PD Day Fall 2025

Keynote Address 1:30-3:00 pm

The Science of Motivation: Building a Campus Culture of Growth Mindset and Belonging

Presented by Dr. David Yeager

Join us for a powerful keynote with Dr. David Yeager, nationally recognized psychologist and bestselling author of 10 to 25. Dr. Yeager’s research demonstrates how a culture of respect and mentorship can unlock motivation, strengthen collaboration, and create lasting impact across an entire community. His work—spotlighted in The New York Times and praised by Carol Dweck—offers simple, science-backed practices that energize both personal and professional growth. Whether you’re faculty, staff, or leadership, this keynote will provide fresh ideas for building a stronger, more connected campus culture.

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Room: Conference Center

Breakout Sessions 3:10-4:00 pm

10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People, Book Signing

Presented by Dr. David Yeager

10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People by David Yeager explores a new leadership style for interacting with youth, emphasizing the "mentor mindset". The book combines extensive research with practical strategies to help adults better understand and motivate young people aged 10-25, a period marked by significant brain development and social-emotional changes. Were you one of the lucky 50 participants to get a free copy of Dr. Yeager’s book? Maybe you’re part of the Growth Mindset cohort or purchased a copy of 10 to 25 for yourself? This session allows time and space for you to have a quick chat with the author and have your book signed by Dr. Yeager.

Please note this session is not for PD credit.

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Room: Conference Center

Shine at Work: Bringing Your Best Energy Every Day

Presented by Dr. Natalee Oliver

Even on the toughest days, your energy sets the tone for your work and the people around you. There is hope. Join Dr. Oliver and learn practical strategies to stay positive and resilient—no matter what’s happening outside the office. Discover ways to show up as your best self at work.

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Room: D-102

Customer Service with a Heart

Presented by MAC Team

Customer service isn’t just about fixing issues—it’s about making people feel welcome and valued. In this session, we’ll explore how the basics of service connect to our five McLennan Always Cares commitments: being approachable (name tags), pointing people the right way (warm referrals), knowing what’s beyond your own desk (cross-departmental awareness), making those first days less stressful (first-week engagement), and practicing the 10-foot goal—acknowledging and greeting anyone within ten feet to show they matter. Come ready for quick tips, a few laughs, and practical ways to bring care to every interaction.

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Room: D-109

Why Did We Go to Abilene?

Presented by Christi Esquivel

So, if everyone thinks something is a bad idea, we won't do it --- right? Not necessarily. Management expert Dr. Jerry B. Harvey used a family car ride to Abilene to describe how groups take actions in contradiction to the data they have for solving an issue and, as a result, compound the problem rather than solve it. This session walks through strategies to help navigate better and increase the chances of arriving at the preferred destination, not just on a "road trip to Abilene".

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Room: E-222

Assessing Student Writing

Presented by Jessica Hobbs, Reid Makowsky, Danny Rodriguez, and Stephen Swanson

This session focuses on basic grading standards for college writing. Presenters apply the standard ENGL 1301 rubric to a set of student essays (https://forms.gle/e81pGcaRp1YVuD3m7) and lead a holistic group assessment and discussion. Content applies to college-level writing in any course.

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Room: E-223

Motivation That Matters

Presented by Meredith Brown

Want to spark more energy in the classroom? This session explores the psychology of motivation and highlights practical strategies to inspire students, strengthen engagement, and create a supportive learning environment for lasting success.

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Room: E-224

You Have to be Deaf to Understand

Presented by Stephan Rohatyn and Beth Moss

This presentation uses the poem “You Have to Be Deaf to Understand” to explore Deaf Culture and its values of language, community, and pride. It also connects these themes to our own college culture, showing how both rely on shared experiences and belonging, and how inclusion helps every community thrive.

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Room: E-232

Burnout to Brilliance

Presented by Boyce Wilson

Burnout is real, but it doesn’t have to define our work. This session blends research and leadership strategies to help participants renew energy, find balance, and rediscover passion for their roles.

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Room: E-233/234

Building a Culture Where Everyone Belongs

Presented by Claire Wilkison

When students know they are supported, their motivation soars. Accessibility isn’t just about compliance—it’s about shaping a campus culture where every learner has the opportunity to thrive. In this interactive session, discover how simple, intentional practices can motivate students, strengthen your teaching, and contribute to a culture of belonging across campus.

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Room: E-254

Developing a Culture of Environmental Sustainability at MCC

Presented by Michaela McCown

Come hear about what work has been done on campus over the last two decades to help establish a culture of environmental sustainability at MCC and be a part of helping to grow this culture moving forward! Attendees will learn what sustainability means, how sustainability affects their lives and the lives of our students, and how they can be a part of improving sustainability culture at MCC. Every department on campus plays a vital role in helping achieve environmental sustainability on campus to improve environmental education, reduce the environmental impact of campus activities, and equip and empower students to address environmental issues in their personal lives and in their future careers.

