I absolutely loved the Faculty Success program, and I would highly recommend it to those who are struggling to find their way toward balance in academia. The tools and skills I developed as part of this program have been invaluable. At the time I was doing it, I wasn't always sure about the utility of each activity/assignment, and it seemed like a big time investment. Over time, I've seen that investment truly pay off.
The Faculty Success Program and the resources at NCFDD have supported my personal and professional development and enhanced my faculty career. During my tenure decision process, I sent a note to Kerry Ann Rockquemore, founder of NCFDD, about how the program has influenced me:
Dear Kerry Ann,
It's been 3 years since I participated in the Faculty Success Program, and this fall, my department chair decided to put me up for tenure early! It's something I'd never have expected if you'd have asked me in my first year of the tenure track. In fact, after my first annual review, at the end of my first year, I was seriously debating whether to quit my job. I decided at that point to give it my best for a year, to do the Faculty Success Program, and to do work I thought was important (regardless of what others said). At the end of that year, my research was covered in an article in the New York Times, and I had a firm foothold in my tiny corner of the academic universe.
Fast forward to now, when I've just recently received word that my tenure vote was very supportive and that the final official step is getting the blessing of the board of regents at their spring meeting in May. Wow. I want to say thank you.....I so appreciate what you do and what your work and your community have contributed toward my development as a scholar.
Katy Kozhimannil
Associate Professor, School of Public Health