Dr. Kellie Alston

“Gratitude journaling doesn’t force positivity; it retrains your attention.” — Dr. Arif Khan



And honestly… that’s exactly what many of us need in December.



Because academia can train your brain to replay what’s unfinished, what went wrong, what you didn’t get to, and what you’re already worried about for next semester.


Gratitude doesn’t erase the hard parts. It just refuses to let the hard parts become the only story.


That’s why a short gratitude reflection matters right now:



✅ It retrains your mind to notice evidence of good
✅ It helps your nervous system exhale
✅ It keeps concerns from turning into overwhelm
✅ It restores hope and possibility for what’s next


Try this Gratitude Exercise that I created just for you to stop and reflect on all of the things that went well this semester.





And if you want a built-in reflective rhythm throughout the entire semester, every semester, in The Professor’s Week in Review, the final prompt every week asks, “What are you grateful for?” It offers you an easy way to retrain your attention consistently and end your week with gratitude.



Order the paperback journal here: bit.ly/thewirejournal
Order the hardcover here: bit.ly/hardcoverwire
Download the fillable PDF here: bit.ly/thefillablewire


youtube.com/shorts/gsZZCZRuP7...

5 days ago | [YT] | 0

Dr. Kellie Alston

Ever tried seeing your course through your students’ eyes?



Before you close the semester, do this quick reflective writing exercise: pretend you’re a student who just finished your course.



Write about:

1. What you enjoyed most
2. How you were transformed (or challenged)
3. The hard + soft skills you actually gained



Why it matters: when you “walk through” your class from a student’s lived experience, you spot what supported them, what stressed them, and what needs to stay vs. change next time.

That perspective is gold.



Now… don’t wait until the end of the term. 💛


Make it a weekly practice. Even 10–15 minutes can help you:
✨ get clarity (what’s working / what’s not)
✨ teach with more intention (and less guesswork)
✨ notice patterns sooner (before they become problems)
✨ regulate stress and release the week
✨ reconnect with your “why”



That’s exactly why I created The Mindful Academic Challenge, a FREE 16-week, no-pressure space to build a reflective rhythm over time. It’s called a challenge because reflective practice is needed in higher ed… and also hard to sustain without a simple system + encouragement.



Small weekly blocks are worth every minute — they help you reflect, refresh, reset, and release consistently.



Join us here: bit.ly/mindfulsemester

youtube.com/shorts/d7khyVjZFT8

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 1

Dr. Kellie Alston

If you are an academic, you may find yourself struggling with carving out quality time to pause and catch your breath. Juggling teaching, research, and service while adulting can cause burnout, overwhelm, and feelings of "no one really gets it."

I know what that feels like. My experience with multiple stressors led me to create The Professor's Week in Review: A Journal for Weekly Reflections on the Higher Ed Experience. The journal forced me to slow down, to process my thoughts, feelings, experiences, and next steps.

I realized that self-care involves committing to quiet moments, private times for reflecting, releasing, and refreshing. I call it a Reflective Reset. Give it a try. You will be amazed by the difference it makes.

youtube.com/shorts/tt3Fk84MAu...

1 month ago | [YT] | 0

Dr. Kellie Alston

What happens when a senior industrial engineering student tells the truth about what actually helps him learn online—what keeps him engaged, what falls flat, and what he wishes professors knew? 👀


In this episode of Dear Professor, I sit down with Duane Vaughn, a senior industrial engineering major at Morgan State University, to unpack how he’s adjusted to learning in the digital age. We talk practical shifts that make virtual courses more human and effective—clear communication, meaningful live sessions, and design choices that respect how students really learn. If you teach online (or support those who do), this conversation is a goldmine of student-centered insight you can put to work right away.


🎧 Listen here: https://youtu.be/ZOS6h5P8-xQ


(Season 2, Episode 12 — “Adjusting to Learning in the Digital Age”)
I’d love to hear your takeaways—and how you’ll translate Duane’s perspective into your next class. Pull up a chair, press play, and join the conversation.

2 months ago | [YT] | 1

Dr. Kellie Alston

When women step into the financial markets, what barriers still stand in the way, and how do we push past them with skill, strategy, and support?


