New cohort brings diverse expertise, representing five colleges across campus
The Office of the Vice Provost for Academic Excellence recently welcomed Belmont’s newest cohort of Faculty Fellows, five teacher-scholars representing disciplines spanning business, law, medicine, design and education.
Through structured mentorship, professional development, interdisciplinary engagement and meaningful participation in the life of the University, Fellows gain valuable experience in teaching, scholarship, service and academic leadership in the two-year program.
These fellows contribute their talents and expertise to their respective academic colleges. In turn, the University community benefits from the new ideas, perspectives and energy they bring to its classrooms and campus as a whole.
“Belmont Faculty Fellows exemplify our mission in action, leveraging their expertise to advance student learning, enrich scholarship and contribute to the greater good beyond campus,” said Dr. La Keisha Armstrong, vice provost for academic excellence.
The 2026–2028 cohort was selected from a highly competitive national applicant pool representing a wide range of academic disciplines and institutions. The members of the cohort are scholars with expertise in six college disciplines across the University: the Jack C. Massey College of Business, O’ More College of Architecture & Design, the College of Law, the Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine, the College of Education and the Watkins College of Art.
2026–2028 Faculty Fellows Cohort
Li has a Ph.D. in Economics from North Carolina State University, with research and teaching interests in applied microeconomics and environmental and resource economics. A Belmont alumnus, he is dedicated to providing high-quality instruction and mentorship, drawing on his experience teaching undergraduate economics courses and supporting students. His research explores the intersection of economics, environmental factors and health outcomes, and he is committed to fostering critical thinking and applying economic insights to address real-world challenges.
Ruiz earned a Ph.D. in Political Science at Vanderbilt University and graduated from the University of Chicago Law School, with research and teaching interests at the intersection of judicial behavior and gender studies. Her scholarship uses empirical methods to examine how gender influences judicial decision-making processes, particularly in federal appellate courts, while her teaching emphasizes both Socratic and collaborative approaches to foster critical thinking and engagement. She is committed to mentoring students and preparing the next generation of legal professionals through student-centered learning.
Seiler is an architectural engineering scholar specializing in sustainable building systems and energy optimization. He earned his Ph.D. from Penn State University, where he taught courses in sustainability and building technology while conducting research on energy-efficient design strategies. A certified Passive House Consultant, Seiler brings expertise in applied sustainability, leadership and service to his teaching, scholarship and service in higher education.
McGee is an educator and researcher currently completing her Ph.D. in Human Performance from Middle Tennessee State University, with a strong commitment to student-centered learning. Drawing on her experience in teaching, leadership, mentoring and data analysis, she fosters meaningful connections and creates transformative learning environments that support student growth, belonging and success. Her research focuses on mental health, chronic disease and adverse childhood experiences, with a dedication to advancing health equity and translating research into impactful community engagement.
Miles is a learning experience designer with expertise spanning K–12 education, international teaching and corporate instructional design, focused on creating engaging, measurable and relevant learning experiences. Drawing on a Ph.D. in Adult Educational Leadership from the University of the Cumberlands and experience applying adult learning principles, he develops innovative, technology-enhanced instructional experiences. His work is centered on designing clear, accessible and impactful learning solutions that support educator effectiveness and empower learners to grow, perform and succeed.
Continuing Faculty Fellow
In addition to welcoming five new Fellows, Belmont will continue supporting second-year Faculty Fellow LaKesha Lee.
Lee is a second-year Faculty Fellow and a multi-disciplinary artist and educator who holds a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She creates inclusive, student-centered learning environments that nurture creativity, purpose and character, encouraging students to develop their skills and apply them meaningfully in their communities. Through her artistic practice exploring themes of identity, memory and restoration, she supports transformative learning and thoughtful creative expression.
Since its inception in 2017, the Faculty Fellows Program has supported the development of scholars who have gone on to faculty and academic leadership positions at Belmont and other institutions across higher education.
A day-long orientation in June introduced participants to the people, resources and values that support faculty success, connecting Fellows with university leaders, current and former Fellows and representatives from across campus.
“The program is designed not simply to prepare outstanding educators, but to cultivate well-rounded teacher-scholars who are equipped to thrive and lead throughout their academic careers,” said Dr. Colin Cannonier, Faculty Fellows Program director.
As the University’s signature faculty development initiative for emerging teacher-scholars, the Faculty Fellows Program reflects Belmont’s commitment to fostering academic excellence, purposeful mentorship and holistic faculty development.