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Room: E-255

Brightspace Tricks and Treats

Presented by John Ghazzagh

Learn how to use Release Conditions and Intelligent Agents to create more dynamic, interactive, and personalized Brightspace courses. This session will explore simple ways to automate tasks, reward progress, and increase student engagement. You’ll leave with practical strategies that save time and enhance the learning experience.

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Room: E-256

Breakout Sessions 4:10 pm – 5:00 pm

Reality Check Part 2: Motivation as a Recovering Perfectionist

Presented by Katie Vise and Starlen Roddy

Last Fall the Dynamic Duo touched on the Reality that You are an Inspiration, referencing Reality Therapy, Choice Theory, Mentorship, Positive Psychology, Self-Reflection, and centering ourselves around our Core Values and Purpose. This time we are going to focus on how to use these as a recovering perfectionist trying to not only be motivated but also motivate others. Ultimately, again, the only person you can control is yourself, and the most inspiring thing about you is that you are you.

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Room: Conference Center

The Human Curriculum: Honoring People Skills Alongside Academics

Presented by Dr. Natalee Oliver

Strong relationships don’t just happen—they’re built through awareness, empathy, and emotional intelligence. Join Dr. Oliver as she explores how our emotions influence workplace experiences and how we can foster a more supportive and positive environment where everyone feels valued.

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Room: D-102

Customer Service with a Heart

Presented by MAC Team

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Room: D-109

Creating and Using AI Agents: From Basics to Advanced Prompting

Presented by Cynthia Soll and John Segovia

In this interactive session, participants will learn how AI agents can streamline workflows, support teaching, and simplify everyday tasks for staff and faculty. They will explore real examples of AI agents in action and discover practical ways these tools can assist with communication, organization, instruction, and research.

Participants will have the opportunity to observe and test ready-to-use agents during live demonstrations and see firsthand how these tools can enhance productivity across campus. They will then gain hands-on experience learning the fundamentals of building their own agent using everyday language. No prior experience is required!

In the second half of the session, participants will learn about advanced prompt engineering and explore advanced techniques for crafting effective prompts. They will learn how advanced prompting improves results in both everyday AI use and agent development, and they will leave with five practical tips for writing high-quality prompts.

This workshop is open to all faculty and staff. No experience with AI agents is required prior to the session. Participants should bring a laptop to fully engage in both the demonstrations and hands-on activities.

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Room: E-222

Assessing Student Writing

Presented by Jessica Hobbs, Reid Makowsky, Danny Rodriguez, and Stephen Swanson

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Room: E-223

Empowering Students Through Everyday Experiences

Presented by Daelynn Copeland

Every member of the MCC Family has the opportunity to directly empower students on a daily basis. By turning everyday interactions into teachable moments, faculty and staff can positively impact the lives of hundreds of students each week. In this interactive session, participants will discover ways they can use their current position to help students recognize their potential, set goals and leverage small successes for big wins.

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Room: E-224

The Power of Branding & Marketing: Driving Recruitment and Retention

Presented by MARCOM

What’s the difference between branding and marketing—and why do both matter? Learn how each plays a vital role in helping people discover, choose, and stay engaged (or complete) with your program, service, or event. In this session, we’ll share easy, practical ways to promote what you do using print, digital, and social media tools. You’ll also learn how MCC’s Brand Standards and MarCom resources can make your outreach easier and more effective.

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Room: E-232

Leading without a Title

Presented by Boyce Wilson

Leadership is about influence, not position. Based on John Maxwell’s principles, this session empowers all employees—faculty or staff—to lead from where they are and positively impact campus culture.

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Room: E-233/234

Great Minds: Napoleon Bonaparte

Presented by Donald Keltner

Napoleon Bonaparte possessed one of the most innovative minds in history. His government reforms built modern France, his methods of warfare are still employed today, and his name remains a touchstone. Hero to some, villain to others, leader of men, visionary—and one who in the end proved all too human.

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Room: E-254

It'd Be a Lot Cooler If You Did

Presented by Joe Hinojosa

Meet with Student Life and discuss the importance of interacting with students outside of the classroom. We will discuss the importance of low-stakes interactions, how settings can impact these interactions, and how you can partner with Student Life to create opportunities to engage students.

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Room: E-255

Makerspace in Your Classroom

Presented by John Ghazzagh and Felipe McQuatters

Discover how MCC’s Makerspace can bring your ideas to life. Explore innovative tools and creative technologies while learning ways to design engaging, hands-on learning experiences for your students.

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Room: E-256

A big “Thank You” to the Leadership team and the MCC Foundation for their support of Professional and Organizational Development.

Please register for all sessions you would like to attend.

Members of the POD Committee will be available to assist in each of the breakout sessions.

Please contact Mikken Canham at mcanham@mclennan.edu with any questions. We hope you enjoy the day!