In this conversation with Thomasina Tafur we dig into:


• What keeps women out of key Wall Street roles (and what it takes to get in)
• How leadership skills from “non-finance” careers translate to trading and finance
• Staying focused and resilient in online/Hybrid doctoral study
• Why building real relationships with online professors changes everything




Ms. Thomasina Tafur is a multifaceted professional and PhD student at Pepperdine University. Her academic journey includes an undergraduate degree in English Literature and an MBA in International Business. She boasts a substantial 20-year career at FedEx, developing robust leadership skills, and has had the unique experience of teaching at Princess Nora University in Saudi Arabia. Currently, she's delving into the world of equity and options trading and is investigating the barriers to women's participation in key Wall Street roles through her doctoral dissertation.


If you’re navigating online learning, career pivots, or finance as a woman (or mentoring those who are), Season 2 Episode 11 of the Dear Professor Series is for you.

Listen to “Breaking Barriers: Empowering Women in the Financial Markets” here: https://youtu.be/jiM6JCLncXI



Note: This episode was published on most podcast platforms on May 22, 2024.

2 months ago | [YT] | 1

Dr. Kellie Alston

Have you ever planned your career only to find that one thing—a conversation, opportunity, experience, or decision changed your entire trajectory?

It happened to me in 2004.


I thought I was on my way to pursue my PhD in Teaching and Learning, specializing in literacy at The Ohio State University. I was so excited! I planned to further my career in the K-12 system and even envisioned working for the Department of Public Instruction.


But one opportunity, yes, one question changed my course for 19 years. My "yes" led me to serve in higher education as a full-time distance education lecturer for a brand new online program--something that was never on my vision board.


In 2023, I experienced another career turning point. As a result, this episode, originally recorded and published on your favorite podcast platforms on May 18, 2024, resonated with me.



Season 2, Episode 10 of Dear Professor is live on YouTube: “The Turning Point: How One Unexpected Suggestion Took Me in a New Direction.” I’m joined by Dr. Mecca Terry—a former probation officer who pivoted into higher ed and now lectures in sociology and criminal justice at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. Her story is a masterclass in listening to the nudge, taking the risk, and building a student-centered practice that actually serves real people.


In this episode, we unpack:

How a single suggestion sparked a career pivot—and what it really takes to move with purpose.

The role of communication in online learning that strengthens trust, clarity, and momentum for students.


Practical strategies for engagement in virtual classrooms and the realities of balancing work while pursuing an advanced degree.


If you’re an academic, practitioner, or leader who’s ever felt a tug toward “what’s next,” this one’s for you. If you know someone who is at a crossroads or amid a turning point, please share.



Listen here while you work or play: https://youtu.be/dLREt4VL4aM



#highered #onlinelearning #probationofficer #careerpivot #onlineteaching

2 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 1

Dr. Kellie Alston

In May of 2024, I had the honor of conversing with Teni Ogunsan, a bioinformatics graduate, who was forced to take STEM courses online during the pandemic. The podcast was published on most platforms during that time, but I desired to add it to my YouTube channel just in case you missed it.

I always wondered what it was like to take STEM courses online, and Teni's experience gave me a glimpse into the struggle. Listen to hear the deets: https://youtu.be/xEdAN2WIcDk

Here is a little about Teni:

Ms. Teni Ogunsan is an accomplished bioinformatics graduate from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. At the time of the podcast, she is located in Minnesota at the Mayo Clinic, where she serves as a research coordinator.

Teni is preparing for an exciting transition as she gears up to embark on her journey to medical school in Tennessee. With a deep-seated passion for the sciences fostered by both of her parents - her mother a physician and her father a software engineer - Teni is also cognizant of health disparities, especially in maternal health for women of color, and is motivated to make a real difference in healthcare after completing a dual M.D. and Ph.D., which she will pursue later this year in Tennessee.

Here is a summary of the episode:

In this revealing episode of the "Dear Professor series," eLearning Strategist Dr. Kellie Alston facilitates a candid discussion with Ms. Teni Ogunsan, providing a glimpse into the experiences and insights of online learners. Teni, once a thriving STEM field student, sheds light on the adaptability required during the emergency transition to online education amid the pandemic, the diverse needs of online learners, and the pet peeves encountered in a virtual learning environment.



As Teni navigates the waters of asynchronous learning, the conversation delves into the importance of professors addressing varied learning styles and ensuring their accessibility. She reflects upon the collaboration and connection fostered through group work, despite its controversies, as well as offering a balanced critique of online monitoring methods.


Share your reaction to the interview in the comments section and pass it on to at least three people who may be interested in what it is like for a student to take STEM courses online.


