Chemistry faculty member selected for national professional groups

Kevin Skinner, a full-time instructor in the Chemistry department, was one of ten faculty members selected by the American Chemical Society (ACS) to participate in their Two-Year Faculty Community of Practice during the 2024-25 academic year. 

As a member of this group, Kevin attended monthly virtual meeting with other faculty to work on developing, improving, and implementing active learning techniques in chemistry courses. 

Kevin’s active learning project, which will be shared nationally, is a hands-on activity that will help students understand covalent bonding.

“It’s been great to find new ways to get students involved in learning chemistry, a traditionally intimidating topic,” Kevin said. “Participating in the Community of Practice definitely gave me new ways to think about how I teach.” 

Kevin also was selected to serve on the ACS Blue Ribbon Panel on Two-Year College Chemistry Recognition. The panel members are working on a framework for an accreditation program for two-year college chemistry programs.

“The Blue Ribbon Panel work was a great way to see how challenges at other institutions compare to ours,” Kevin said. “The experience also let me see benefits of a national accreditation program for students, faculty, and administration. I’m excited to continue working with this group in the future.”

“Both of these experiences have made me a better instructor,” Kevin added.

The American Chemical Society is a non-profit organization founded in 1876 and chartered by the U.S. Congress. The organization’s mission is “to advance scientific knowledge, empower a global community, and champion scientific integrity.”