In her 2005 doctoral dissertation, Dr. Ugwu reported the prediction that community colleges would continue to experience growth in enrollment and diversity. It is now 2017 and this prediction is largely true. While growth in enrollment may not have been consistent, growth in student diversity has exploded. This book delivers a scholarly research study by student success and diversity advocate, Dr. Patricia Ifeoma Ugwu, on effective instructional approaches that exceptional faculty use to engage diverse students in the classroom. Using critical incident technique, in-depth interviews, and focus groups the author identifies effective and ineffective instructional strategies for teaching diverse students. The findings of Dr. Ugwu's study provide instructional leaders and administrators with relevant information to guide decisions in dealing with an increasingly more diverse student body.
About the Author: Dr. Patricia Ugwu is currently the Dean of Student Success & Engagement at Houston Community College (HCC) Coleman College for Health Sciences located in the Texas Medical Center. She provides leadership to a comprehensive student services division that includes: Admission & Enrollment, Testing, Advising, Counseling, Intake & Retention as well as Learning Support and is the Co-Lead to HCC's District Eagle Early Alert Program. Dr. Ugwu enjoys mentoring and is passionate about the role of student services in achieving institutional goals of student success and completion. Patricia started her career as a Medical Record Technician in Yuma Regional Medical Center in the late 80s. She transitioned into Social and Human Services field in Ohio, first as a Fair Housing Counselor, then as a Case Manager/Social Services Worker. In Texas, Patricia directed and managed a federally funded program, YouthBuild, for the city of Galveston and later, YouthBuild Houston Community College. YouthBuild Programs give high school dropouts another opportunity to acquire employable skills, rebuild their lives while re-building their communities. While in this position, Patricia went back to graduate school and earned another master's degree, this time in Counseling. In her first year as a counselor, Patricia was selected to chair the Counseling department and she held this position for over ten years, before accepting her current position as a Dean at HCC Coleman. Patricia immigrated to the United States in 1979. She attended Calumet College, Purdue University, and Southern Illinois University where she earned a B.S. in Radio and Television and a master's in Telecommunications. She earned a master's degree in Counseling from the University of Houston Clear Lake; a Graduate Certificate in Dispute Resolution, and a PhD degree in Educational Administration from the University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Ugwu is also a Licensed Professional Counselor. In 2016, Dr. Ugwu was honored as the Founding Secretary of the National Alumni Association of Queen's School Enugu (NAAQSE) USA. She presently serves as a National Patron for NAAQSE USA in support of the association's Board and Executives as they work to create a legacy of hope and achievement for young girls. Patricia is married to Dr. David E. Ugwu. They have four children; Chiugo, Adaeze, Oguejiofor and Chidiebere who passed in January 2014. May Chidi's soul continue to rest in perfect peace.