Center at FGCU · EN
Adjunct faculty are a growing majority in higher education, shaping student experiences while navigating the challenges of contingent employment. As adjuncts at a regional public university, we know firsthand the realities, rewards, and roadblocks that come with the role. That’s why we’re here—to boost your mood and pedagogy with insightful dialogues on current challenges, practical strategies, and pathways forward for you and your students.
19episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Inside Faculty Senate: Why Adjunct Voices Matter
3d ago00:45:40Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailWhat exactly does Faculty Senate do, and why should adjunct faculty care? In this episode of The Adjunct Files, John and Maggie sit down with Dr. Derek Lura, President of the FGCU Faculty Senate, for a candid conversation about shared governance, university decision-making, and the evolving role of adjunct faculty within the institution.The discussion explores FGCU's historic decision to become the first university in Florida's State University System to include adjunct faculty senators in its shared governance model. Dr. Lura shares his perspective on faculty representation, communication across the university, the challenges and opportunities facing higher education, and why adjunct faculty play a critical role in FGCU's future. Whether you're curious about how decisions are made, how your voice can be heard, or how to become more connected to the university community, this episode offers an insightful look behind the scenes of leadership at FGCU.Theme music composed, performed and produced by James Husni. Adjunct Nation is a collaborative podcast under the auspices of The Lucas Center for Faculty Development at FGCU. You can learn more by clicking on this link:https://www.fgcu.edu/lucascenter/
Transcribe →Lost on Campus? Tami Tassler to the Rescue
2w ago00:48:00Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode of The Adjunct Files, John and Maggie sit down with Tami Tassler, Associate Director of Admissions and the energetic force behind FGCU’s Welcome Center and campus tours. With 25 years of experience introducing future Eagles to the university, Tami shares what makes FGCU stand out, the hidden gems many faculty never discover, and why connection and community remain at the heart of the student experience.From residence halls and waterfront views to campus traditions, student belonging, and the challenges facing today’s students, this conversation offers a fresh look at FGCU through the eyes of the people who see it for the first time every day. Along the way, Tami challenges adjunct faculty to get out of the classroom, explore campus, build community, and better understand the students they teach.Whether you’re new to FGCU or have been teaching here for years, this episode may inspire you to see the university—and your role in it—with fresh eyes.Theme music composed, performed and produced by James Husni. Adjunct Nation is a collaborative podcast under the auspices of The Lucas Center for Faculty Development at FGCU. You can learn more by clicking on this link:https://www.fgcu.edu/lucascenter/
Transcribe →A Voice and a Vote: Meet FGCU’s First Adjunct Faculty Senators
Jul 100:33:48Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailHistory is being made at FGCU. In this episode of The Adjunct Files, Jon and Maggie sit down with Emily Chaikin and Jessica Carter Peer, the first adjunct faculty members ever elected to the FGCU Faculty Senate—making FGCU the first university in Florida to formally include adjunct representation in shared governance.Emily and Jessica share their journeys at FGCU, what motivated them to step forward into this new leadership role, and why adjunct voices matter in conversations about communication, policy, teaching conditions, and student success. They discuss the opportunities—and challenges—of representing hundreds of adjunct faculty, the importance of closing feedback loops, and what success would look like at the end of their term.Whether you’re an adjunct wondering how shared governance affects you, or a faculty member curious about how FGCU is redefining inclusion and collaboration, this episode offers an inside look at a pivotal moment for the university—and what it could mean for the future of adjunct faculty across higher education.Theme music composed, performed and produced by James Husni. Adjunct Nation is a collaborative podcast under the auspices of The Lucas Center for Faculty Development at FGCU. You can learn more by clicking on this link:https://www.fgcu.edu/lucascenter/
Transcribe →From Storms to Students: Brian Rist on Entrepreneurship, Purpose, and Giving Back
