An Academic Update from the Provost

At the University of Saint Mary, learning goes far beyond the classroom. Faculty and students alike are engaging in hands-on, high-impact experiences that bring coursework to life and deepen understanding across disciplines.

This summer, 14 new and returning faculty members participated in USM’s first-ever Summer Teaching Academy, a week-long initiative designed to enhance teaching and learning through active engagement and flipped-classroom strategies. Participants completed online modules, revised course projects or entire syllabi, and shared insights with colleagues. Faculty reported increased confidence, creativity, and stronger connections with students. One participant shared, “It gave me a better understanding of why active learning is so effective and the confidence to use it more often.” Others highlighted the benefits of new tools like polling apps, interactive games, and short video lessons to enhance in-class discussions.

Building on this spirit of innovation, classrooms across campus are buzzing with energy. In the MBA capstone course, students use Mike’s Bikes, a competitive business simulation, to launch and manage virtual bicycle companies. This year, USM students Trenton McCrae and Jonathan Wilson achieved the highest score in USM history, ranking 18th on the 2025 Global Leaderboard and earning a spot in the upcoming Mike’s Bikes World Championship.

Business students are also excelling on the national stage. Out of 15 students who qualified for the FBLA Collegiate National Competition, 13 attended, with three placing in the top 10. USM’s chapter was recognized with the Distinguished Gold Seal Chapter Award, honoring their excellence in leadership, service, and professional development.

In the sciences, the STEM Scholars Program launched its first cohort of seven students this year, each receiving a $15,000 renewable scholarship. The program provides a living-learning community, mentoring, field trips, and professional development focused on preparing students for advanced study and careers in high-demand STEM fields. “We want our students to not just learn science but live it,” said Rick Silvey, division chair of natural sciences and mathematics.

Several physical spaces on campus have also been refreshed to support collaborative learning. Five classrooms received updates, including new technology, LED lighting, and flexible furniture to encourage interaction. Meanwhile, under the leadership of Assistant Professor of Biology Nicole Lindor-Walker, the USM greenhouse has been revitalized with new crops, study spaces, and programming through the Leafing a Legacy Club. The club, now nearly 30 members strong, is working with the Sisters of Charity to host sustainability-focused events and share the bounty of their efforts with the campus community.

In the Bachelor of Social Work program, students in the Food Justice course visited Juniper Gardens Training Farm in Kansas City, Kansas – a collaborative project between Cultivate KC and Catholic Charities that helps resettled refugees start farm businesses. Students learned firsthand about sustainable agriculture, refugee empowerment, and food access – gaining a powerful understanding of social justice in action.

From classrooms to greenhouses to community partnerships, USM continues to foster a learning environment that blends reflection with real-world experience. As one faculty member noted, “This work reminds us that education isn’t just about content – it’s about connection, growth, and transformation.”

Warm regards,
Michelle Metzinger, PhD
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs