WSU celebrates initiative for new center for teaching, learning

PULLMAN, Wash. – Washington State University will celebrate a new initiative aimed at creating a Center for Transformational Teaching and Learning, and recognize those investing private funds to make it a reality.

The celebration will be part of Fall Festival activities held by the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS), 4-6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12, on the grounds outside Hulbert Hall on the Pullman campus. The Center for Transformational Teaching and Learning (CTLL) will be housed in CAHNRS once approved by WSU Faculty Senate.

Kim Kidwell, WSU

Kidwell

“The center initiative truly is the outgrowth of a grass-roots, industry- and stakeholder-driven interest in providing our students with the leadership skills they need to be valuable and succeed in the workplace,” said Kim Kidwell, CAHNRS executive associate dean. Kidwell, who created Human Development 205 – one of the most popular classes at the university, is spearheading the CTLL initiative and will serve as its director.

“In our conversations with industry leaders, alumni and others, we heard time and time again their need for graduates with skills that can only be gained outside the classroom — skills such as leadership, being able to work as a team, and project management,” Kidwell continued. “This initiative is our best solution to creating a place where those skills can be introduced and honed.”

Ken and Sue Christiansen, WSU alumni and long-time supporters of CAHNRS, will be on hand Thursday to announce their contribution in support of CTLL, as will a representative of CoBank, a national cooperative bank serving industries across rural America.

Once established, CTLL will pull together a portfolio of “beyond-the-classroom” activities and opportunities for WSU students, faculty, staff and alumni, Kidwell said. Leadership training, internships, international study experiences and undergraduate research opportunities are just a few of the tools CTLL will help to coordinate and expand.