Jun 1600:47:57Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode of The Adjunct Files, John and Maggie sit down with Brian Rist—founder of Storm Smart, longtime entrepreneur, philanthropist, and adjunct faculty member at FGCU—fresh off receiving an honorary Doctor of Laws at commencement. What unfolds is far more than a business success story; it’s a reflection on purpose, resilience, and the transformative power of education.Brian shares how Hurricane Andrew sparked the idea that would eventually become Storm Smart, a company that revolutionized hurricane protection and helped safeguard hundreds of thousands of homes. But the heart of this conversation lies in what came next: his decision to step into the classroom, mentor first-generation and regional students, and invest his time, talent, and resources in helping others break cycles and build better futures.From ethical leadership and lifelong learning to generosity as a way of life, Brian reflects on why teaching as an adjunct is one of the most meaningful things he does—and why he gladly flies back and forth to stay connected to students. Whether you’re an adjunct, an entrepreneur, or someone searching for deeper meaning in your work, this episode is a powerful reminder that success isn’t just about what you build—but who you help along the way.Theme music composed, performed and produced by James Husni. Adjunct Nation is a collaborative podcast under the auspices of The Lucas Center for Faculty Development at FGCU. You can learn more by clicking on this link:https://www.fgcu.edu/lucascenter/
Transcribe →Blue Lights, Bears, and Back‑Up: What FGCU Police Want Adjuncts to Know
Jun 200:46:54Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailWhat do adjunct faculty really need to know about campus safety—and who should you call when something doesn’t feel right? In this episode of The Adjunct Files, Jon and Maggie sit down with Officer Christine Hoffman of the FGCU Police Department for a candid, informative, and surprisingly fun conversation about safety, resources, and community policing on campus.Officer Hoffman shares her journey from dispatcher to community outreach officer and breaks down what adjuncts should know about staying safe while teaching evenings, navigating campus after hours, and supporting students who may be in distress. From the Eagle Guardian app and safety escorts to classroom emergency phones, locked doors, and how to report concerning student behavior (including social media posts), this episode is packed with practical, reassuring information every adjunct should have.Along the way, the conversation highlights FGCU’s unique environment—yes, including bears, scooters, and delivery robots—and the important role police play not just in emergencies, but in building trust, education, and connection across campus. Whether you’re new to FGCU or have been teaching here for years, this episode will leave you feeling more informed, more confident, and more connected to the people who have your back—24/7.Guardian Eagle - fgcu.edu/upd/raveguardianInstagram - instagram.com/fgcuupd/Facebook - facebook.com/FGCUPDTheme music composed, performed and produced by James Husni. Adjunct Nation is a collaborative podcast under the auspices of The Lucas Center for Faculty Development at FGCU. You can learn more by clicking on this link:https://www.fgcu.edu/lucascenter/
Transcribe →New Voices, Deep Purpose: Why These Adjuncts Chose the Classroom
May 1900:46:04Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailWhat happens when two first‑time adjunct faculty bring not just expertise—but life-changing experiences—into the classroom? In this episode of The Adjunct Files, John and Maggie sit down with Rosario Welle and Kristoffer Doura to unpack their first semester teaching at FGCU—and the powerful personal journeys that led them there.From Rosario’s path as an immigrant, entrepreneur, and first-generation college advocate to Kristoffer’s remarkable transition from the NFL to entrepreneurship and higher education after a life-altering medical crisis, this conversation is rich with purpose, resilience, and heart. Together, they reflect on what it means to teach as a calling, not just a job—and how their real-world experiences shape the way they connect with students.Along the way, they share candid insights on navigating the first semester, building meaningful student relationships, integrating AI into teaching, and the importance of community and support for adjunct faculty. Whether you’re new to teaching or a seasoned adjunct, this episode will leave you inspired—and reminded why the work we do truly matters.Theme music composed, performed and produced by James Husni. Adjunct Nation is a collaborative podcast under the auspices of The Lucas Center for Faculty Development at FGCU. You can learn more by clicking on this link:https://www.fgcu.edu/lucascenter/
Transcribe →Ask a Librarian: Myth‑Busting, AI, Free Stuff and More
May 500:49:08Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode of The Adjunct Files, John and Maggie head straight to the heart of campus collaboration—the FGCU Library. Joined by four librarians, the conversation pulls back the curtain on what librarians actually do and why adjunct faculty should see them as teaching partners. They will bust myths about the library, highlight underused tools and services and emphasize one core takeaway: you don’t need to know the right question to ask. You just need to ask.University Archives & Special Collections: https://library.fgcu.edu/uasc Subject Librarians: https://library.fgcu.edu/facultysupport/subjectspec Open Library: https://openlibrary.org/ Alethea: https://library.fgcu.edu/alethea Leganto: https://library.fgcu.edu/reading-lists FGCU AI Summer Academy (May 2026): https://www.fgcu.edu/eng/dendritic-institute/academy/summer_academy/Theme music composed, performed and produced by James Husni. Adjunct Nation is a collaborative podcast under the auspices of The Lucas Center for Faculty Development at FGCU. You can learn more by clicking on this link:https://www.fgcu.edu/lucascenter/
