The Adams Academy Fellowship is named in honor of former MSU President Walter Adams and his wife and MSU faculty member emerita, Pauline Adams, in recognition of their sustained commitments to promoting instructional excellence.
Adams Academy is a year-long fellowship that brings together a cross-disciplinary community of faculty, academic staff, and librarians to explore advanced topics in teaching and learning. Named in honor of Walter and Pauline Adams and their legacy of instructional excellence, the program invites participants to engage deeply with communal discussions and self-directed readings, and monthly gatherings that elevate the complexities of teaching and learning today. Fellows share their experience and expertise on a self-selected teaching topic, regularly apply cohort materials to an educator-artifact of their choosing, and contribute to MSU's vibrant community of educators across the university through publishing on iTeach at MSU Commons. Designed for educators who are ready to grow in their teaching and learning practice in community with others, Adams Academy cultivates reflective inquiry, peer-mentorship, and a shared commitment to shaping MSU Teaching and Learning.
All tenure-system faculty, fixed-term faculty, academic staff, and librarians are encouraged to apply. A stipend will be given to each fellow for professional development activities.
The application process for 2025-26 is now closed. Please note that the coordination and facilitation of the Adams Academy Fellowship, the Lilly Teaching Fellowship Program, and Learning Communities are transitioning to CTLI from the Office for Faculty and Academic Staff Development. If you are interested in these opportunities, watch for upcoming announcements from CTLI regarding application details and timelines. If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact Makena Neal, assistant director of educator community and cohort initiatives.