Teaching and Faculty Support Center Announces New Co-Directors

From left, Lorraine Brewer, Jack Kern and Mary Savin

The Wally Cordes Teaching and Faculty Support Center is pleased to announce that Lorraine Brewer and Jack Kern will be joining Mary Savin as co-directors. Brewer is replacing Linda Myers who has taken a position at the University of Tennessee. Brewer will complete the last year of Linda Myers' appointment to TFSC. Kern has accepted a three-year appointment to fill the vacancy left when John Pijanowski's term expires on Aug. 12.

Lorraine Brewer is an instructor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and most often teaches University Perspectives and large sections of University Chemistry. She earned her bachelor's degree from Sterling College and her M.S. degree in biochemistry from the University of Wisconsin. Brewer routinely teaches 200-400 students in a section and facilitates courses for as many as 1,800 students a semester. She has collaborated with the Center for Learning and Student Success to provide small supplemental instruction sessions for the chemistry students in her courses to assist them in developing the study skills and problem-solving expertise needed for success. She advises chemistry majors and pre-pharmacy students and mentors supplemental instruction group leaders.

Brewer serves as an academic adviser for over 100 students, has advised students during orientation, and also serves as a faculty adviser for registered student organizations. Lorraine was inducted into the University of Arkansas Teaching Academy in 2006, and also serves on the Premedical Advisory Committee, an All-University Academic Integrity Board, the Chancellor Transition Team, the University of Arkansas Teaching Council, as well as other departmental and university committees. In 2012 she was honored with the Dr. John and Lois Imhoff Award for Outstanding Teaching and Student Mentorship. Lorraine has also been recognized for her contributions beyond the university, serving in leadership roles for community organizations and boards.

Jack Kern is a clinical professor in the kinesiology program in the College of Education and Health Professions. He earned his bachelor's degree from University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse, his master's degree from Southwest Texas State, and his doctorate from Texas Woman's University. Prior to his arrival at the University of Arkansas in 1996, Kern was an Assistant Professor at West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas. He worked in the public schools as a science and physical education instructor for 10 years before pursuing a career in higher education.

He works primarily with the teacher and coach education programs at the University of Arkansas. Kern was inducted into the University of Arkansas Teaching Academy in 2102. He was recognized twice (2006 and 2009) as the Higher Educator of the Year by the Arkansas Association for Health, Physical Education, and Recreation. Since 2001, he has also served in leadership roles for the Arkansas Department of Education, working as trainer for mentors and teacher assessors.

Mary Savin is professor of microbial ecology and soil biology in the Department of Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences in the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences. Savin earned her B.S. in Biology at the University of Notre Dame, M.S. in biodegradation, and Ph.D. in soil ecology at the University of Rhode Island, and conducted post-doctoral research in marine microbial ecology at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell.