Program Highlights
Welcome to the 2025 Professional Track Faculty (PTK) Symposium!
Mark your calendars! The 2025 PTK Symposium is a two-day event taking place on March 6th and 7th, 2025. This year, we’re excited to offer a blend of virtual and in-person programming, guided by the themes of promotion and community.
What to Expect:
- Plenary Sessions: Hear from expert speakers as they explore topics relevant to all members of the UMD community, including the evolving relationship between higher education and the Department of Education, and the impact of today’s political landscape on our academic spaces.
- Breakout Sessions: Attend a range of sessions occurring both in-person and virtually presented by fellow professional track faculty.
- Mentoring and Networking Sessions: Get to know other members of the UMD Community during in-person networking sessions. Get to know the faculty from a range of departments, and learn from your colleagues in mentoring sessions.
While the symposium is an annual event that highlights the contributions and priorities of professional track faculty, we warmly welcome all members of the UMD Community.
How to Register
Registration for the 2025 PTK Symposium is now live! Let us know you are attending here: https://go.umd.edu/PTKSymposium2025Registration
Register now to confirm your attendance and indicate your interest in sessions. Individuals who register by Thursday, February 27th, 2025, will be guaranteed a lunch on Friday, March 6!
Thursday, March 6, 2025 (Virtual)
Time
Session
Location
10:30 - 11:00
Opening Remarks
- President Darryll Pines, University of Maryland
- Dean Samuel Graham, Clark School of Engineering
- Brit Saksvig & Jo Zimmerman, Co-Chairs, 2023 PTK Symposium
11:00 - 12:00
Opening Plenary
Upward Mobility of PTK Faculty: Conventional and Unconventional Paths to Success
This session will be moderated by Colleen Worthington, Clinical Professor Emerita, Department of Hearing & Speech Sciences, and includes five faculty members sharing stories of success at UMD.
Participants:
- Katherine Ford Russell, Associate Dean, College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Research Professor, Department of Anthropology
- Ginny Rosenkranz, Principal Agent Associate, College of Agriculture & Natural Resources, Extension Program
- Matt Parker, Principal Agent Associate, College of Agriculture & Natural Resources, Aquaculture Business Specialist; University of Maryland Extension
- Ebony Terrell Shockley, Executive Director of Teacher Education, Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Teaching and Learning, Policy and Leadership, College of Education
- Tracy Zeeger, Assistant Dean, Public Health Practice, Associate Clinical Professor, Director of Undergraduate Studies, Department of Behavioral and Community Health, School of Public Health
Moderator:
- Colleen Worthington, Clinical Professor Emerita, Department of Hearing & Speech Sciences
12:30 - 3:30
Breakout Sessions
This year, program activities are categorized into three themes:
- Community: PTK faculty build communities within and outside of the campus.
- Growth: PTK faculty are the catalyst for growth of UMD in research, education and service.
- Wellness: PTK faculty are crucial for wellness of students, faculty and staff.
Visit the Breakout Sessions page for more detail.
9:45 - 10:30
Registration
Outside Prince George's Room
11:00 - 12:00
Provost Panel Discussion
Is the Grass Greener?
Provost Jennifer King Rice & Provost Mark R. Ginsberg, George Mason University
Prince George's Room
12:00 - 1:00
Networking Lunch
We will have a networking lunch with other faculty and administrators from 12 pm - 1 pm in the Adele H. Stamp Student Union. If you plan to attend the networking lunch, please have your registration along with dietary needs completed and submitted by February 20, 2023.
Brent Room, 2nd Floor
1:00 - 3:15
Breakout Sessions
This year, program activities are categorized into three themes:
- Community: PTK faculty build communities within and outside of the campus.
- Growth: PTK faculty are the catalyst for growth of UMD in research, education and service.
- Wellness: PTK faculty are crucial for wellness of students, faculty and staff.
Visit the Breakout Sessions page for more detail.
11:00 - 11:50
Welcome and Plenary Session
We're Better Together
Rafael Lorente, Dean of Philip Merrill College of Journalism
The treatment and status of professional track faculty has improved significantly over the last decade at the University of Maryland, and at many of our peer institutions. And while there remain significant areas for improvement, I believe now is the time for professional track and tenure track faculty to come together, both because we are better together, and because the health of our institutions and our democracy are at stake. The attacks on academic freedom across the country are just beginning. We need to stand together to defend both academic freedom and the role of vibrant, diverse universities in a functioning democracy.
12:30 - 1:20
PTK Mentoring Session Information
Launching this year is a special program to create lasting mentor-mentee relationships between PTK faculty. Whether you're a more experienced PTK Faculty member or a new PTK Faculty member, this program offers opportunities for growth in teaching, research, administration, leadership, work-life balance, and more. The matching process will be led by the Social/Networking PTK Symposium Committee. We aim to extend this program beyond the duration of the symposium for long-term impact.
Mentoring Workshop
The session will include an introduction to the campus-wide mentoring program. The aim of this program is to generate a database of mentor volunteers and mentees to be paired up. We aim to match pairs and start a yearlong partnership that would help PTK in various areas such as teaching, research, administration, and more. A discussion and brainstorming of ideas will follow the program introduction. We hope that this program will continue with next year's PTK Symposium Networking Committee at the helm thus starting a tradition and a new resource for PTK at the university.
8:30 - 9:00
Registration and Light Refreshments
Atrium 1107
9:00 - 9:15
Welcome Remarks & Introduction from Provost Rice
Atrium 1107
9:15 - 10:30
Opening Plenary
PTK Working Group Recommendations | Panel and Town Hall with Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs, John Bertot
- John Bertot, Moderator, Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs & Professor, iSchool
- Colleen Worthington, Clinical Professor Emerita and former Director of Clinical Education in the Department of Hearing & Speech Sciences
- Jacqueline Takacs, Principal Agent, University of Maryland Extension
- Jo Zimmerman, Senior Lecturer, KNES, School of Public Health
- Ursula Gorham, Associate Director for Faculty Initiatives in the Office of Faculty Affairs
The Professional Track Working Group was convened by Senior Vice President and Provost Jennifer King Rice and the Office of Faculty Affairs in May 2022. It was divided into four subgroups: 1) Appointment, evaluation, and promotion (AEP) processes; 2) Workload policy for PTK faculty; 3) Contracts and compensation; and, 4) PTK titles.
During the PTK Working Group Panel, members will summarize subgroups and recommendations. After brief presentations, members and moderator John Bertot, Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs, will respond to questions regarding the Working Group activities and outcomes in a town hall format.
Atrium 1107
10:45 - 11:45
Panel: Community Engagement Discussion
- D. Paul Monteiro, Jr. Secretary of Service & Civic Innovation, Office of Secretary Department of Service & Civic Innovation (DSCI)
- Jinhee Kim, Associate Dean, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources; Associate Director of the University of Maryland Extension
- Paul Goeringer, Senior Faculty Specialist and Extension Specialist, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
- Isaias Yemane Tesfalidet, Director, Digital Literacy/ Tech Extension
Please join Secretary Paul Monteiro and his panelist as he leads a discussion and shares community engagement strategies that enhance PTK faculty and others to better engage diverse communities, deepen relationships, and drive sustainable impacts and outcomes. In this interactive session, panelists will share successful approaches to community engagement. The session will highlight the importance of working together, and how to collaborate with different students, audiences, demographics, colleges, departments, stakeholders, and community partnerships to drive impact and social changes.
Atrium 1107
12:00 - 1:15
Lunch & Networking Bingo
Atrium 1107
10:30 - 12:00
Welcome & Plenary
To start this year’s PTK Symposium, President Pines has prepared a brief welcome video. President Pines’ video will be followed by a plenary panel in which the Provost’s PTK Faculty Excellence Awardees will share insights on teaching, research, and service.
12:30 - 4:30
Breakout Sessions
Thursday's Breakout Sessions will be held on Zoom, with three Zoom Channels.
Details about the sessions are available on the Breakout Sessions page.
9:30 - 9:45
Light Breakfast Available
1211 Prince George's
9:45 - 10:00
Provost's Welcome
Provost Jennifer King Rice will share brief opening remarks for Day 2 of the in-person PTK Symposium.
Plenary Subcommittee Chair, Polly O’Rourke will welcome and introduce Provost Rice to attendees.
1211 Prince George's
10:00 - 11:00
Plenary Session
Free Speech and Academic Freedom on Campus
This presentation will cover select free speech and academic freedom topics. It will address the constitutional, legal, and case law principles that underlie and otherwise support expressive activities in this country. It will also identify the narrow categories of speech and conduct that fall outside the protections afforded by those principles. Lastly, it will delve into how the concepts of free speech and academic freedom have played out at the University of Maryland, particularly over the last few years, and offer guidance to effectively balance the twin goals of furthering expressive activity and campus safety.
