UNA Talks

Today, we take a closer look at one of our most outreach-oriented programs. Dr. Katie Owens-Murphy serves as UNA's "Inside-Out" coordinator, working directly with people in prison to facilitate dialogue and education across profound social differences. Katie discusses the impact of the program and offers her perspective as an English professor on how language and the way we communicate with one an...

Education's role in the success of its community cannot be overstated, and no one knows that better than Dr. Andrea Hunt. Andrea has dedicated her life and career to advocating for students who have inherited any disadvantage to find the education they deserve. She facilitates change and growth in classrooms as well as courtrooms, demonstrating how UNA empowers and facilitates life-changing access...

Professor, true crime podcast expert, and writer Dr. Lindsey Sherrill discusses the importance of an interdisciplinary approach to business studies. We see how she has applied these principles in her own work, as well as how she equips her students here at UNA to use language, storytelling, and perspective to conduct business that makes an impact in the world. UNA Talks is a bi-weekly podcast from...

Dr. Shinika Byrd shares her experiences as a professional in higher education, an entrepreneur, and an accomplished professor. Shinika also shares her refreshingly practical perspective on how to develop leaders who can transfer their skills, regardless of where their career takes them. UNA Talks is a bi-weekly podcast from the University of North Alabama focusing on our outstanding faculty. At UN...

Dr. Laura Smith is an experienced occupational therapist who is bringing the field of study to the Anderson College of Nursing and Health Professions at UNA. Laura is here to teach us about the emerging field of OT, as well as all the ways it enriches patients' experiences in healthcare around the world. We also discuss how she is equipping students to practice safely and practically, while offeri...

Today, we are talking about, of all things, caffeine — its effect on our bodies, brains, and performance. How can we still be learning about something almost all of us consume every day? That's what Dr. Killen will walk us through. We also discuss the field of Kinesiology and what studying it entails at UNA for our students and faculty. UNA Talks is a bi-weekly podcast from the University of North...

What skills are hospitals, pharmacies, medicine, and other health practices looking for? More than you might realize. Dr. Ann-Marie Irons discusses how UNA's nursing programs are helping our graduates prepare for the evolving needs in healthcare — what's changing, what's not, and how to find your fit as a healthcare professional. UNA Talks is a bi-weekly podcast from the University of North Alabam...

Today we meet Dr. Blake Ball, historian and author of "Charlie Brown's America: The Popular Politics of Peanuts." We discuss Dr. Ball's use of popular culture to bridge the gap of the collective consciousness of his students and the history of our country. Dr. Ball's approach to of framing history through the lens of what's on our televisions, in our newspapers, and on our phones shows how approac...

Today, we are getting to know Dr. Rachel Winston, Director of Engagement & Access Initiatives for the Anderson College of Nursing & Health Professions. Rachel is a powerful advocate for the special needs community in the Shoals and a talented instructor. She shares her personal story of how she found her passion for working with people with special needs and how it informs her teaching every day....

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Alisha Horky, Associate Professor of Marketing at UNA’s Sanders College of Business and Technology. With over 15 years of professional experience spanning corporate retail, research, and higher education, Dr. Horky shares her journey from managing an outdoor retail store to shaping the next generation of marketers in the classroom. We discuss the evolution of market...

We sit down and talk with Dr. Eric Kirkman, principal of Kilby Laboratory School and professor of instructional leadership at UNA. With more than 25 years of experience in education, Dr. Kirkman brings a wealth of insight into teaching, mentorship, and preparing the next generation of educators. Kilby Laboratory School functions as a living classroom for our aspiring teachers, offering ongoing, re...

Dr. Will Brewer is a seasoned nurse with nearly every accolade in the profession to his name. As a UNA graduate, Dr. Brewer brings a great perspective in this episode by discussing how students learn best in nursing and the lengths he goes to help them learn. We also discuss UNA's powerful state-of-the-art simulation lab in detail and discuss the future of health care. UNA Talks is a bi-weekly pod...

Today, we talk to Grammy-winning songwriter and recording artist, co-owner of Single Lock Records, and (most notably 😉) UNA alumni and professor, John Paul White. John is one of the many crown jewels of the Muscle Shoals music legacy, and we are so lucky to have him teaching at UNA. His wisdom gained from real-world experience is imparted to emerging artists and entertainment majors every day at...

Today, we talk to Dr. Natasha Lindsey, one of UNA's leading experts in the emerging field of instructional design. Dr. Lindsey leads both the Bachelor's and Master's in Instructional Technology and Design program and helps teachers navigate online teaching and the practice of instructional design. We discuss online accessibility, technological barriers, challenges/obstacles in online education, an...

For our inaugural episode, we sat down with Dr. Justin Carter, Associate Professor of Management in our Sanders College of Business and Technology. Dr. Carter is a community leader in discussions surrounding artificial intelligence and its use in modern research as well as its place in academia. UNA Talks is a bi-weekly podcast from the University of North Alabama focusing on our outstanding facul...