Florida A&M University’s Keith Rivero, Ph.D., a tenure-earning assistant professor in the College of Education, has been selected as one of 15 early-career scholars nationwide to join the 10th cohort of ELEVATE Fellows. The prestigious program, hosted by Rutgers University, will take place June 10–13 in Princeton, New Jersey.

ELEVATE, which stands for Enriching Learning, Enhancing Visibility and Training Educators, is a faculty development initiative designed to strengthen professors’ teaching, research, and leadership capacities.

Rivero, who teaches in the Department of Secondary Education, Technology Education, and Foundations, expressed gratitude and surprise at his selection.

“It was unexpected,” he said. “There’s always stiff competition, and you never know if you’ll hear back. So, getting that email was a pleasant surprise.”

The ELEVATE Fellowship will provide Rivero with targeted training in academic writing, teaching, grant writing, mentoring, and navigating tenure. He looks forward to connecting with like-minded scholars from across the country.

“I’m excited to meet professors from different institutions, from San Diego to Washington and see how they approach teaching and research at their MSIs,” Rivero said. “For me, research is number one. I hope to gain tools and strategies to make the process more efficient and impactful.”

Interim Dean Sarah Price, Ph.D., of the College of Education, celebrated the announcement.

“The College of Education faculty, staff, and students are ecstatic to have our own, Dr. Keith Rivero, received the Rutgers ELEVATE Fellowship to help support his research, teaching, and grant writing agenda,” Price said. “We look forward to seeing how this prestigious award impacts Dr. Rivero, the College of Education, and Florida A&M University.”

Rivero emphasized the importance of continuous learning where tailored professional development can be transformative.

“Knowledge is a social thing,” Rivero said. “When you share it with others, especially through programs like this, we all move forward together. That’s how we grow, not just as educators, but as institutions.”

Rivero also shared his commitment to applying what he learns directly in the classroom and within his department.

“Whether it’s new research methods or teaching strategies, everything I gain from ELEVATE will come back to benefit our students,” he said. “Our mission is to prepare them for the real world, and I plan to equip them with the tools they need to succeed.”

Media Contact: 

Rachel James-Terry
rachel.jamesterry@famu.edu

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