1211 Prince George's
11:00 - 12:00
Networking
Join us for engaging social networking activities where you can build valuable relationships with PTK faculty across the University of Maryland. This is a great opportunity to connect, share ideas, and explore opportunities that can enhance your academic journey. Don’t miss out on the chance to enrich your experience and expand your network!
1211 Prince George's
12:00 - 12:40
Lunch
1211 Prince George's
12:50 - 4:00
Breakout Sessions
Friday's Breakout Sessions will be held in person, at the Stamp Student Union.
Details about the sessions are available on the Breakout Sessions page.
9:00 - 9:40
Networking Breakfast
1101 Clark Hall (Zupnik Forum)
9:40 - 10:00
Welcome and Plenary
To open this year’s PTK Symposium, President Pines will deliver a brief welcome video. Provost Jennifer King Rice will then offer welcoming remarks, setting the stage for an engaging plenary panel discussion.
1101 Clark Hall (Zupnik Forum)
10:00 - 11:00
Leading, Connecting, & Networking in Academia in Uncertain Times
PTK Symposium 2026 Plenary Panel
This plenary session invites faculty to step boldly into their roles as leaders, innovators, and connectors during one of the most transformative moments in higher education. In alignment with the PTK Symposium theme, 'Adapting to Now,' this conversation focuses on how we can move forward with strength, clarity, and purpose as we navigate the new terrain emerging in higher education.
As University priorities evolve, academic expectations expand, and artificial intelligence reshapes how we teach and create knowledge, the call to courageous leadership has never been greater. This session reframes uncertainty not as a barrier but as an opportunity to lead with vision, communicate with integrity, and build networks that uplift our colleagues and students.
Panelists will share how faculty can cultivate resilience, amplify their voice, and stay anchored in the core values that define academic excellence: mentorship, shared wisdom, research, intellectual curiosity, and community. Together, we will explore practical strategies for fostering collaboration, strengthening professional relationships, and navigating change with confidence and compassion.
Through open dialogue, we will highlight the power of connection—how intentional networking, transparent communication, and collaborative leadership allow us not only to adapt but also to thrive. Faculty will leave with renewed energy, inspired perspective, and actionable approaches for leading with courage, building community, and shaping the future of academia with hope and purpose.
1101 Clark Hall (Zupnik Forum)
12:30 - 1:15
Lunch & Resource Fair
1101 Clark Hall (Zupnik Forum)
4:00 - 5:00
Networking Happy Hour
The symposium will close with a networking session that’s a chance to get to know other members of the UMD community; snacks and non-alcoholic drinks will be provided
1112 Chemistry Bldg (Great Hall)
Friday, March 7, 2025 (In-Person)
Time
Session
Location
10:30 - 11:00
Opening Remarks
- President Darryll Pines, University of Maryland
- Dean Samuel Graham, Clark School of Engineering
- Brit Saksvig & Jo Zimmerman, Co-Chairs, 2023 PTK Symposium
11:00 - 12:00
Opening Plenary
Upward Mobility of PTK Faculty: Conventional and Unconventional Paths to Success
This session will be moderated by Colleen Worthington, Clinical Professor Emerita, Department of Hearing & Speech Sciences, and includes five faculty members sharing stories of success at UMD.
Participants:
- Katherine Ford Russell, Associate Dean, College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Research Professor, Department of Anthropology
- Ginny Rosenkranz, Principal Agent Associate, College of Agriculture & Natural Resources, Extension Program
- Matt Parker, Principal Agent Associate, College of Agriculture & Natural Resources, Aquaculture Business Specialist; University of Maryland Extension
- Ebony Terrell Shockley, Executive Director of Teacher Education, Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Teaching and Learning, Policy and Leadership, College of Education
- Tracy Zeeger, Assistant Dean, Public Health Practice, Associate Clinical Professor, Director of Undergraduate Studies, Department of Behavioral and Community Health, School of Public Health
Moderator:
- Colleen Worthington, Clinical Professor Emerita, Department of Hearing & Speech Sciences
12:30 - 3:30
Breakout Sessions
This year, program activities are categorized into three themes:
- Community: PTK faculty build communities within and outside of the campus.
