How Part-Time Adjuncts Can Respond to 25 Years of Developments in Higher Education – PA TIMES Online

The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ASPA as an organization.

By Bill Brantley
August 15, 2025

I have been an adjunct instructor for twenty-five years. On August 1, 2000, I started teaching basic public speaking for the University of Louisville’s Department of Communication. In the 25 years, I have taught at seven different universities and on a wide range of topics from communication technology to public administration. I’ve seen many changes in college teaching. Here are five of the most significant changes.

1. The Rise of Online and Hybrid Learning

Twenty-five years ago, online learning was in its early stages and often regarded as experimental. Today, it has become an integral component of higher education with hybrid and fully online courses now prevalent—even within disciplines such as public administration that have traditionally relied heavily on discussion-based instruction.

Adjunct adaptation strategies:

Integrate synchronous and asynchronous methods: Consider combining live Zoom sessions for policy debates with asynchronous discussion boards that allow students to thoughtfully engage with case studies.

Incorporate multimedia thoughtfully: Enhance course content by including short video explainers, podcasts or recorded interviews with practitioners to enrich learning and connect theoretical concepts to practical applications.

Leverage adjunct expertise: Many adjunct faculty are active professionals in public service and can contribute valuable current case examples to online discussions.

2. Shift from Lecture-Centric to Active Learning

The “sage on the stage” method has shifted to a “guide on the side” approach where students actively participate and apply knowledge.

Adjunct adaptation strategies:

Flipped classrooms: Assign readings or lectures ahead of class; use classroom time for simulations.
Peer teaching: Let students present on public administration concepts, encouraging engagement.
Adjunct advantage: Adjuncts can leverage their work experience to create real-world problem-solving activities relevant to public sector leadership.

3. Increased Focus on Student Mental Health and Wellbeing

The stigma associated with mental health has notably diminished, leading students to expect faculty to acknowledge and address issues related to stress, anxiety and burnout. This evolving perspective influences instructional methods, expectations and grading policies.

Adjunct adaptation strategies:

Foster a supportive learning environment: Initiate each semester with a discussion regarding mutual expectations, preferred communication methods and campus resources available to support student wellbeing.

Integrate wellness into course design: Include brief mindfulness activities or reflective writing exercises to assist students in processing complex material.

The adjunct advantage: Adjunct faculty often manage multiple responsibilities, equipping them with empathy for students balancing work, family and academic commitments. This experience enables a more human-centered approach to teaching.

4. Technology-Savvy Students with Different Learning Habits

Today’s students are digital natives who expect immediate access to information. While this offers distinct advantages, it may also contribute to reduced attention spans and a preference for multimedia rather than text-heavy materials.

Adjunct adaptation strategies:

Segment content: Deliver lectures in 10–15-minute intervals interspersed with interactive components such as polls or brief debates.

Promote digital literacy: Even technologically adept students benefit from instruction on assessing the credibility of online sources—an essential skill within public administration.

The adjunct advantage: As public administration becomes increasingly data-driven, adjunct instructors are well-positioned to incorporate public data portals, dashboards and AI-powered tools into coursework, equipping students with skills critical to success in contemporary workplaces.

5. Diverse Student Populations with Varied Goals

The traditional model of the “full-time residential” student no longer predominates. Contemporary classrooms are characterized by greater diversity in age, background and professional experience, encompassing participants from recent graduates to accomplished professionals seeking career advancement.

Adjunct adaptation strategies:

Promote cross-generational collaboration: Organizing group projects that pair less-experienced students with seasoned peers facilitates peer mentoring and knowledge transfer.

Link coursework to career pathways: Demonstrate the relevance of theoretical concepts and case studies to various public sector careers including city planning and nonprofit management.

The adjunct advantage: Adjunct instructors frequently reflect this same diversity, contributing a breadth of career experiences that enrich the learning environment and meaningfully engage a wide range of students.

Teaching with Relevance and Resilience

Public administration is an evolving discipline continually influenced by political developments, economic challenges and societal shifts. Over the past 25 years, both higher education and the public sector have undergone significant transformation, requiring increased adaptability, digital proficiency and a nuanced understanding of human behavior.

Part-time adjunct instructors hold a distinct advantage in responding to these trends. By adopting online and hybrid teaching formats, utilizing active learning strategies, emphasizing student wellbeing, integrating technology appropriately and respecting the diversity of contemporary students, adjuncts can foster educational environments that are rigorous and responsive to current needs.

The most effective adjuncts approach teaching as both skilled practice and a form of public service.

They serve as facilitators of learning, mentors to future leaders and bridges linking academic theory with the practical realities of governance. These educators are not merely reacting to change—they are actively shaping the ways in which future public administrators will learn to lead.

The responsibility of public administration educators extends beyond teaching policy and management; it encompasses preparing future leaders to manage complexity, demonstrate empathy and uphold the public good—a mission of enduring significance.

Author: Dr. Bill Brantley is the President and Chief Learning Officer for BAS2A, an instructional design consultancy for state and local governments. He also teaches at the University of Louisville, the University of Maryland and Franklin University. His opinions are his own and do not reflect those of his employers. You can reach him at

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