In part one of a short series of podcast episodes, we sit down with Penny Turrentine, Ph. D., Adjunct Faculty and Program Coordinator at Pima Community College, to discuss some of the foundational pillars on which to build a successful Learning Center at your college or university. Inspired by her most recent publication, Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Learning Centers (and then some…), we delve into essentials for learning center directors, the first being the need for professional development for learning center staff.

During her twenty-seven years in the field, Dr. Turrentine has specialized in working with student-athletes and published, Champions in the Classroom, a professional reference guide for student athletes, learning support staff, coaches, advisors, parents, and school administrators. She earned her BA in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Arizona, selecting studies in sociology, psychology, and exercise and sport sciences as preparation for her goal of working with student-athletes in the academic area. She went on to earn her Master’s degree from the University of Arizona College of Education with a minor in exercise and sport sciences before moving on to earn her doctorate.

She recently "retired" as the director of the West Campus Learning Center at Pima Community College in Tucson, Arizona. Though, Dr. Turrentine continues to teach and coordinate the Aztec Academics program for the Athletic Department at Pima College - designing and implementing a series of student success workshops that draw parallels between athletic skills and academic skills. She also developed a mentoring program for student-athletes and facilitates tutor-led study halls for the athletes. She designed and developed the Student Athlete Center for Academic Excellence and continues to be a consultant to the Athletic Department in all facets of academic support. In the field of learning assistance, Dr. Turrentine has earned Level 4 certification from the National College Learning Center Association (NCLCA). She has served both as the Arizona/Nevada director and as the SIG leader for the Learning Assistance Center Management SIG. She has been a Master level reviewer for the International Tutor Training Program Certification Program for 13 years and has coordinated the ITTPC.

Professional Development Resources:

College Reading & Learning Association (CRLA)

National College Learning Center Association (NCLCA)

LRNASST-L Listserve: Open Forum for Learning Assistance Professionals

Learning Support Centers in Higher Education (NSCHE)

Engineerica helps you to engage, track, and retain students. Learn more at www.engineerica.com.

Want to hear more? Visit the Podcast website: https://www.engineerica.com/student-success-heroes-podcast/

We want to hear your story! Leave us a voicemail telling us about one of your center's current goals or initiatives. How are you achieving it or what challenges have you uncovered? We may just play your message in an upcoming episode so that others can learn from your experience.

Making a Home Away From Home for Students with Julie Ashley, MCCNEB