The Life Cycle of a SoTL Scholar: Learning, Engaging, Leading
The Life Cycle of a SoTL Scholar: Learning, Engaging, Leading is a two-part keynote that traces the evolving journey of SoTL scholars, from entering the field and building identity to sustaining engagement and developing leadership. Across both sessions, we explore how curiosity becomes inquiry, how engagement deepens to influence, and how leadership emerges through everyday practice. Together these keynotes invite participants to reflect on their own SoTL pathways and consider strategies for supporting scholars at every stage of this dynamic, relational, and impactful scholarly life.
David Lemmons
David X. Lemmons is a PhD student in Higher Education and the Instruction Coordinator for University Libraries at George Mason University. Their research centers on librarians’ experiences in the classroom, especially the ways librarians develop teaching community and their engagement in SoTL. David currently serves as a Student Vice President for ISSOTL and a member of the Steering Committee for the Conference on Academic Library Management.
Keynote: The Life Cycle of a SoTL Scholar: Entering the Field and Building Identity
How do scholars begin their journey into SoTL? For many, that path is neither linear nor clearly marked. This keynote explores the early stages of becoming a SoTL scholar, focusing on learning and the first steps to engagement. Drawing on my personal experiences as a doctoral student and librarian, I will share how curiosity about teaching and learning evolves into systematic inquiry and the formation of a scholarly identity. Key questions include: What motivates scholars to enter SoTL? How do they navigate tensions between disciplinary expertise and pedagogical research? What strategies foster confidence and belonging in SoTL communities?
Through storytelling and practical insights, participants will consider the role of mentorship, collaboration, and institutional culture in shaping early SoTL trajectories. Attendees will leave with ideas for supporting emerging scholars and sustaining engagement as a foundation to future leadership.
Dr. Melanie Hamilton
Melanie Hamilton EdD, is an Assistant Professor and the Director of the Centre for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) at the University of Saskatchewan. Dr. Hamilton was awarded an ISSoTL Fellowship in 2020. She is currently Past President for ISSoTL Board of Directors. Dr. Hamilton has presented extensively both nationally and internationally on a variety of SoTL topics. Her research includes: SoTL in higher education, mid-career faculty and early career researchers, and SoTL Leadership. She is a registered nurse by discipline and taught in the higher education classroom and clinical setting for over 20 years before transitioning into SoTL programming, development and leadership. Dr. Hamilton currently teaches and supervises students in the Graduate Certificate, Masters, and PhD in the SoTL program.
Keynote: The Life Cycle of a SoTL Scholar: Sustaining Engagement and Developing Leadership
What does it mean to move from participating in SoTLto shaping its future? This keynote continues the conversation by exploring the mid-career phase of SoTL: scholarship, where engagement deepens and leadership emerges. Drawing on experiences as a long-term SoTL practitioner, I will share strategies for sustaining scholarly vitality amid competing demands, building bridges across disciplines, and learning through mentorship, advocacy, and organizational roles.
Participants will consider how leadership in SoTL extends beyond formal titles to everyday practices that foster collaboration and innovation. This session invites attendees to reflect on their own leadership pathways and identify opportunities to amplify SoTL’s impact within and beyond their institutions. By the end, participants will leave with practical ideas for sustaining engagement and cultivating leadership that strengthens SoTL Global Communities.