- Growth: PTK faculty are the catalyst for growth of UMD in research, education and service.
- Wellness: PTK faculty are crucial for wellness of students, faculty and staff.
Visit the Breakout Sessions page for more detail.
9:45 - 10:30
Registration
Outside Prince George's Room
11:00 - 12:00
Provost Panel Discussion
Is the Grass Greener?
Provost Jennifer King Rice & Provost Mark R. Ginsberg, George Mason University
Prince George's Room
12:00 - 1:00
Networking Lunch
We will have a networking lunch with other faculty and administrators from 12 pm - 1 pm in the Adele H. Stamp Student Union. If you plan to attend the networking lunch, please have your registration along with dietary needs completed and submitted by February 20, 2023.
Brent Room, 2nd Floor
1:00 - 3:15
Breakout Sessions
This year, program activities are categorized into three themes:
- Community: PTK faculty build communities within and outside of the campus.
- Growth: PTK faculty are the catalyst for growth of UMD in research, education and service.
- Wellness: PTK faculty are crucial for wellness of students, faculty and staff.
Visit the Breakout Sessions page for more detail.
11:00 - 11:50
Welcome and Plenary Session
We're Better Together
Rafael Lorente, Dean of Philip Merrill College of Journalism
The treatment and status of professional track faculty has improved significantly over the last decade at the University of Maryland, and at many of our peer institutions. And while there remain significant areas for improvement, I believe now is the time for professional track and tenure track faculty to come together, both because we are better together, and because the health of our institutions and our democracy are at stake. The attacks on academic freedom across the country are just beginning. We need to stand together to defend both academic freedom and the role of vibrant, diverse universities in a functioning democracy.
12:30 - 1:20
PTK Mentoring Session Information
Launching this year is a special program to create lasting mentor-mentee relationships between PTK faculty. Whether you're a more experienced PTK Faculty member or a new PTK Faculty member, this program offers opportunities for growth in teaching, research, administration, leadership, work-life balance, and more. The matching process will be led by the Social/Networking PTK Symposium Committee. We aim to extend this program beyond the duration of the symposium for long-term impact.
Mentoring Workshop
The session will include an introduction to the campus-wide mentoring program. The aim of this program is to generate a database of mentor volunteers and mentees to be paired up. We aim to match pairs and start a yearlong partnership that would help PTK in various areas such as teaching, research, administration, and more. A discussion and brainstorming of ideas will follow the program introduction. We hope that this program will continue with next year's PTK Symposium Networking Committee at the helm thus starting a tradition and a new resource for PTK at the university.
8:30 - 9:00
Registration and Light Refreshments
Atrium 1107
9:00 - 9:15
Welcome Remarks & Introduction from Provost Rice
Atrium 1107
9:15 - 10:30
Opening Plenary
PTK Working Group Recommendations | Panel and Town Hall with Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs, John Bertot
- John Bertot, Moderator, Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs & Professor, iSchool
- Colleen Worthington, Clinical Professor Emerita and former Director of Clinical Education in the Department of Hearing & Speech Sciences
- Jacqueline Takacs, Principal Agent, University of Maryland Extension
- Jo Zimmerman, Senior Lecturer, KNES, School of Public Health
- Ursula Gorham, Associate Director for Faculty Initiatives in the Office of Faculty Affairs
The Professional Track Working Group was convened by Senior Vice President and Provost Jennifer King Rice and the Office of Faculty Affairs in May 2022. It was divided into four subgroups: 1) Appointment, evaluation, and promotion (AEP) processes; 2) Workload policy for PTK faculty; 3) Contracts and compensation; and, 4) PTK titles.
During the PTK Working Group Panel, members will summarize subgroups and recommendations. After brief presentations, members and moderator John Bertot, Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs, will respond to questions regarding the Working Group activities and outcomes in a town hall format.
Atrium 1107
10:45 - 11:45
Panel: Community Engagement Discussion
- D. Paul Monteiro, Jr. Secretary of Service & Civic Innovation, Office of Secretary Department of Service & Civic Innovation (DSCI)
- Jinhee Kim, Associate Dean, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources; Associate Director of the University of Maryland Extension
- Paul Goeringer, Senior Faculty Specialist and Extension Specialist, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
- Isaias Yemane Tesfalidet, Director, Digital Literacy/ Tech Extension
Please join Secretary Paul Monteiro and his panelist as he leads a discussion and shares community engagement strategies that enhance PTK faculty and others to better engage diverse communities, deepen relationships, and drive sustainable impacts and outcomes. In this interactive session, panelists will share successful approaches to community engagement. The session will highlight the importance of working together, and how to collaborate with different students, audiences, demographics, colleges, departments, stakeholders, and community partnerships to drive impact and social changes.
