The 2025 Celebration of Teaching and Learning Conference was a day dedicated to innovation, collaboration and excellence in education. Hosted by UofL’s Delphi Center in February, the annual conference brings together educators, staff, and leaders from across disciplines to explore teaching strategies and ways to integrate technologies and implement high-impact practices that support student success.
“Don’t think of memory as a place to put information but rather as the capacity to support the pursuit of goals,” advised the conference’s keynote Michelle Miller. Miller, who is also an author and University of Arizona educator, presented on “Learning at the Intersection of Cognition, Motivation, and Technology.”
She shared how cognitive and motivational research can support effective teaching strategies and provided examples of successful technology-enhanced activities that educators could apply across online, in-person or blended classrooms for their students. The keynote also was attended by select Jefferson County Public School teachers, thanks in partnership with the J.B. Speed School of Engineering’s T2E program.
A highlight of the conference was the recognition of the many outstanding educators at UofL. The SGA recognized the “Top 5 Faculty Favorites”: Khaldoun Almousily (College of Arts & Sciences), Tony Arnold (Brandeis School of Law), Kristie Ennis (College of Arts & Sciences), Elizabeth Gentry (Speed School of Engineering) and Tony Okafor (College of Business). Faculty Favorites are student-led recognitions honoring educators who have made a lasting impact on their learning experience at UofL. Lucian Rothe, assistant professor of German and the Delphi Center’s 2024/2025 Faculty Affiliate, announced the 2024 TILL Teaching Innovation Award winners. The TILL Teaching Innovation Award honors educators who have demonstrated a commitment to students with one or more innovative teaching practices. The 2024 winners were:
- Angela Thompson and Campbell Bego (Speed School of Engineering) for their work to address the ethical use of generative artificial intelligence with first year engineering students.
- Michael Metz (School of Dentistry), Cynthia Metz and Jeff Falcone (School of Medicine) for combining a system-based approach with active learning strategies to improve outcomes on national board exams and clinical practice.
- Ray Chastain (College of Business), David Johnson (School of Public Health and Information Sciences), Benne Holwerda and Breanna Ausbrooks (College of Arts & Sciences) for their work to study the relationship between flipped classroom design, gender and DFW, or “drop, fail, and withdrawal,” rates.
The conference featured a motivational lineup of speakers throughout the day including former President Kim Schatzel, former Provost Gerry Bradley, Vice Provost Kelvin Thompson and Student Government Association (SGA) President Allie Rose Phillips and Academic Vice President Macy Waddle. Attendees also engaged in peers’ sessions showcasing their inspiring teaching strategies and best practices within UofL throughout the day.
Bradley concluded the event by reflecting on the importance of the annual conference, “It was an enriching and inspiring day. Whether it’s undergraduate, graduate or professional education, [this conference is] really a unique opportunity for us all to learn. This is a journey – we are always continuing to be better.”
UofL remains dedicated to educational excellence, cultivating an environment where educators can collaborate, innovate and shape the future success of their students through teaching and learning.
See more about the Celebration for Teaching and Learning Conference and view pictures from the event on Flickr. Educators may continue the conversation for student success strategies with upcoming Delphi Center events or consultations.