Transcribe →From Classroom to Career: Why Adjuncts Are the Missing Link in Internships
Apr 1600:47:15Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode of The Adjunct Files, hosts John Roth and Maggie Hohne are joined by Ashleigh Droz, Director of Internships and Cooperative Programs at Florida Gulf Coast University, interim leader in Career Development Services, and fellow adjunct faculty member.Ashleigh pulls back the curtain on why internships are one of the university’s most powerful high‑impact practices—and why adjunct faculty are uniquely positioned to lead them. Drawing on her experience working with employers, students, and faculty across disciplines, she makes the case that adjuncts aren’t just instructors—they are co‑educators who already live at the intersection of theory and practice.The conversation explores:Why adjunct faculty make exceptional internship supervisorsHow internships differ from service learning—and when one should become the otherThe importance of clear expectations, meaningful work, and experienced supervisionWhy internships function as a “long interview” and a talent pipeline for employersHow internships help students test, refine, or even rethink their career paths before graduationAshleigh also shares practical advice for adjunct faculty interested in hosting or mentoring interns, including how much lead time to plan, what students actually need to learn beyond technical skills, and how internship design mirrors good course design—with learning outcomes, feedback, and reflection at its core.This episode is a must‑listen for adjunct faculty who want to deepen their impact, strengthen connections between campus and community, and play a direct role in preparing students for life after graduation.https://www.fgcu.edu/academics/internships/employer-resourcesWings up—and stay connected.Theme music composed, performed and produced by James Husni. Adjunct Nation is a collaborative podcast under the auspices of The Lucas Center for Faculty Development at FGCU. You can learn more by clicking on this link:https://www.fgcu.edu/lucascenter/
Transcribe →From Newsrooms to Classrooms: George Lang on Student Media at FGCU
Apr 700:44:46Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailWhat can adjunct faculty learn from a veteran journalist dropped into the deep end of FGCU’s Eagle Media?In this episode, we sit down with George Lang, former entertainment editor, long‑time reporter, and now advisor to Eagle Media’s three student‑run platforms. George shares what student journalists are facing today, how media literacy affects every discipline, and why the most powerful teaching tool—whether in a newsroom or a classroom—is simply asking better questions.If you’ve ever wondered how to help students find their voice, navigate today’s chaotic media landscape, or connect your courses to real‑world reporting, this conversation is packed with practical insights, stories, humor, and heart.Give it a listen—your next class might look different afterward.Theme music composed, performed and produced by James Husni. Adjunct Nation is a collaborative podcast under the auspices of The Lucas Center for Faculty Development at FGCU. You can learn more by clicking on this link:https://www.fgcu.edu/lucascenter/
Transcribe →The Power of Adjuncts: Give Day Bonus Episode
Mar 1700:25:06Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this special Give Day bonus episode of The Adjunct Files, John sits down with three dedicated FGCU adjunct faculty—Marsha Oenick, Jessica Carter Peer, and Andrew Berkow—to talk openly about their journeys, their challenges, and the powerful community that has formed around adjunct teaching at FGCU.Together, they reflect on how much has changed:✨ the creation of adjunct orientation,✨ the Adjunct Academy,✨ new mentoring structures,✨ the adjunct workspace,✨ stronger communication and support from departments,✨ and FGCU’s national recognition through the 2025 Delphi Award.But they also highlight why this moment matters.FGCU’s new Adjunct Faculty Program Endowment—seeded with the Delphi Award’s $15,000 prize—is just $10,000 away from the $25,000 needed to activate it. With a $5,000 matching challenge and potential Foundation bonuses for donor count, even a small contribution goes a long way.This endowment will fund:• mentorship stipends• conference and professional development opportunities• initiatives that strengthen belonging and communityListen in as these instructors share how FGCU changed their teaching, why community and belonging matter, and why your Give Day gift—large or small—helps build a future where adjunct faculty feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.Give today. Double your impact. Support the educators who shape every Eagle.Select Fund #10442 on the Give Day page.https://donate.fgcu.edu/g/lucas-centerTheme music composed, performed and produced by James Husni. Adjunct Nation is a collaborative podcast under the auspices of The Lucas Center for Faculty Development at FGCU. You can learn more by clicking on this link:https://www.fgcu.edu/lucascenter/
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