

Grand Canyon University's College of Doctoral Studies faculty gathered on Thursday for the fourth annual Faculty Flourishing Conference. The virtual conference continued to build on core values focused on community, support and innovation.
Faculty engaged in meaningful discussions and explored ways to enhance their own well-being while contributing to the well-being of others.
In the opening session, "Roots of Innovation: Discussion with the Dean," Dr. Michael Berger spoke about the guiding goal of the conference in increasing support, appreciation and flourishing for faculty who provide the instruction, connection, relationship-building, opportunities and mentorship necessary for learner-centered success.
Justin Su'a led the second session, "Anchors in the Storm: Thriving Through Change," which empowered attendees with five practical anchors to help navigate change with confidence and resilience.

The final session featured four graduates: Dr. Rebecca Neth Townsend, who served as chief strategy officer for Covenant Health Network and continues as a strategy and network development consultant; Dr. Felicia Guerrero Green, a mechanical engineer who received the college's first Dissertation of the Year award in 2024; Dr. Danisha Keating, a global speaker and best-selling author who has shared her story of going from foster care to Ph.D.; and Dr. Deninne Pritchett, founding faculty director of Central Piedmont’s Truist Honors Program who was recently selected for the highly competitive Fulbright Specialist Program.
The conference concluded with a session on "Why We Do What We Do: Alumni Success Stories," which celebrated the impact of faculty in shaping lives long after graduation.