Atrium 1107
12:00 - 1:15
Lunch & Networking Bingo
Atrium 1107
10:30 - 12:00
Welcome & Plenary
To start this year’s PTK Symposium, President Pines has prepared a brief welcome video. President Pines’ video will be followed by a plenary panel in which the Provost’s PTK Faculty Excellence Awardees will share insights on teaching, research, and service.
12:30 - 4:30
Breakout Sessions
Thursday's Breakout Sessions will be held on Zoom, with three Zoom Channels.
Details about the sessions are available on the Breakout Sessions page.
9:30 - 9:45
Light Breakfast Available
1211 Prince George's
9:45 - 10:00
Provost's Welcome
Provost Jennifer King Rice will share brief opening remarks for Day 2 of the in-person PTK Symposium.
Plenary Subcommittee Chair, Polly O’Rourke will welcome and introduce Provost Rice to attendees.
1211 Prince George's
10:00 - 11:00
Plenary Session
Free Speech and Academic Freedom on Campus
This presentation will cover select free speech and academic freedom topics. It will address the constitutional, legal, and case law principles that underlie and otherwise support expressive activities in this country. It will also identify the narrow categories of speech and conduct that fall outside the protections afforded by those principles. Lastly, it will delve into how the concepts of free speech and academic freedom have played out at the University of Maryland, particularly over the last few years, and offer guidance to effectively balance the twin goals of furthering expressive activity and campus safety.
1211 Prince George's
11:00 - 12:00
Networking
Join us for engaging social networking activities where you can build valuable relationships with PTK faculty across the University of Maryland. This is a great opportunity to connect, share ideas, and explore opportunities that can enhance your academic journey. Don’t miss out on the chance to enrich your experience and expand your network!
1211 Prince George's
12:00 - 12:40
Lunch
1211 Prince George's
12:50 - 4:00
Breakout Sessions
Friday's Breakout Sessions will be held in person, at the Stamp Student Union.
Details about the sessions are available on the Breakout Sessions page.
9:00 - 9:40
Networking Breakfast
1101 Clark Hall (Zupnik Forum)
9:40 - 10:00
Welcome and Plenary
To open this year’s PTK Symposium, President Pines will deliver a brief welcome video. Provost Jennifer King Rice will then offer welcoming remarks, setting the stage for an engaging plenary panel discussion.
1101 Clark Hall (Zupnik Forum)
10:00 - 11:00
Leading, Connecting, & Networking in Academia in Uncertain Times
PTK Symposium 2026 Plenary Panel
This plenary session invites faculty to step boldly into their roles as leaders, innovators, and connectors during one of the most transformative moments in higher education. In alignment with the PTK Symposium theme, 'Adapting to Now,' this conversation focuses on how we can move forward with strength, clarity, and purpose as we navigate the new terrain emerging in higher education.
As University priorities evolve, academic expectations expand, and artificial intelligence reshapes how we teach and create knowledge, the call to courageous leadership has never been greater. This session reframes uncertainty not as a barrier but as an opportunity to lead with vision, communicate with integrity, and build networks that uplift our colleagues and students.
Panelists will share how faculty can cultivate resilience, amplify their voice, and stay anchored in the core values that define academic excellence: mentorship, shared wisdom, research, intellectual curiosity, and community. Together, we will explore practical strategies for fostering collaboration, strengthening professional relationships, and navigating change with confidence and compassion.
Through open dialogue, we will highlight the power of connection—how intentional networking, transparent communication, and collaborative leadership allow us not only to adapt but also to thrive. Faculty will leave with renewed energy, inspired perspective, and actionable approaches for leading with courage, building community, and shaping the future of academia with hope and purpose.
1101 Clark Hall (Zupnik Forum)
12:30 - 1:15
Lunch & Resource Fair
1101 Clark Hall (Zupnik Forum)
4:00 - 5:00
Networking Happy Hour
The symposium will close with a networking session that’s a chance to get to know other members of the UMD community; snacks and non-alcoholic drinks will be provided
1112 Chemistry Bldg (Great Hall)