The 5 Pillars of Learning Centers, with Penny Turrentine: #5. Data Collection for Continuous Improvement

“Another piece of data that I think is extremely important to collect is student feedback. Students are our reason for being and sometimes you have to remind people of that.” - Dr. Penny Turrentine In the final part of a short series of podcast episodes, we conclude a discussion with Penny Turrentine, Ph. D., Adjunct Faculty and Program Coordinator at Pima Community College, about another foundational pillar upon which to successfully build your college or university Learning Center. Her book, Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Learning Centers (and then some…), inspired these discussions and focuses on the fundamentals for learning center directors, including seeking feedback from those you serve. Penny points out that data collection is important for demonstrating to your administrators and others the importance of your mission. During her twenty-seven years in the field, Dr. Turrentine has specialized in working with student-athletes and published, Champions in the Classroom, a professional reference guide for student-athletes, learning support staff, coaches, advisors, parents, and school administrators. She earned her BA in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Arizona, selecting studies in sociology, psychology, and exercise and sport sciences as preparation for her goal of working with student-athletes in the academic area. She went on to earn her Master’s degree from the University of Arizona College of Education with a minor in exercise and sport sciences before moving on to earn her doctorate. She recently "retired" as the director of the West Campus Learning Center at Pima Community College in Tucson, Arizona. Though, Dr. Turrentine continues to teach and coordinate the Aztec Academics program for the Athletic Department at Pima College - designing and implementing a series of student success workshops that draw parallels between athletic skills and academic skills. She also developed a mentoring program for student-athletes and facilitates tutor-led study halls for the athletes. She designed and developed the Student-Athlete Center for Academic Excellence and continues to be a consultant to the Athletic Department in all facets of academic support. In the field of learning assistance, Dr. Turrentine has earned Level 4 certification from the National College Learning Center Association (NCLCA). She has served both as the Arizona/Nevada director and as the SIG leader for the Learning Assistance Center Management SIG. She has been a Master level reviewer for the International Tutor Training Program Certification Program for 13 years and has coordinated the ITTPC.  Engineerica helps you to engage, track, and retain students. Learn more at www.engineerica.com. Want to hear more? Visit the Podcast website: https://www.engineerica.com/student-success-heroes-podcast/ We want to hear your story!  Leave us a voicemail telling us about one of your center's current goals or initiatives. How are you achieving it or what challenges have you uncovered? We may just play your message in an upcoming episode so that others can learn from your experience.