From Classroom to Career: Why Adjuncts Are the Missing Link in Internships

New Voices, Deep Purpose: Why These Adjuncts Chose the Classroom

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2448935/fan_mail/new] What happens when two first‑time adjunct faculty bring not just expertise—but life-changing experiences—into the classroom? In this episode of The Adjunct Files, John and Maggie sit down with Rosario Welle and Kristoffer Doura to unpack their first semester teaching at FGCU—and the powerful personal journeys that led them there. From Rosario’s path as an immigrant, entrepreneur, and first-generation college advocate to Kristoffer’s remarkable transition from the NFL to entrepreneurship and higher education after a life-altering medical crisis, this conversation is rich with purpose, resilience, and heart. Together, they reflect on what it means to teach as a calling, not just a job—and how their real-world experiences shape the way they connect with students. Along the way, they share candid insights on navigating the first semester, building meaningful student relationships, integrating AI into teaching, and the importance of community and support for adjunct faculty. Whether you’re new to teaching or a seasoned adjunct, this episode will leave you inspired—and reminded why the work we do truly matters. Theme music composed, performed and produced by James Husni.  Adjunct Nation is a collaborative podcast under the auspices of The Lucas Center for Faculty Development at FGCU.  You can learn more by clicking on this link: https://www.fgcu.edu/lucascenter/ [https://www.fgcu.edu/lucascenter/]

Ask a Librarian: Myth‑Busting, AI, Free Stuff and More

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2448935/fan_mail/new] In this episode of The Adjunct Files, John and Maggie head straight to the heart of campus collaboration—the FGCU Library. Joined by four librarians, the conversation pulls back the curtain on what librarians actually do and why adjunct faculty should see them as teaching partners. They will bust myths about the library, highlight underused tools and services and  emphasize one core takeaway: you don’t need to know the right question to ask. You just need to ask. University Archives & Special Collections:  https://library.fgcu.edu/uasc [https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flibrary.fgcu.edu%2Fuasc&data=05%7C02%7Cjroth%40fgcu.edu%7Cf42d3dbfc50746e25f7b08dea7afff0e%7Cf7a5a4ef4ffa4c80bfb3c12e28872099%7C0%7C0%7C639132571496964686%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=M4YzixmjYY%2FZqlTrcrpoEFyeQbomwP4mhDfsmyZ2Qoo%3D&reserved=0] Subject Librarians:  https://library.fgcu.edu/facultysupport/subjectspec [https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flibrary.fgcu.edu%2Ffacultysupport%2Fsubjectspec&data=05%7C02%7Cjroth%40fgcu.edu%7Cf42d3dbfc50746e25f7b08dea7afff0e%7Cf7a5a4ef4ffa4c80bfb3c12e28872099%7C0%7C0%7C639132571497003491%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=wOGztAuk07qFc2Bqy4xuNLr5gibbKxQ7eHzSLzHUWdw%3D&reserved=0] Open Library:  https://openlibrary.org/ [https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fopenlibrary.org%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cjroth%40fgcu.edu%7Cf42d3dbfc50746e25f7b08dea7afff0e%7Cf7a5a4ef4ffa4c80bfb3c12e28872099%7C0%7C0%7C639132571497028087%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=MPWbBRtlzBXv%2BAS2EvRUgvjvDZ%2FnUMcv5zUMfawG%2FPU%3D&reserved=0] Alethea:  https://library.fgcu.edu/alethea [https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flibrary.fgcu.edu%2Falethea&data=05%7C02%7Cjroth%40fgcu.edu%7Cf42d3dbfc50746e25f7b08dea7afff0e%7Cf7a5a4ef4ffa4c80bfb3c12e28872099%7C0%7C0%7C639132571497049792%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=ds8L4lFIc1jbe%2Bq9vpdWvOHvPqMIAoqnTsqf76Vu%2FGw%3D&reserved=0] Leganto:  https://library.fgcu.edu/reading-lists [https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flibrary.fgcu.edu%2Freading-lists&data=05%7C02%7Cjroth%40fgcu.edu%7Cf42d3dbfc50746e25f7b08dea7afff0e%7Cf7a5a4ef4ffa4c80bfb3c12e28872099%7C0%7C0%7C639132571497075964%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=pGGCT%2FzPczKWaYBBvqR7syNVsa0L4BAZ7xtANWkXd%2BU%3D&reserved=0] FGCU AI Summer Academy (May 2026):  https://www.fgcu. [https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fgcu.edu%2Feng%2Fdendritic-institute%2Facademy%2Fsummer_academy%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cjroth%40fgcu.edu%7Cf42d3dbfc50746e25f7b08dea7afff0e%7Cf7a5a4ef4ffa4c80bfb3c12e28872099%7C0%7C0%7C639132571497099336%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=VoWFyczC4rKExCzh%2FLfPUnY3KL8b60TxdTopzVm3xbs%3D&reserved=0] Theme music composed, performed and produced by James Husni.  Adjunct Nation is a collaborative podcast under the auspices of The Lucas Center for Faculty Development at FGCU.  You can learn more by clicking on this link: https://www.fgcu.edu/lucascenter/ [https://www.fgcu.edu/lucascenter/]

