Online EET Program Director Brings Personal Touch to ECPI University

Online EET Program Director Brings Personal Touch to ECPI University

Dr. Constance Meadors – Online Electronics Engineering Program Director

Long before she began teaching at the college level, Dr. Constance Meadors taught high school. She says this, more than anything, may have best prepared her to teach online. “When you teach high school, you are really focused on ‘learning,’ always trying to make sure each of the students fully understand what you’re trying to communicate so they can advance to the next grade and take on more challenging coursework,” she says. “At most traditional colleges, it’s all about the lecture, and, oftentimes, the students either ‘get it’ or they don’t.

“Our online students do far more than just sit in front of a computer and passively absorb information. Sometimes, the principles and techniques they are applying can be very challenging and they need help. That’s when a faculty member or mentor… Click To Tweet

“That’s something I brought with me into the college classroom and it’s especially valuable when teaching online. I’m always thinking, ‘how can I make this work for the students so they truly learn?’ When I joined ECPI University last year, I was very impressed with the kind of simulation software the school used to create a real hands-on learning environment. And as effective as this technology is, I am equally impressed by the level of student support.

“Our online students do far more than just sit in front of a computer and passively absorb information. Sometimes, the principles and techniques they are applying can be very challenging and they need help. That’s when a faculty member or mentor can jump onto a Zoom session with them and work through the issue.”

Dr. Meadors not only brought a finely-tuned teaching philosophy to her new position, she also brought professional relationships that are providing unique opportunities for students. She serves as ECPI University’s representative on the Arkansas Space Grant Consortium and NASA EPSCoR (Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research). Dr. Meadors’ role is to engage students and faculty in NASA-based programs and research. Students have the opportunity to participate in collaborative research and activities throughout the country, including conference attendance and presentations.

She serves as ECPI University’s representative on the Arkansas Space Grant Consortium and NASA EPSCoR (Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research). Click To Tweet

Two ECPI University students, Gary Rosenthal and John Paul York, currently participate in NASA’s Lucy Student Pipeline Accelerator and Competency Enabler (L’SPACE) Virtual Academy. This program is an interactive, team-based, 12-week program designed to engage a diverse population of undergraduate university science and engineering students in rigorous, project-based STEM workforce development. Activities include:

  • Learning from engineers and scientists working on NASA mission
  • Participating and applying what they learn in mission-related design challenges
  • Receiving mission development skills training
  • Acquiring strategies to help them effectively market their capabilities to NASA and other space-related companies and organizations
  • Gaining helpful insights into the developing space economy workforce demands and opportunities

“I am so excited to watch what our students can accomplish through these programs,” says Dr. Meadors. “And I am honored to work with so many talented and dedicated faculty and staff members here at ECPI University.”

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