Thanks for listening!

2 months ago | [YT] | 1

Dr. Kellie Alston

That's not something I do.

I don't have time for that.

It's too "hug a tree" for me.

What do I do with that?

These thoughts may fill your head when you think about reflection and the role that it plays in your higher ed experience. But, let me tell you: A commitment to reflection is an investment in yourself.

It requires intrinsic motivation because it will never be a requirement by your administration unless of course, it is a part of your tenure track process or your annual evaluation. But, as a practice that enhances your well-being? Naaahhh...never.

Watch this video to learn how not making reflection a practice is more of a risk than an option.

Wishing you well as you make it a mindful semester.

youtube.com/shorts/wJJ2mXK86zA

2 months ago | [YT] | 1

Dr. Kellie Alston

Happy Episode Day!

I had one of the most inspiring conversations with Dr. Sheniqua Johnson, aka Sheniqua Inspires, in 2024 and I had to share it here on YouTube. We vibed for 51 minutes, yes 51 minutes, and I enjoyed every single bit of our conversation and I believe that you will, too.

Here is a little about Sheniqua Inspires:

Dr. Sheniqua Johnson, also known as Sheniqua Inspires, is a multifaceted professional who has made substantial strides in various fields. With over 20 years of experience in healthcare, she started her career as a registered nurse and eventually branched out into entrepreneurship. Dr. Johnson earned a Master of Science in Nursing and Healthcare Education online and is the CEO and owner of A Better You, where she coaches and supports multitasking women in prioritizing their well-being. Additionally, she runs Stronger through Faith Media, a media company that assists individuals in storytelling and gaining media exposure through book publishing, coaching, and podcast creation. Dr. Johnson is also a prolific author with 15 books to her credit.

Here is the summary:

In this inspiring episode of the Dear Professor series, host Dr. Kellie Alston engages in an insightful conversation with Dr. Sheniqua Johnson, delving into her experiences as an online student and the intricate balance between being a learner, professional, and caregiver. The episode uncovers the challenges and triumphs faced by online students, highlighting the virtues of flexibility and empathy in the education system.



Dr. Johnson emphasizes the significance of a flexible online learning environment that respects and adapts to adult students' complex lives. She discusses her journey through a master's program, the struggles of group projects across time zones, and the necessity for professors to understand and nurture their students beyond academic performance. The conversation spotlights the importance of professors who offer support, see the individual behind the student, and propel their learners towards success against all odds.

Please share your takeaways from this episode. Feel free to share it 1, 2, 3 others who might be blessed by it.

https://youtu.be/neDaDjtM9dI?si=d-GJL...

3 months ago | [YT] | 1

Dr. Kellie Alston

What is it like to pursue a graduate degree ( a master's degree and part of a Ph.D.) online?

This episode is rather personal for me, as my guest for Episode 7, Ms. Britanny White, was a doctoral candidate at the time of our interview. My doctoral experience is still fresh in my mind, so I empathize with others who are going through the process.

Brittany obtained her master's degree fully online and also took some online courses during her doctoral program. Also, Brittany and I have a passion for literacy in common. I am a certified reading specialist, and she is an academic professional specializing in literacy, currently pursuing a Ph.D. in the field. With dedication and passion, Brittany runs a reading clinic on her campus, providing tutoring services for elementary school students. Furthermore, she extends her expertise to the Boys and Girls Club, where she hosts reading camps.

This interview was so enlightening, and as always, I enjoyed our conversation.

Here is a summary of the episode:

In a dynamic exchange of insights, Dr. Kellie Alston hosts the "Dear Professor Series," fostering a bridge between online students and eLearning strategies. This episode ushers in the voice of Ms. Brittany White, a Ph.D. candidate with profound experiences as an online student. Dr. Alston steers the conversation to reveal the nuanced realities of distance education.


Brittany White vocalizes the challenges and triumphs within the digital classroom, influencing our understanding of student needs and professorial adjustments. Her narrative underscores essential components for a fulfilling online educational journey, highlighting the symbiosis between structured syllabi and the vitality of comprehensive feedback. Moreover, the dialogue opens a reflective passage to the personal side of both students and educators, advocating for a harmonious respect for time and a journey through learning.

Listen to this episode, published on most podcast platforms in March 2024. Please share with fellow academics and doctoral students, and candidates that you know.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on our discussion and your graduate school experience.


https://youtu.be/65XMd8gz-xE

3 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 1