Faculty Senate

Dr. Lisa Wisniewski is a Professor of Sociology at Goodwin University. Lisa completed her Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) focused on Educational Leadership from the University of Hartford in 2017. Her research has focused on immigrant students, first-generation college students, and effective teaching practices using Universal Design for Learning. Dr. Wisniewski presents regionally, nationally, and internationally. Most recently she served as the State Chair for the Connecticut American Council on Education Women’s Network. Her work in the community focused on the immigrant experience has led to invitations to the White House and the Polish Consulate of New York City. As an advocate for college access for first-generation students, she has worked with several groups and organizations throughout Connecticut to support students navigate the college process. Lisa created and hosts a lecture series called Community Conversations that began the conversation on the war in Ukraine and presents lectures on immigration, citizenship, democracy, social issues, and globalization that has garnered a national and international audience. In addition, she serves as the host of Goodwin Teaches: Universal Design for Learning Stories in Higher Education podcast.

Amy Beauchemin is a Professor of Sociology at Goodwin University. She spent a decade working in business, from human resources to management. She went back to college to change careers and become an educator, earning a master's in education from the University of Bridgeport with the hopes of working in a high school system. She was given a great opportunity to work at Goodwin University as the director and faculty member of computer applications, which was the start to her long career at the institution. She went on to earn a doctorate in education from the University of Hartford.

During her time at Goodwin, she has held numerous positions including academic advisor, Director of the Goodwin Achievement Program, and Assessment Coordinator for General Education. She has also been involved in a variety of committees including chair of the Syllabus Subcommittee and chair of Academic Affairs. Currently, Amy's focus is on curriculum, UDL, and student engagement through the support of faculty.

Annjanette Bennar is the Director of Mathematics, Computer Applications and Communications at Goodwin University. She holds a master’s degree in education from the University of New Haven and a Sixth-Year Certificate in Educational Leadership from Central Connecticut State University. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in educational leadership from Capella University. Her teaching career spans over 15 years and includes both the secondary and higher education setting.

Carole is currently an Assistant Professor in the School of Business, Technology, and Advanced Manufacturing. She began teaching manufacturing skills on the community college level and also assisted in administering a high school outreach program. From 2007 to 2016, Carole restarted her education completing an A.S. in Advanced Manufacturing (Welding Technologies), a B.S. in Technology Education, and an M. Ed. In Technology Education. She also holds certificates in STEM, Mindfulness, Autism Awareness, and Life Coaching. Concurrent with pursuing her graduate degrees, Carole started a business called Metal Work By Carole taking on welding and fabricating work and providing workshops to students of all ages. In November 2022, Carole helped launch InclusionSpace.org (a nonprofit, educational safe space) along with two other females. Carole recently began a doctorate program in organizational leadership.

Carole has jumped into the Goodwin University community with both feet participating in the Promotions Committee, DEIB, UDL, Academic Affairs, and Faculty Senate. A diehard proponent of community, diversity and inclusion, Carole has given a mini PD on those topics with assistance from the Center of Teaching Excellence and hopes to do more in the future.

Pam has been a nurse since 1980, dedicating the majority of her career to home care nursing, a specialization that allowed her to merge her deep affection for the elderly with her passion for teaching. In 2006, one year after obtaining her Master's Degree in Nursing Education from the University of Hartford, she achieved her lifelong dream by securing a position as a teacher in the Associate Degree Nursing Program at Goodwin University. She firmly upholds the belief that learning is a personal transaction, fostering connections between the learner and the facilitator, as well as between the learner and the subject matter. Her educational philosophy centers on nurturing curiosity, cultivating a positive self-concept, respecting individuality and freedom of choice, and, most importantly, assuming the role of a facilitator rather than an authority figure. Teaching senior nursing students has been both a challenge and a source of immense joy for her, and she intends to continue this fulfilling endeavor for many years to come.