Academic Resilience Speaker Series

Cultivating and nurturing academic resilience which is a single most beneficial trait required to succeed in today’s academic situations is critical. Academic resilience is the ability to overcome challenges and grow from them and is important for students to learn how they can keep going during this time of the pandemic.  It is important now more than ever before students learn how to take ownership of their learning as they practice, mindfulness, self-care and intentionally make efforts to connect with others. These issues may not be covered in a typical classroom. The academic resilience speaker series initiative was created to fill this gap. The sessions are open to other students and to the community as well. The invited speakers are from diverse backgrounds and professional inclinations.

The initiative which is cross disciplinary (all colleges) in nature and provides a forum that benefits attendees from different backgrounds. Based on the topics, the speakers will offer different perspectives on what it takes to succeed and push through difficult times. Throughout the sessions, students have an opportunity to hear from others facing the same issues, and it is assuring to know that they are not alone, others are going through the same struggles. The sessions in the series offer a space for students to learn, rewind and be provided with actionable strategies and advise for academic success during these difficult times.

Specific objectives that enrich the educational experience of the students

  • Empower students with renewed focus on what is important- academic success.
  • Provide easily applied tools that enable them to increase a sense of inner capacity and drive for success.
  • Encourage students to remain connected with their peers, faculty and others.
  • Nurture positive qualities in students that would be helpful in dealing with everyday life.
  • Offer them a chance to reflect and make corrections as they pursue their academic goals.
  • Encourage students to cultivate self-efficacy.

2026 Academic Resilience Series

    All sessions held in McComsey 133

Reset, Refocus, Succeed: Building Momentum for Academic Success
Brent Horton, Ph.D, Professor/Chair, Biology Department
Wednesday, September 2, 2026 | 12:00-2:00 pm

Why a Sense of Belonging Matters: Creating Your Success Network
Javita Thompson, MSEM, M.Ed, Assistant Vice President for Campus Culture and Belonging
Wednesday, September 30, 2026 | 12:00-2:00 pm

Thriving, Not Just Surviving: Building Resilience in Changing Times
Denzel Kabasele, Founder, Brighter Tomorrow Lancaster
Wednesday, October 21, 2026 | 12:00-2:00 pm

Protecting Your Mental Health During Finals Season
Dr. Timothy Weaver
Wednesday, November 18, 2026 | 12:00-2:00 pm

2022 Academic Resilience Series

Academic Determination, Resilience, & Perseverance
Ace Your Finals With Great Strategies from Professors

Academic Determination, Resilience, & Perseverance
Building Connectedness & A Sense of Belonging for College Success

Academic Determination, Resilience, & Perseverance
Keys to Academic Success in the Sciences

Panel Session by the Department of Education Foundation
Multiple Responsibilities - Balancing School, Work and Home

Panel Discussion: Alumni from the School of Social Work
Adjusting To Changes - Resilience, Endurance, and Whole Person Self-Care

Panel Discussion: Doctorial Students from the School of Nursing
Building Better Habits to Achieve Academic Success

Panel Discussion: Current Students at Millersville University
Academic Success - Succeeding Despite the Odds

Fall 2021 Academic Resilience Series

Setting Goals Based on Your Values and Setting A Resilience Action Plan
Siobhan Ni Dhonacha, Ph.D,  University of Hawaii in Manoa

Metacognition: Self-Regulated Learning and Memory Strategies
Stephen Jones, Ph.D, Villanova University

The Pandemic and Mental Health: Strategies for Wellness and Success
Sarah Gatamu, MD, Meadows Psychiatric Center, PA

Overcoming Anxiety and Gaining Confidence Over Final Exams
Kristen Lawson, Ed.D, Millersville University

Spring 2021 Academic Resilience Series

Failing to Excel: Lessons We Can Learn from Failure
Adina Glickman, MSW, Stanfor University

Metacognition: Self-Regulated Learning and Memory Strategies
Rayne Sperling, Ph.D, Penn State University

I and I: Self, Spirit, and the Road to Resilience
Jason Baker, Ph.D, Millersville University

COVID 19 and Mental Health: Strategies for Wellness and Success
Sarah Gaumu, MD, MHP, Meadows Psychiatric Center

Fall 2020 Academic resilience Series

Setting Goals Based on Your Values and Setting a Resilience Action Plan
Nakeiha Primus Smith, Ph.D, Millersville University

Nurturing Supportive Relationships at a Time of Lifestyle Change
Charlie Nutt, Ed.D, Kansas State University

Active Skill-Building for Academic Success
Rachel Finley-Bowman, Ph.D, Millersville University

Building Academic Resilience Muscle and Thriving Despite the Odds
Jane Irungu, Ph.D, University of Oklahoma

Utilizing Self-Care Strategies: Mindfulness and Dealing with Toxic Stress
Suzanne C. Shaffer, M.Ed, Penn State University

A Positive Psychology Approach to Difficult Moments
Lisa House, Ph.D, Millersville University

Overcoming Anxiety and Gaining Confidence Over Final Exams
David Henriques, Ed.D, Millersville University