Statement of Teaching Interest

As an educator, I am committed to fostering a dynamic, inclusive, and student-centred learning environment that emphasises engagement, critical thinking, and practical application. I believe that students learn best when they are active participants in their education, encouraged to question, explore, and connect course content to real-world contexts. My teaching approach prioritises active learning and collaboration through case studies, simulations, peer-led discussions, collaborative projects, and reflective activities. Guided by the principles of Universal Design for Learning, I design experiences that accommodate the full range of student abilities, backgrounds, and circumstances from the outset.

A significant expression of that commitment is thecollegeprof.ca, a learning ecosystem I developed in direct response to the rising cost of commercial textbooks and proprietary platforms. The site provides students with open, professionally curated course content, removing financial barriers to full participation. It also functions as a data-informed teaching environment, where integrated engagement analytics allow me to identify disengagement early and intervene proactively.

Beyond subject-specific knowledge, I am passionate about developing transferable competencies including critical thinking, ethical reasoning, collaboration, and effective communication, embedding these intentionally within course outcomes and assessments. Drawing on nearly three decades of industry leadership and seven years of post-secondary teaching, I bring a dual perspective that allows me to connect theory to contemporary workplace realities.

Summary

As a doctoral candidate in Educational Leadership and Policy and a graduate of the University of Fredericton's MBA in Leadership and Innovation, I bring close to three decades of applied marketing and corporate leadership experience together with seven years of post-secondary teaching across Georgian College, Lakehead University, and York University.

My industry background spans senior marketing management roles in which I led international advertising campaigns, directed digital transformation initiatives, and developed brand and CRM strategies for organisations across multiple sectors. In the classroom, I have designed and delivered fully online and hybrid courses in marketing, digital marketing communications, integrated marketing, social media strategy, and business communications.

Skills Highlights

• Reviewing and developing new courses and academic programs
• Supporting sustainable organizational success strategies
• Conducting program renewal projects from implementation to approval
• Leadership and relationship management
• Designing and updating course material based on learning outcomes
• Conflict resolution and workplace diplomacy
• Strategic organizational plans and SOPs
• Program Advisory Committee experience
• Collaborative, detail-oriented strategic planner
• Budget, objective, and project management

Education

• Ph.D. Candidate, University of Windsor – Educational Leadership and Policy (2022 – 2027)
• Master of Business Administration, University of Fredericton – Leadership and Innovation (2018 – 2021)
• Teaching and Training Adults Certificate, Georgian College (2018 – 2019)
• ADMC, COPR Two Year Diploma, Georgian College (2015 – 2018)
• Bachelor of Arts, English, York University (1991 – 1994)

Academic Employment

Contract Lecturer, Lakehead University – September 2022 – current

I design, develop, and deliver fully online university-level instruction in Business Communications and Marketing, taking ownership of course content, learning materials, assessments, online engagement, and substantive feedback that advances student learning.

Multi-Disciplinary Professor and Program Coordinator, Georgian College – May 2018 – present

As a professor and program coordinator within Digital Content Creation and Strategy, I design and deliver instruction across marketing, digital marketing strategy, social media marketing, entrepreneurship, data analytics, and business communications. I lead program renewal, engage advisory committees, and collaborate with academic and administrative stakeholders.

Instructor, Teaching and Training Adults, Georgian College – May 2020 – present

I deliver instruction focused on engaging the adult learner, facilitating multigenerational and multicultural classrooms, and coaching for professional performance.

Instructor, York University – May 2021 – September 2022

Through York University's post-graduate certificate program, I delivered graduate-level instruction in Integrated Marketing Communications and Digital Marketing Communications in a fully online format.

Program Co-Ordinator, Georgian College – July 2019 – September 2021

I collaborated with students, administrators, faculty, and community leaders to advance academic excellence across Business, Computer Studies, and Interactive Web Design, while developing custom digital tools to streamline administration.

Teaching, Program and Course Development Experience

College and University Courses: Business Communications, Marketing, Web Design, Writing for Social Media, Cross Platform Narratives, International Business, CRM and Digital Marketing, Enterprise Analytics, Advanced Business Processes, Programming Fundamentals, Business Intelligence Tools, Database Marketing Strategies, Digital Media Marketing and Analytics, Marketing on the Web, Professional Edge, Marketing Performance Management, and Applied Digital Marketing.

Adult Education and Programs Developed: Teaching in a Multigenerational Classroom, Developing Teams, Strategic Management, Engaging Adult Learners, Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace, Coaching for Performance, Communicating for Success, Change Management, Leadership in Artificial Intelligence, Business Management, Marketing Management, Small Business and Trades Management, Agricultural Business, Video and Motion Graphics, and Content Creation and Strategies.

Published Articles

• Connell, K., & Smith, C. (2023). The intersection of SEM and equity: A systematized literature review.
• Smith, C., Mkonto, N., Connell, K., and Bamgboye, T. A Comparative View of Post Secondary First-Year Student Transition Programming.
• Connell, K., & Connell, S. (2026). Canada’s International Student Surge and Decline.

Conference Presentations

• Understanding why students quit and why they don’t, University of Windsor, 2024.
• The impact of international students transitioning from home to host academic culture, University of Windsor, 2023.
• The impact of the international student experience on persistence in higher education, RISE, 2023.
• Bridging the student/instructor gap through conversational introductions, University of British Columbia, 2023.

Specialized Programs and Presentations

• Training the Multi-Generational and Culturally Diverse Classroom, Canadian Armed Forces, 2023.
• Effective team building in a multi-generational workforce, Executive Leadership Program, Georgian College and Lakehead University, 2021.

Corporate Employment History

Principal, Turtleback Canada Inc. – November 2014 – May 2022

Designed, launched, and managed integrated digital and multi-platform marketing campaigns for clients across Ontario, applying social media marketing, content strategy, search engine optimisation, and performance analytics.

Marketing Manager, Nedco – May 2011 – October 2014

Managed advertising budgets and marketing operations across a national network of 39 locations, recruited and evaluated marketing personnel, and supported stakeholder relationships across a complex, multi-site environment.

Marketing Manager, Visioneering – September 2007 – April 2011

Led creative development, production, and execution of international advertising and promotional campaigns, trade show logistics, and reporting on campaign outcomes.

Affiliations and Volunteerism

• Guest Social Media Lecturer, Paralegal Program
• OCMC Faculty Coach
• Enactus Faculty Advisor
• Grizzly Cubs
• Student Leadership Conference
• Business Networking Night
• Director, Innisfil Chamber of Commerce
• Empower Simcoe website strategy, design, and AODA-compliant launch