Written by: Htet Myint
Adjunct faculty play a vital role in shaping the academic experience for Southern Adventist University students, both on and off campus. According to the university’s Adjunct Faculty Handbook, the role of part-time faculty encompasses a wide array of responsibilities, including selecting textbooks, developing a course syllabus, teaching, grading and supervising labs, among other things. Adjunct faculty, however, are not expected to attend staff meetings, attend regular school/departmental functions, serve on campus committees or schedule regular office hours, according to the handbook.
The Accent interviewed multiple adjunct faculty members about their experiences working for Southern and how they stay connected to the university.
“I don’t feel as isolated as I once did at UTC, plus the pay is better!”
Alicia Adams, an adjunct professor for the School of Journalism and Communication, started teaching online classes in Fall 2023 as a way to stay connected to her alma mater. Notably, she serves as the director of marketing at Pacific Press Publishing in Nampa, Idaho.
“I have felt a lot of support from the department and from the university, and it has been a delightful experience thus far,” said Adams.
While she receives schoolwide email updates and invitations, Adams wishes for more live broadcasts or recorded faculty development events to facilitate her participation.
Victoria Carlson, an adjunct professor in the School of Visual Arts and Design, described her experience at Southern as “amazing — the support, the care, the students … just fabulous.”
Carlson, who said she feels included and supported by the university, noted the exceptional students and expressed joy in being part of their training. Having previously worked as an art director intern, her transition to adjuncting at Southern has far exceeded her own expectations. The positive atmosphere and the opportunity to contribute to the development of talented and thoughtful students have made her experience at Southern truly fulfilling.
Monica Coulter, who teaches in the School of Health and Kinesiology, expressed her love for working at Southern and highlighted the contrast between her current experience and how she felt at institutions she has worked at previously.
“I don’t feel as isolated as I once did at UTC,” Coulter wrote to the Accent, “plus the pay is better!”
Miro Manestar’s journey into adjuncting is marked by a unique blend of technical expertise and a passion for teaching. Manestar was offered an adjuncting position after expressing interest a year prior, when he was close to attaining his master’s degree from Southern.
“I really enjoy adjuncting. I walk into this room, and it’s cool to see their light bulbs switch on. If anyone thinks of adjuncting, they should try it.”
“I had tutored and TA’d; the logical next step would be adjuncting,” Manestar said
As an adjunct professor in the School of Computing, he navigates the challenge of turning a textbook into a comprehensive course.
“You’re kind of just thrown into a classroom with a textbook and [must] make a whole course out of it,” Manestar said.
He added that he finds solace in the support of full-time faculty members. He also enjoys when his teaching helps illuminate a student’s understanding.
“Every job I’ve ever had God has introduced me to.”
“I really enjoy adjuncting,” Manestar said. “I walk into this room, and it’s cool to see their light bulbs switch on. If anyone thinks of adjuncting, they should try it.”
Libna Arroyo, a Southern alumna, works as a full-time professor at Pacific Union College and an adjunct professor at Southern.
“Since I’m fairly new [to adjuncting], I probably will continue to learn and grow, but the support I’ve received so far has been great,” Arroyo said.
She stays connected to Southern’s Psychology Department through regular professional and personal communication.
“I get emails for professional development activities on campus; it gives me an idea of what’s happening,” she said. “Some of the professors were my classmates, so I keep in touch with them. … I’ve always felt connected to Southern.”
For Janet Borisevich, adjuncting for the English Department is more than a career; it’s a divine calling. Her journey to Southern involved a prayerful decision, leading her away from the stress of previous positions.
“Every job I’ve ever had God has introduced me to,” Borisevich said. “It’s not because of an application. It’s always been God choosing, not me.”
