PHX Reporter

The University of Phoenix has recognized the contributions and achievements of its faculty, celebrating over 2,300 instructors across seven colleges who produced 2,027 instances of scholarship in 2024. The university employs a practitioner model for its faculty, requiring them to have practical experience in their fields to effectively lead and teach programs.

John Woods, Ph.D., provost and chief academic officer at the University of Phoenix, emphasized the dual role of faculty as both academicians and professionals. "At University of Phoenix, we take pride in our faculty who are not only academicians but also seasoned professionals in their respective fields," he stated. He highlighted that this approach helps bridge the gap between academic theory and industry practices.

The university's practitioner faculty bring more than just advanced degrees to their roles. They are encouraged to remain active in their professions while engaging in scholarly activities. This model is based on Boyer's framework which includes discovery, application, integration, and teaching and learning.

Jacquelyn Kelly, Ph.D., associate dean at the College of General Studies, contributed to a study accepted by Pedagogy in Health Promotion. She noted that "our collaboration on this study highlights the innovative work we’ve done in supporting student health and self-advocacy with the use of character personas."

Claude Toland from the College of Business and Information Technology published an article on leadership empowerment in Education Technology Insights. Toland remarked that "in order for organizations to succeed in the 21st century, organizations need to cultivate 21st century leaders at all levels."

The College of Doctoral Studies supports research through four centers focusing on leadership, organizational wellness, educational technology research, and career studies. These centers contribute significantly through white papers and studies on various topics including education and workforce diversity.

Faculty members at the University offer extensive professional experience averaging 29.3 years alongside 16.1 years of teaching experience at the institution. Their backgrounds include roles such as chief executives and consultants.