Culture and Belonging

Culture is a Verb - Culture and Belonging - December 2025

Today we’re talking to Dr. Javier Boyas, director of the TROY School of Social Work and Human Services.Together, we talk about how cultural understanding is not a destination but rather something dynamic and constantly evolving.

New Sights, New Sounds, New Perspectives - Culture and Belonging - Nov. 2025

We are big believers in the power of study abroad trips. New sights, new sounds, new people—it all makes for a richer experience that goes beyond what students could learn from just reading about a new place. This month we’ve got another one of Rich’s students on to talk about her recent trip to Puerto Rico. Camille Bowers is a political science student here at Troy University. We'll hear what she learned in Puerto Rico and how she became a snowboarder despite living in Alabama.

We Can Fix It - Culture and Belonging - October 2025

To err is human. But being open about our mistakes in the workplace takes a culture of communication and trust. If you've ever been the new guy or gal in the office, you know it can take time to build that trust. Both of our guests today have changed departments at Troy University and share their experiences building a culture of openness.

Inside the Pentagon on 9/11 - Culture and Belonging - September 2025

Many people can remember exactly where they were and what they were doing on 9/11. That makes sense. It was a traumatic and unforgettable event that changed the course of history.But we are rapidly moving into a world where more and more adults have no memory of 9/11 because they were either too young when it happened or weren’t born yet. It’s been 24 years since September 11, 2001. And it’s difficult to explain to people who weren’t there just how much that day changed the culture of our institutions and our nation.Our guest today is here to offer his memories and reflections on 9/11. Dr. Duane Gunn is a lecturer and the Director of Operations for the Leadership Institute at Troy University. He served 27 years in the U.S. Air Force and was in the Pentagon when it was struck 24 years ago today.

Institutional Culture Starts at the Top - Culture and Belonging - August 2025

We often think of culture as something that develops naturally, but, in an institutional setting, building the right culture takes a concerted effort. Dr. Laura Dove is the assistant dean at the Sorrell College of Business here at Troy University. She’s also the director of the Sorrell 360 Center, which prepares students for success in business and life. She’ll tell us how she promotes cultural competence in her students and builds an institutional culture of open communication.

The Promise and Pitfalls of Artificial Intelligence - Culture and Belonging - July 2025

Like it or not, the AI revolution is upon us. College students the world over are using generative AI and large language models like ChatGPT to do everything from helping with brainstorming and research to actually writing their papers for them. But there are responsible ways to use this new technology. Dr. Scott Nokes is a professor of English at Troy University and the director of Troy University’s AI Forward Initiative. He’ll tell us how he’s teaching students to use AI ethically and effectively.

The Language of Understanding - Culture and Belonging - June 2025

Before he was Director of Graduate and Specialized Programs at Troy University, Jahaziel Martinez was an ESL teacher, and he says that experience has helped him relate to people from all backgrounds.
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The Value of Intercultural Competence From a 2025 Grad - Culture and Belonging - May 2025

Alex Nesmith is political science major at Troy University. She'll be graduating later this month with a minor that we designed called intercultural competence.Alex shares what she's learned in the program and her experiences growing up bilingual.

Where We Live Determines How We Live - Culture and Belonging - April

We're celebrating two years of Culture and Belonging with a conversation with our producer, Austin Toy. He'll give his definitions of culture and belonging and his thoughts on how infrastructure affects culture in small town America.
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The Myths of Gifted: What We Get Wrong About Our Brightest Students - Culture and Belonging - March 2025

Were you a "gifted" kid, growing up? It's a label applied to students who show a higher aptitude in one or more areas. But, as our guest Dr. Shirley Farrell tells us, being gifted is not a golden ticket to success, and many misconceptions exist about what gifted students need for success in the classroom and later in life.
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