Welcome
from FWA President, Ashley K. Randall
Welcome to the start of a new academic year, one that I hope is filled with a new or rejuvenated sense of discovery as we work to enhance the lives of children, youth, families, and our communities!
As members of ASU’s academic enterprise, we hold a fortunate gift of empowering others around us, including our global family. Importantly, our work can only be done if we allow our own light to shine; a light that is fueled by our social relationships.
I am honored to serve as your FWA President this academic year, and trust that you will find the theme for this year – fostering and sustaining holistic wellness – both professionally and personally meaningful. This theme was derived from my area of expertise and inspired by my work with the ADVANCE Fellows in AY21-22 where we focused on wellness strategies in academic careers. Throughout the year, we will provide a variety of wellness-based programming.
We kick off the year, with a series of events featuring Scholar in Resident Dr. Della V. Mosley. In partnership with the ASU Faculty Women of Color Caucus, ASU ADVANCE, and the Committee of Campus Inclusion, we will host a special keynote along with a number of community care circle discussion – focused on topics such as radical healing, intersectionality, and enhancing holistic wellness in the workplace. The residency will take place from September 20th through the 22nd. The keynote is scheduled for September 21st from 5:00PM-6:30PM. More information is forthcoming!
Since 1954, the FWA has provided resources and programming to support the growth and success of all faculty at ASU – and this year, we continue to expand our reach. In addition to our programming on holistic wellness, we will be hosting signature workshops focused on faculty success; where faculty is defined to be all inclusive of those who educate at ASU, including but not limited to career-track, tenure-track, and tenured faculty. Expect new workshops focused on strategies for career track faculty as well as career negotiations! Save the date for our annual FWA Fall Reception scheduled for November 8th from 3:00PM-4:30PM at the University Club. It’s a great opportunity to connect with colleagues and hear from President Crow and Provost Gonzales!
Last academic year, the FWA in partnership with ASU ADVANCE piloted a mentoring circle program for faculty to support career growth in ASU’s multi-disciplinary environment. We are pleased to announce that the program will be formalized this year, and will run from November through April. More information and your chance to apply will be coming soon!
I would personally like to extend an invitation for you and your colleagues to join us in shaping the types of programming and support the FWA provides. If you are planning on attending one of our events, I encourage you to bring a colleague and/or a friend who could also benefit from the topic.
If you are not already a member or if you would like to be on our listserv, please contact the FWA at fwa@asu.edu. For more information on the work of the FWA visit the FWA website.
Your feedback on FWA’s current and future programming is always welcome, and I encourage you to reach out to me (Ashley.K.Randall@asu.edu) or Karen Engler-Weber, Program Director for the FWA (Karen.Engler@asu.edu) directly.
On behalf of myself, FWA President-Elect Gina Woodall, the FWA Board, and Karen Engler, welcome to the 2023 – 2024 academic year! Be well and remember: The good life is built with good relationships – Robert Waldinger
Best,
Ashley K. Randall (she/her)
Associate Professor, School of Counseling and Counseling Psychology
FWA President