This spring, Maryville University launched the Mary Ellen Finch Center for Learning, Innovation, Fun, & Teaching (LIFT), an integrated evolution of the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL). LIFT brings together instructional design, library services, faculty development, faculty engagement, assessment, creative services and signature programs into one collaborative structure. LIFT is the outcome of months of thoughtful conversation with CTL faculty, staff, and academic leaders led by Jennifer Yukna, PhD, Vice President of Academic Affairs focused on aligning efforts, sharing resources and continuing Maryville’s culture of innovation and support. The LIFT Center embodies Maryville’s empowering, courageous and transformative spirit. Through collaboration, innovation and a commitment to student and faculty success, LIFT is shaping the future of education at the University while putting the fun in learning along the way.

“LIFT is about bringing people and ideas together,” Anne Browning, EdD, Co-Executive Director of LIFT, said. “When we connect joy with rigor, we create learning experiences that truly transform lives.”

Transformative Teaching, Lasting Impact

At its core, LIFT is dedicated to empowering faculty and students through exceptional learning experiences. The center’s mission is to foster teaching excellence, spark learning innovation and drive transformative student success. Everything LIFT does, from course design and creative media to faculty engagement and program assessment, is in service of one goal: elevating the Maryville learning experience for all.

LIFT’s work is guided by the community’s favorite words, which shape the center’s culture and priorities:

• Fun: Learning should be engaging, joyful, and never boring.
• Fundamentals: Strong teaching and learning start with solid foundations.
• Faculty: Faculty are the heart of academic excellence and innovation.
• Future: Students and educators prepare for what’s next in education and beyond.
• Fellowship: Together, educators and learners build a collaborative, supporting community.

Three Pillars of LIFT

LIFT is organized into three functional areas, each supporting a key aspect of Maryville’s academic mission:

• Learning Design focuses on course design, multimedia production, adjunct faculty engagement and the operations of online and academic systems.
• Learning Evolution advances faculty professional learning, the scholarship of teaching and learning, and pedagogical innovation.
• Learning Experience supports the delivery of Maryville’s signature academic programs, including MCORE, Study Abroad and the Bascom Honors Program, with faculty leadership guiding each initiative.

Meet the Leadership Team

LIFT is guided by a dynamic leadership team committed to operational excellence, innovation and student success:

• Anne Browning, EdD, Co-Executive Director — Browning brings deep expertise in pedagogical innovation, curriculum architecture and global learning. She has led major accreditation efforts, designed experiential programs and taught across undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Lori Sharp, MBA, Co-Executive Director — Sharp is known for her operational leadership, technology implementation and cross-institutional collaboration. Her experience spans faculty operations, process innovation, teaching across undergraduate and graduate levels and program building, always grounded in a clear understanding of faculty needs.
• Jesse Kavadlo, Senior Director of Learning Evolution — Kavadlo brings a genuine enthusiasm for faculty engagement and a talent for making professional learning both meaningful and enjoyable. He leads faculty development with a focus on understanding and supporting the growth goals of educators across the University.
• Sue Henderson, Director of Learning Quality & Assessment — Henderson brings rigor and thoughtfulness to the University’s assessment efforts, ensuring that evaluation is both meaningful and evidence-informed. Her work engages faculty in connecting assessment practice to the broader pursuit of teaching excellence.
• Ashlyn Cunningham, Director of Study Abroad — Cunningham leads Maryville’s global learning programs, including signature experiences in London, Florence and beyond. She is committed to designing immersive opportunities that broaden student perspectives and deepen academic and personal growth.

“Great teaching is both an art and a craft,” Lori Sharp, MBA, Co-Executive Director of LIFT, said. “We partner with faculty to design, support and continuously improve teaching that is engaging, effective and built to evolve.”

LIFT creates a collaborative environment where faculty and staff can innovate, grow and help students thrive. The center’s flexible, future-focused approach ensures that Maryville remains at the forefront of teaching and learning.