COEHP Q&A: A Chat with New Workforce Development Faculty Member, Jim Maddox
Jim Maddox is a new faculty member at the University of Arkansas, teaching in the Human Resource and Workforce Development (HRWD) program. His focus is in the area of Organization Development and Change.
The HRWD program, offered online, prepares graduate and undergraduate students of all ages and backgrounds for a variety of careers, including educators, managers and consultants in academic, public and private settings. Offering small class sizes, a diverse student body and low student-faculty ratios, the program offers high-energy learning in a student-centered environment. Students have ample opportunities for hands-on technical, research and professional experience in a variety of community settings.
Enjoy this short Q&A with Jim:
Where were you/what was your position prior to this?
I was a full professor at Friends University teaching in the business school.
Are you working on any manuscripts or book chapters right now?
I have two books in process and a manuscript proposal for a spring conference. One is on Resistance to Change and the other is on Organizational Mindfulness.
What inspired you to teach in this particular field?
My background is in psychology and I became fascinated with how organizations function or often, dysfunction.
What’s your favorite class to teach?
I think it is whatever I am teaching at the time. I am eclectic and curious so I get passionate about a variety of ideas.
What’s your most effective strategy for engaging students?
I try and ask reflective and deep questions and use applied exercises in small groups.
How would you describe your teaching style?
My teaching style is grounded in co-creating learning opportunities with my students.
The process begins by creating a space where students feel valued and safe to explore new ideas. I have found that students first need to experience a sense of trust and belonging. Students first need to know that I care about them as individuals. By being authentic and open with my students, I help create an environment where the students then feel they can be authentic and can challenge themselves and take risks around their passions, their assumptions, and develop their sense of self.
Do you have any advice for students?
Be curious, ask questions, question your assumptions, and challenge yourself.
Tell us about your family:
I have four grown children and they have each graduated from college and are pursuing their passions around education and service oriented fields. I have two stepdaughters still in school and my wife is an elementary art teacher in Rogers. I am new to the NWA area and have fallen in love with the area and Fayetteville.