From Classroom to Career: Why Adjuncts Are the Missing Link in Internships

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2448935/fan_mail/new] In this episode of The Adjunct Files, hosts John Roth and Maggie Hohne are joined by Ashleigh Droz, Director of Internships and Cooperative Programs at Florida Gulf Coast University, interim leader in Career Development Services, and fellow adjunct faculty member. Ashleigh pulls back the curtain on why internships are one of the university’s most powerful high‑impact practices—and why adjunct faculty are uniquely positioned to lead them. Drawing on her experience working with employers, students, and faculty across disciplines, she makes the case that adjuncts aren’t just instructors—they are co‑educators who already live at the intersection of theory and practice. The conversation explores: * Why adjunct faculty make exceptional internship supervisors * How internships differ from service learning—and when one should become the other * The importance of clear expectations, meaningful work, and experienced supervision * Why internships function as a “long interview” and a talent pipeline for employers * How internships help students test, refine, or even rethink their career paths before graduation Ashleigh also shares practical advice for adjunct faculty interested in hosting or mentoring interns, including how much lead time to plan, what students actually need to learn beyond technical skills, and how internship design mirrors good course design—with learning outcomes, feedback, and reflection at its core. This episode is a must‑listen for adjunct faculty who want to deepen their impact, strengthen connections between campus and community, and play a direct role in preparing students for life after graduation. https://www.fgcu.edu/academics/internships/employer-resources [https://www.fgcu.edu/academics/internships/employer-resources] Wings up—and stay connected. Theme music composed, performed and produced by James Husni.  Adjunct Nation is a collaborative podcast under the auspices of The Lucas Center for Faculty Development at FGCU.  You can learn more by clicking on this link: https://www.fgcu.edu/lucascenter/ [https://www.fgcu.edu/lucascenter/]

From Newsrooms to Classrooms: George Lang on Student Media at FGCU

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2448935/fan_mail/new] What can adjunct faculty learn from a veteran journalist dropped into the deep end of FGCU’s Eagle Media? In this episode, we sit down with George Lang, former entertainment editor, long‑time reporter, and now advisor to Eagle Media’s three student‑run platforms. George shares what student journalists are facing today, how media literacy affects every discipline, and why the most powerful teaching tool—whether in a newsroom or a classroom—is simply asking better questions. If you’ve ever wondered how to help students find their voice, navigate today’s chaotic media landscape, or connect your courses to real‑world reporting, this conversation is packed with practical insights, stories, humor, and heart. Give it a listen—your next class might look different afterward. Theme music composed, performed and produced by James Husni.  Adjunct Nation is a collaborative podcast under the auspices of The Lucas Center for Faculty Development at FGCU.  You can learn more by clicking on this link: https://www.fgcu.edu/lucascenter/ [https://www.fgcu.edu/lucascenter/]

The Power of Adjuncts: Give Day Bonus Episode

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2448935/fan_mail/new] In this special Give Day bonus episode of The Adjunct Files, John sits down with three dedicated FGCU adjunct faculty—Marsha Oenick, Jessica Carter Peer, and Andrew Berkow—to talk openly about their journeys, their challenges, and the powerful community that has formed around adjunct teaching at FGCU. Together, they reflect on how much has changed: ✨ the creation of adjunct orientation, ✨ the Adjunct Academy, ✨ new mentoring structures, ✨ the adjunct workspace, ✨ stronger communication and support from departments, ✨ and FGCU’s national recognition through the 2025 Delphi Award. But they also highlight why this moment matters. FGCU’s new Adjunct Faculty Program Endowment—seeded with the Delphi Award’s $15,000 prize—is just $10,000 away from the $25,000 needed to activate it. With a $5,000 matching challenge and potential Foundation bonuses for donor count, even a small contribution goes a long way. This endowment will fund: • mentorship stipends • conference and professional development opportunities • initiatives that strengthen belonging and community Listen in as these instructors share how FGCU changed their teaching, why community and belonging matter, and why your Give Day gift—large or small—helps build a future where adjunct faculty feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. Give today. Double your impact. Support the educators who shape every Eagle. Select Fund #10442 on the Give Day page. https://donate.fgcu.edu/g/lucas-center [https://donate.fgcu.edu/g/lucas-center] Theme music composed, performed and produced by James Husni.  Adjunct Nation is a collaborative podcast under the auspices of The Lucas Center for Faculty Development at FGCU.  You can learn more by clicking on this link: https://www.fgcu.edu/lucascenter/ [https://www.fgcu.edu/lucascenter/]