We are thrilled to announce that the K. Patricia Cross Academy, an online professional development resource that we (Elizabeth F. Barkley and Claire Howell Major) founded to celebrate the legacy of K. Patricia Cross, is embarking on a new and exciting chapter. The Academy has moved operations to the University of Alabama (UA) and a new URL: kpcrossacademy.ua.edu.
A New Home at the University of Alabama
The University of Alabama (UA) is an ideal new home for the K. Patricia Cross Academy, providing a robust platform for its continued growth and impact. As a leading research institution, UA offers extensive resources and a vibrant academic community dedicated to educational excellence and innovation. Integrating the Academy into UA’s ecosystem ensures access to cutting-edge technologies, diverse academic expertise, and a strong support network.
The K. Patricia Cross Academy will be housed within The University of Alabama Teaching Academy (UATA), which is dedicated to promoting excellence in teaching and learning across the university. Both academies share a similar mission to provide a range of resources and support for faculty that enhances their instructional practices and fosters student engagement. Both academies also have a strong commitment to continuous improvement and educational innovation.
Integrating the [Cross] Academy into UA’s ecosystem ensures access to cutting-edge technologies, diverse academic expertise, and a strong support network.
Because the K. Patricia Cross Academy is endowed to the university in perpetuity, its relocation ensures that it will persist as an investment in the future of education and that its valuable tools and insights will remain easily accessible to faculty around the world anytime, anywhere. Furthermore, UATA’s commitment to innovation offers extensive possibilities for enhancing and extending the Academy’s current resources. This move therefore not only secures the academy’s future but also guarantees that the academy will remain robust and relevant.
Cross Scholars
Relocating to the University of Alabama with its accompanying endowment has also resulted in the establishment of a Cross Scholars program. The Cross Scholars program will recognize distinguished UA faculty members who will keep the academy’s resources up-to-date and ensure the content remains fresh, innovative, and aligned with the latest in educational research and practices.
By engaging in their scholar roles, the Cross Scholars will contribute to the ongoing mission of enhancing higher education through the dissemination of high-impact, evidence-based teaching techniques. This initiative not only honors and preserves the legacy of K. Patricia Cross but also fosters a community of educators dedicated to continuous improvement and excellence in teaching.
Gratitude to the 20|20 Creative Group
We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the 20|20 Creative Group for their incredible work and support in the development and success of the K. Patricia Cross Academy over the years. Special thanks go to:
- Alec Ramsey, Owner & Creative Director
- Kent Eimers, Account Manager
- Kevin Rouse, Copywriter & Media Planner
- Meg Stinnett, Graphic Designer
- Matt Rice, Web Designer
- Angelina LaPointe, Digital Media Coordinator
Your dedication and creativity have been instrumental in our journey, and we are deeply grateful for our partnership.
Acknowledging UA Participants
We also want to express our sincere appreciation to the University of Alabama team members who have played and will continue to play pivotal roles in this transition and the establishment of kpcrossacademy.ua.edu:
OTIDE (Office of Teaching Innovation and Digital Education)
- Dr. Robert Hayes, Associate Provost
- Dr. Victoria Lewis, Executive Director, Academic Innovation
- Kelly Wolfe, Project Manager
UATA (University of Alabama Teaching Academy)
- Tyler Roberts, Operations Director
- Doug Klutz, Instructional consultant
- Kim Tomeny, Instructional consultant
- Laura McNeil, Instructional consultant
- Leah Gutenson, Program Manager
- Amy Matthews, Administrative Assistant
OTIDE Information Technology
- Jason Miller, Director
- Shamaria Borden, Web developer
OTIDE Analytics
- Tim Salazar, Director of Data and Analytics
UA ONLINE
- Mandy Johnson, Director of Marketing and Recruiting
- Jessika White, Marketing and Communications Manager
- Michael Nix, Assistant Director, Digital Marketing
- Lee Laska, Assistant Director, Instructional Media
Your hard work and dedication have been critical to this transition, and we look forward to the continued growth and impact of the K. Patricia Cross Academy under your stewardship.
Looking Ahead
As we move forward, we remain committed to providing high-impact, evidence-based teaching techniques and resources to faculty worldwide. We are excited about this new chapter and the opportunities it brings for innovation and excellence in higher education.
Thank you all for your continued support and enthusiasm.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Barkley & Claire Major
Stay tuned for more updates and visit our new website at kpcrossacademy.ua.edu for the latest resources and information.
Suggested Citation
Barkley, E. F., & Major, C. H. (n.d.). Announcing exciting changes for the K. Patricia Cross Academy. CrossCurrents. https://kpcrossacademy.org/announcing-exciting-changes-for-the-k-patricia-cross-academy/
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