The Adjunct Files
Adjunct faculty are a growing majority in higher education, shaping student experiences while navigating the challenges of contingent employment. As adjuncts at a regional public university, we know firsthand the realities, rewards, and roadblocks that come with the role. That’s why we’re here—to boost your mood and pedagogy with insightful dialogues on current challenges, practical strategies, and pathways forward for you and your students.
Episodes
In this episode of The Adjunct Files, John and Maggie sit down with Brian Rist—founder of Storm Smart, longtime entrepreneur, philanthropist, and adjunct faculty member at FGCU—fresh off receiving an honorary Doctor of Laws at commencement. What unfolds is far more than a business success story; it’s a reflection on purpose, resilience, and the transformative power of education.
Brian shares...
What do adjunct faculty really need to know about campus safety—and who should you call when something doesn’t feel right? In this episode of The Adjunct Files, Jon and Maggie sit down with Officer Christine Hoffman of the FGCU Police Department for a candid, informative, and surprisingly fun conversation about safety, resources, and community policing on campus.
Officer Hoffman shares her journey from di...
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-gene...
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&rsqu...
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 ...
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 too...
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 Adjunc...
In this episode of The Adjunct Files, John and Maggie sit down with the incomparable Jamie Wilson—FGCU alumna, faculty member, and faculty–community matchmaker in the Office of Service Learning & Civic Engagement. Jamie shares the history behind FGCU’s unique service‑learning requirement, why it remains central to the university’s identity, and how even the busiest adjuncts can weave mean...
In this episode of The Adjunct Files, John and Maggie sit down with Marissa Caldwell, Assistant Director of Instructional Support at Villanova University’s College of Professional Studies. They dig into what it really takes to support more than 180 online adjunct faculty—from one-on-one onboarding conversations to low‑stakes discussion groups and a newly built asynchronous orientation hub.
Marissa shares ...
In this episode of The Adjunct Files, John and Maggie are joined by Alia Criddle and Kristin Morley from Salt Lake Community College’s Faculty Teaching and Learning Center. Fresh from the 50th POD Network Conference, they share how SLCC is building a comprehensive, paid professional development pathway for adjunct faculty—from orientation through an Adjunct Faculty Institute.
The conversation explores com...
In this episode of The Adjunct Files, we sit down with Nikki Kirdahy, Director of Prevention and Wellness at FGCU, to explore what holistic wellness really means for students—and for faculty. Nikki breaks down the eight dimensions of wellness, shares practical ways instructors can support student well-being, and reminds us why modeling healthy habits matters. From tackling stress and loneliness to finding bala...
In this episode of The Adjunct Files, we sit down with KC Culver—Assistant Professor at the University of Alabama and Associate Director of the Delphi Project—to explore the evolving landscape of higher education. KC shares her journey from non-tenure-track writing instructor to national advocate for improving faculty roles, explains the concept of “vital faculty,” and highlights strategies f...
In this episode of The Adjunct Files, John Roth and Maggie Hohne sit down with Courtney Crimmins from Montclair State University—one of this year’s Delphi Award winners alongside FGCU. Courtney shares how Montclair built a comprehensive, collaborative model to support its 1,400 adjunct faculty, including initiatives like the 360° Support Network, professional development funding, union-driven changes, an...
In this inspiring episode of The Adjunct Files, John Roth and Maggie Hohne welcome Brenda Thomas, former FGCU Colloquium Director and current Faculty Development Specialist at Appalachian State University. Brenda shares her journey from adjunct to advocate, detailing her work with VITAL faculty—visiting, instructor, teaching, adjuncts, and lecturers—and the challenges they face. From peer observation ini...
In this episode of The Adjunct Files, John and Maggie sit down with Matt Losey, Creative Commons Lab Coordinator at FGCU’s library, to explore how the library is so much more than a place for books. From 3D printing and CNC milling to podcast studios and a massive data visualization wall, Matt shares how these cutting-edge resources empower students and faculty alike. Learn how adjuncts can integrate alternati...
In this inspiring episode of The Adjunct Files, Andi Clemons—director in the Provost’s Office, doctoral candidate, and first-time adjunct—shares her multifaceted journey through higher education. From managing academic budgets to surviving hurricanes and navigating dissertation stress, Andi brings a unique perspective to the classroom and campus culture. She discusses the importance of building res...
In this engaging episode of The Adjunct Files, FGCU adjunct Chad Cumming shares his unconventional journey from tax accountant to attorney and educator, blending real-world experience with a passion for teaching. Chad discusses how he brings business law and ethics to life for his students—using memes, current events, and historical context to foster critical thinking and adaptability. From startup stories to ...
In this inspiring episode of The Adjunct Files, hosts John Roth and Maggie Hohne sit down with two retired physicians turned FGCU adjunct professors: Dr. Lou Broslovsky (OBGYN) and Dr. Andrew Berkow (Radiologist). What began as a post-retirement golf friendship evolved into a shared passion for teaching anatomy and physiology to the next generation of healthcare professionals.
The duo reflects on:
- Their unconventi...
In this engaging episode of The Adjunct Files, co-hosts John Roth and Maggie Hohne sit down with Dr. Paul Dosal, a fourth-generation Floridian and seasoned higher ed administrator, to explore his journey from Latin American historian to student success champion. Dr. Dosal shares his personal and professional background, including his academic roots in Tampa and Tulane, his tenure at USF and UCF, and his recent trans...
Dr. Penny Edwards from University of Rhode Island discusses her dissertation research on Adjunct Faculty Vitality and her passion and advocacy for adjunct faculty with Maggie and John. There are many similarities between her discoveries and the experience of adjunct faculty and department chairs.
Theme music composed, performed and produced by James Husni.
Adjunct Nation is a collaborative podcast un...
Popular Podcasts
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!
Betrayal Weekly is back for a new season. Every Thursday, Betrayal Weekly shares first-hand accounts of broken trust, shocking deceptions, and the trail of destruction they leave behind. Hosted by Andrea Gunning, this weekly ongoing series digs into real-life stories of betrayal and the aftermath. From stories of double lives to dark discoveries, these are cautionary tales and accounts of resilience against all odds. From the producers of the critically acclaimed Betrayal series, Betrayal Weekly drops new episodes every Thursday. If you would like to share your story, you can reach out to the Betrayal Team by emailing them at betrayalpod@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram at @betrayalpod and @glasspodcasts. Please join our Substack for additional exclusive content, curated book recommendations, and community discussions. Sign up FREE by clicking this link Beyond Betrayal Substack. Join our community dedicated to truth, resilience, and healing. Your voice matters! Be a part of our Betrayal journey on Substack.