Sara Varnum Institute

The Sara Varnum Institute is an annual event designed to celebrate and support the invaluable contributions of part-time faculty. This conference provides a unique opportunity for faculty from across disciplines to come together, share best practices, and engage in meaningful discussions about the challenges and opportunities in teaching, research, and professional development.

Through workshops, keynote presentations, and networking sessions, participants will:

• Explore strategies for enhancing student engagement and success in part-time teaching environments.
• Discuss innovative approaches to curriculum design, assessment, and instructional technologies.
• Develop practical tools for balancing academic work with professional and personal life.
• Strengthen connections with fellow part-time faculty members and learn from the experiences of colleagues across institutions.
• Gain insights on career advancement and opportunities for further involvement in academic communities.

Whether you’re a new or seasoned part-time faculty member, this conference is an excellent opportunity to expand your teaching toolkit, connect with peers, and invest in your ongoing professional growth.

A Brief History of Sara Varnum

Sara Varnum worked at Chemeketa from 1970-1993. She understood the importance of part-time instructors to the success of community colleges. During her time at Chemeketa, she hired and worked with hundreds of part-time faculty members, who touched the lives of thousands of students. In 1989, Sara and her staff initiated the “Institute for Instructional Excellence.” It was a full day of training designed to meet the unique educational needs of part-time faculty members throughout the state. The goal was to inspire and energize participants by providing professional development opportunities to learn, share and network – a goal that continues to this day.