Lisa Stowe appointed as Educational Leader in Residence of Experiential Learning

In 2022, Dr. Lisa Stowe, PhD’16, developed and taught a pilot course UNIV 304: Experiential Learning in the Workplace, a for-credit opportunity for students to develop foundational and transferable skills for success in professional settings. Now offered through the Faculty of Arts, the course has enrolled more than 300 students. This fall, a new section has launched specifically to support Indigenous students.

Due in part to this work, Dr. Stowe has been named Educational Leader in Residence of Experiential Learning. Educational Leaders in Residence (ELR) are scholars and educators from across the academy who leverage their expertise to advance strategic institutional teaching and learning priorities. This appointment will allow Dr. Stowe to continue to strengthen cross-campus collaboration through the Small EL Community of Practice.

Dr. Stowe is a Professor (Teaching) in the Faculty of Arts, Department of Communication, Media, and Film. Her research focuses on experiential learning at post-secondary institutions. “I’m interested in how we can provide high-quality experiential learning within the curriculum,” says Dr. Stowe. “Projects like Small EL meet students where they are by offering equitable access to hands-on learning without requiring them to enroll in extra programs or take on additional time or financial commitments.” 

Small EL refers to curricular hands-on or learning by doing activities that are small in scope but can be just as effective in helping students acquire EL competencies like teamwork and communication skills.

The ELR role reports to the Vice-Provost (Teaching and Learning), while collaborating with staff in the Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning to strengthen partnerships and promote EL opportunities across UCalgary.

An invaluable perspective on Experiential Learning 

“Dr. Stowe’s contributions to the establishment of UNIV 304 forged strong paths for learning and demonstrated what meaningful Work Integrated Learning (WIL) can look like from a course-level. The teaching expertise and experience her leadership brings are invaluable,” says Dr. Wendy Benoit, Interim Vice-Provost (Teaching and Learning). “I look forward to supporting Lisa in this role as UCalgary increases the scale and scope of meaningful WIL/EL experiences and offerings."

Dr. Stowe began her appointment on May 1 and brings extensive experience from her previous role as Academic Director of Experiential Learning in the Office of Experiential Learning (now the Office of Signature Learning). As EL continues to contribute to signature student experiences at UCalgary, her leadership will play a pivotal role in shaping accessible, high-impact learning opportunities.