Cultivating Collaborative Excellence: A Program Evaluation of a Faculty Development Initiative Over 4 Years

In response to growing faculty shortages and decreased professional engagement following the COVID-19 pandemic, the Division of General Dentistry (DGD) at Loma Linda University School of Dentistry launched the Life-Long Learners' Program (L3P) in 2021. This faculty development initiative aimed to foster scholarly productivity, support academic advancement, and build a collaborative academic culture.

The L3P was a structured, two-quarter program offering protected time, individualized mentoring, and a customized syllabus focused on scholarly development. Faculty were selected based on service years, promotion readiness, and willingness to engage. Program evaluation used the Kirkpatrick Model (four levels: Reaction, Learning, Behavior, and Results) through a 13-item survey and one open-ended question. Quantitative outcomes, including publications, participation in student research mentorship, and promotion timelines, were also tracked. Thematic analysis was applied to qualitative responses.

All nine program participants completed the survey (100% response rate). Participants reported strong agreement that the program enhanced self-reflection, scholarly skills, and workplace motivation. All respondents indicated gains in teaching strategies, collaborative learning, and academic confidence. Outcomes showed promotion timelines ranging from 7 to 18 months post-program, notable peer-reviewed publications, and continued participation in student mentorship.

The L3P demonstrated clear benefits in promoting faculty growth, scholarly productivity, and a sense of community within the DGD. Its success suggests the value of a faculty development program specifically designed and tailored to meet the needs of the institution and department in advancing academic careers and fostering a collaborative institutional culture.