Who am I? See a brief but holistic overview in this ACU COBA blog spotlight on me from Spring 2016. This spotlight reflects a different emphasis than that contained in this portfolio, thereby rounding out my portrait.
Please accept this as my application for promotion to the rank of full professor according to the procedures specified in the ACU faculty handbook. I completed my joint PhD in cognitive psychology and cognitive science at Indiana University in 2008 and began a tenure track assistant professor appointment at ACU in Fall 2011, receiving tenure and promotion to assistant professor at the end of 2016. This portfolio demonstrates that I have met all university and departmental criteria for promotion to full professor as described in the handbook. I have attempted to efficiently summarize my activities and related information, supplementing them with reflections on growth and learning during my time at ACU.
I believe that this portfolio provides evidence of my continued commitment to the mission of ACU through
- significant and impactful research in the areas of my expertise,
- exemplary and effective instruction and growth in teaching, and
- meaningful service to the institution, my discipline, and the church and our community.
Navigation information
The main menu at the top will take you to an outline for each of the listed sections. The left side bar will conveniently provide links to documentation and reflections supporting my application. Footer links display the preceding page, current page, and ensuing page. Every within-text link (i.e., not in the main menu, sidebar, or footer) will open a new browser window unless the linked content is also listed in the sidebar menu. For example, every link to an item external to this portfolio or a pdf containing supporting documentation will open in a new window. However, if the linked content is also listed in the sidebar menu then within-text links will take the current browser window to that page. Additionally, many images within the portfolio are linked, either to larger versions of the same image or, in the case of journal articles, to pdfs of the articles. Be aware that when an image is linked to a larger version of itself then it does not open a new browser window.
Summary
This process has affirmed my decision to come to ACU and I am thankful for the opportunity afforded to reflect on my years at ACU. I believe that this process has enabled me to detect weaknesses I would have otherwise overlooked and brought to light strengths that tend to go unnoticed in the busyness of life.* I am eternally grateful for the support of colleagues who are believers as we endeavor on this mutual journey to lay aside the old self and be made new in the attitude of our minds (Ephesians 4:22-24).
Should you have any questions or need additional information, please let me know, and I will gladly fulfill the request.
Sincerely,
Ryan Jessup, PhD
Department of Management Sciences
Abilene Christian University
*I have found this process so meaningful that I have encouraged my stay-at-home wife, Elisa, to create her own version of a “promotion portfolio” in order to better reflect on past successes and contemplate future endeavors.