Evidence-based, student-centered teaching has a profound impact on student outcomes, including enhanced learning, persistence, degree attainment, employment, and earnings (National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine [NASEM], 2025). Although the use of evidence-based teaching has improved in certain disciplines and institutions, it is not yet the norm in higher education (Zimmerman, 2020). Academic leaders have a significant opportunity to shepherd teaching excellence at scale in higher education.

Not Just a No-Show: Understanding Faculty Absence at Graduation
Each spring, university campuses are spruced up: Lawns are mowed and stages assembled, and rows of chairs fill the arena. Graduation is a time-honored tradition, celebrating students’ hard work and


