Faculty Forum

Faculty Forum is a monthly showcase for the research and creative endeavors of the Midwestern State University faculty. It is an opportunity for the campus and Wichita Falls communities to learn, engage, and sometimes discuss the novel ideas and explorations of the talented individuals who teach, discover, and create at MSU. Admission is free and open to all.

ESCALA training: Increasing Relevance and Connection in the Classroom with Culturally Responsive Teaching
Ms. Candice Fulton
Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry
Bridwell Activity Center Lone Star Room (BAC 120)  | March 26, 2024

With MSU approaching the percentage of Hispanic or Latino students required to be classified as an HSI, Hispanic Serving Institution, the status of “ emerging HSI” is valid. An HSI designation, if an application is approved, opens possibilities for developmental funding and grants. This emerging status gives time to pause and reflect on the changing needs of our student population. Texas is second to California in the number of universities with the HSI classification. A growing diverse population means addressing cultural differences in teaching settings and learning styles. ESCALA Educational Services, Inc. is currently the only educational program in the country that addresses Latinx student success. ESCALA offers several courses on culturally relevant teaching. One of the courses addresses STEM higher education. Facilitated by STEM faculty, the sessions discussed evidence-based research and practices that provide guidance in creating successful learning environments for Latinx students. Aspects covered included learning styles, syllabus approach, personal bias, evidence-based research, and success stories. Coursework included weekly assignments and reflections. Although STEM focused, the strategies learned are applicable to all academic subjects. The presentation includes samples of evidence-based results, examples of course assignments, teaching themes, best practice approaches, and implementation practices. A faculty development grant provided funds for the Culturally Responsive Teaching in STEM in HSIs mini-course.

Professor Fulton is an alumni of Midwestern State's Chemistry and Mathematics programs, and holds an M.S. in Chemistry from the University of North Texas. She returned to MSU as an Assistant Professor of Chemistry in 1995, where she continues to direct laboratory teaching and instruct students in general chemistry lectures and laboratories.
Over her career at MSU, she has broadly recognized as an exceptionally impactful instructor. She is a long-standing student favorite professor. so named as the 2020 MSU Student Government Faculty Member of the Year and the 2023 McCoy College of Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Excellence in Teaching Awardee She was most recently selected as 2024 Chancellor’s Council Distinguished Teaching Laureate.
Ms. Fulton continues to spearhead efforts to improve teaching and curricula, in chemistry, in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields, and beyond. Her efforts extend into regional college preparation, including coordinating MSU's efforts to facilitate the Red River Regional Science Fair.
2023-2024 Schedule
The 2023 Hardin Professor Lecture: A Peripatetic Education
Dr. Kirsten Lodge
Professor of English and Humanities, Prothro-Yeager College of Humanities & Social Sciences
Legacy Hall Multipurpose Room | 7:00 PM | Thursday, October 19th

John Williams: Wichita Falls' Greatest Writer?
Dr. Greg Giddings
Associate Professor, Prothro-Yeager College of Humanities & Social Sciences
Legacy Hall Multipurpose Room | 7:00 PM | Thursday, November 30th
(Note date has been moved - originally scheduled for the 16th)

Using Quantitative Methods to Explore Multidisciplinary Teamwork Perceptions 
Dr. Adrianna Vinar
Assistant Professor, Wilson School of Nursing
Bridwell Activity Center Lone Star Room (BAC 120)  | February 27, 2024


ESCALA training: Increasing Relevance and Connection in the Classroom with Culturally Responsive Teaching
Ms. Candice Fulton
Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry
Bridwell Activity Center Lone Star Room (BAC 120)  | March 26, 2024


Morriña, Muxu’x, and Ayllu: How Three Musicians Use Minority Languages for Major Impact
Ms. Sarah Butler
Instructor of Spanish, Department of World Languages & Cultures
Clark Student Center Kiowa Room | April 30, 2024


Capturing Moments in Pixels: The Future of Local Media Photography with Generative AI
Dr. Bradley Wilson
Associate Professor, Department of Mass Communications
Legacy Hall Multipurpose Room | September TBA

The 2023-2024 Faculty Forum Committee is Dr. Stacey Machado (Wilson School of Nursing), Dr. Tyler Williams (Department of English, Humanities, and Philosophy), and Dr. Jonathan Price (Kimbell School of Geosciences).

For more details email jonathan.price@msutexas.edu or call 940.397.4288.

Last Modified: 03/13/2024