Fulbright College Instructor Coaches: Building Bridges to Student Success

Fulbright College’s Instructor Coaches serve as a vital bridge between students and campus resources, helping learners navigate academic challenges and university life.

When students get stuck in a rut or get confused trying to navigate all the services, the coaches’ job is to engage students with study tips, advice, empathy and resources that can help. These dedicated faculty members provide personalized guidance, from study strategies to accessing support services, ensuring students thrive both academically and personally.

At a recent weekly Coaching Connections meeting, Dean Brian Raines of the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences recognized the coaches’ significant impact.

“The instructor coaches provide a vital line of support to students in Fulbright College and across campus,” Raines said. “They know and value the impact of one-on-one coaching and support, especially when it’s needed most, and it is the difference many of our students need to succeed. Fulbright College is proud of these coaches’ service to students and commitment to high-impact student success strategies.”

The program’s structure combines teaching with dedicated coaching time. Instructor Coaches typically teach three classes while dedicating approximately 10 hours weekly to student coaching. This dual role has proven instrumental in improving student retention through personalized support. Additionally, participating instructors benefit from specialized training in both coaching and teaching methodologies.

“Meeting Dean Raines during our weekly Instructor Coach meeting is just one example of how the program connects me with resources and faculty across Fulbright College,” said Anna Mercer, Instructor Coach. “It is encouraging to see that the entire college, including our new dean, recognizes the impact that the instructor coach program is having on students.”

Under the leadership of Toby Phebus, associate director of student retention, and Lynn Meade, teaching assistant professor, the program receives comprehensive organizational and instructional support.

“Instructor coaches are essential to campus retention efforts because they teach the vast majority of our 1000- and 2000-level classes, understand the student support ecosystem and notice early warning signs before anyone else,” Phebus said.

The program directly supports the first pillar of the Chancellor’s 150 Forward plan, which emphasizes “unparalleled access to a holistic education that is designed to help our students grow, contribute and thrive throughout their lives and in their communities from matriculation to graduation.”

As Meade observed, “It is exciting to work with a program committed to both faculty and student success.”

This story also appeared in the University of Arkansas News publication.