Dr. Jacqueline Stephen, a faculty member in Mercer University’s College of Professional Advancement, has been selected for a six-week assignment in Timor-Leste in Southeast Asia for the Fulbright Specialist Program. From June 20-July 31, she will work with the Office of Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice at its primary location in the capital city of Dili.
Dr. Stephen, assistant professor of instructional design and director of the Office of Distance Learning, will be involved in a training and development project that aims to exchange knowledge and establish partnerships benefiting participants, institutions and communities both in the U.S. and overseas through a variety of educational activities. She will conduct a training needs assessment that focuses on human resource development
“I am honored to have been selected for this award, and I am grateful for the privilege of helping to review existing processes, identify performance requirements, and create a professional development plan to equip and empower employees to fulfill the organization’s mission,” Dr. Stephen said. “I also hope to create opportunities for Mercer students enrolled in the Human Resources Administration and Talent Development undergraduate online program to engage in virtual service learning by designing and developing training materials.”
Dr. Stephen is a trained instructional designer and educator with a wealth of national and international experience in higher education. She holds a Doctor of Education in instruction and curricular leadership with a concentration in instructional design and technology, a master’s degree in instructional technology, and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education.
In early June, she wrapped up a five-month Fulbright U.S. Scholar assignment in Azerbaijan, where she provided instructional design training and development for faculty at Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University and led professional development workshops for both faculty and students.
Dr. Stephen is one of over 400 U.S. citizens who share expertise with host institutions abroad through the Fulbright Specialist Program each year. Recipients of Fulbright Specialist awards are selected on the basis of academic and professional achievement, demonstrated leadership in their field, and their potential to foster long-term cooperation between institutions in the U.S. and abroad.
To learn more about the Fulbright Program or the U.S. Department of State, visit eca.state.gov/fulbright.
About the College of Professional Advancement
Mercer University’s College of Professional Advancement is committed to serving post-traditional learners. Undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs are offered to adult learners seeking professional advancement into leadership roles in and beyond their communities. Programs provide students with distinctive, multidisciplinary experiences that integrate theory and practice. In addition to providing general education and elective courses for various colleges and schools at Mercer, the College of Professional Advancement offers degree programs in areas including technology, public safety, public and human services, leadership and administration, health care and liberal arts. Programs are offered on Mercer’s campuses in Atlanta and Macon, as well as Regional Academic Centers in Douglas County and Henry County, and online. To learn more, visit professionaladvancement.mercer.edu.
About Mercer University
Founded in 1833, Mercer University is a dynamic and comprehensive center of undergraduate, graduate and professional education. With approximately 9,000 students enrolled in 12 schools and colleges, on major campuses in Macon and Atlanta; medical school sites in Macon, Savannah and Columbus; and at regional academic centers in Henry and Douglas counties, Mercer is ranked among the top tier of national research universities by U.S. News & World Report. The Mercer Health Sciences Center includes the University’s School of Medicine and Colleges of Nursing, Health Professions and Pharmacy. Mercer is affiliated with five teaching hospitals – Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center and Piedmont Macon Medical Center in Macon; Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah; and Piedmont Columbus Regional Hospital and St. Francis-Emory Healthcare in Columbus. The University also has an educational partnership with Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins. It operates an academic press and a performing arts center in Macon and an engineering research center in Warner Robins. Mercer Medicine, the clinical faculty practice of the School of Medicine, is based in Macon and operates additional clinics in Sumter, Peach, Clay, Putnam and Harris counties. Mercer is one of only 293 institutions nationwide to shelter a chapter of The Phi Beta Kappa Society, the nation’s most prestigious academic honor society; one of eight institutions to hold membership in the Georgia Research Alliance; and the only private university in Georgia to field an NCAA Division I athletic program. For more information, visit mercer.edu.
