More than 90 online faculty and university staff attended the fifth annual College of Doctoral Studies Spring Faculty Flourishing Conference, “Community, Collaboration and Character Development,” earlier this month.
The virtual conference, held on Zoom, focused on cultivating a compassionate Christian community and serving others in ways that promote human flourishing.
It took place during Teacher Appreciation Week, so college leaders expressed gratitude for the faculty’s continued commitment to teaching. The conference also covered topics such as prioritizing work-life fit practices and supporting self-care, as May is also Mental Health Awareness Month.
Dr. Loren Naffziger, dissertation chair and adjunct professor, gave the opening prayer, and Dean Dr. Michael Berger kicked off the event.
Dr. Ashley Anne, former GCU full-time online faculty, shared structured steps with practical, actionable tools for faculty personal well-being and professional effectiveness.
Emily Farkas, program director for the Canyon Center for Character Education, highlighted how transformational teaching happens when we intentionally cultivate character, values and purpose while shaping future leaders, which reinforced faculty influence beyond instruction.
Other presenters included senior doctoral adjunct supervisor Dr. Racheal Stimpson, and senior doctoral adjuncts Drs. Cheryl Lentz, Pamela Sitton, Alana Lyles and Don Comi. They highlighted how flourishing comes from intentional structure while protecting priorities and balancing instructional support.
Ultimately, the conference emphasized leading with purpose, teaching with impact and living with balance.
