Our Team
The Coulter Faculty Commons Team works to create an environment where faculty can come together in the spirit of creativity, collaboration, and community, where becoming an even better teacher or mentor is the most significant and recognized achievement that any faculty member can seek and where students have superior learning opportunities and experiences.
Dr. Eli Collins-Brown, Director
Eli has been working in Higher Ed since 1998 in various roles. Raised in a family of educators, artists, and musicians, it isn’t surprising that she gravitated to education. Her areas of focus are instructional design, instructional technology, online education (design, teaching, administration), inclusive pedagogy, and really, anything having to do with learning experience in higher ed.
She has worked at UT Arlington, Illinois State University, Western Michigan University (both the Homer B. Skryker School of Medicine and the main campus), Winston-Salem State University, and now Western Carolina.
She started teaching in 2003, first for the University of Phoenix, and in 2009 for the University of Maryland Global Campus. She also taught in the Instructional Design and Technology program at Western Michigan.
She consults on every aspect of course design, curriculum design, teaching excellence in any modality, and administration of online programs.
Schedule a consultation with Eli.
Dr. April Tallant, Sr. Educational Developer
April Tallant, PhD, RDN, LDN, champions faculty and student success by prioritizing pedagogical wellness and embracing an asset-based approach to educational and professional development. She is deeply committed to helping faculty enhance student engagement and advance the scholarship of teaching and learning.
A proud Catamount, April holds two degrees from Western Carolina University (WCU) and brings over 20 years of higher education experience at WCU, serving in both faculty and administrative roles. She has been recognized for her exceptional contributions to teaching, including the university’s Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Award and the Excellence in Teaching Liberal Studies Award. April joined the Coulter Faculty Commons (CFC) team as Senior Educational Developer in 2022.
April is equally passionate about empowering women in higher education. She serves on the executive board of the North Carolina American Council on Education (NC ACE) Women’s Network, which develops programs to support and advance women in higher education careers. Additionally, she is an executive board member of Delta Kappa Gamma, an international society dedicated to fostering the professional and personal growth of women educators and promoting excellence in education.
April enjoys finding good deals at thrift stores, paper crafting, reading cozy mysteries, and spending time with her husband, Mack, and son, Jackson.
Schedule a consult with April.
Scott Seagle, Educational Developer
A native of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Scott comes to the Coulter Faculty Commons with 20+ years of experience in higher education both as an instructor of History and positions in instructional technology and educational development. His passions include online learning and student engagement and success.
While not supporting students and faculty, you may find Scott in his kitchen preserving the season’s harvest by creating unique canned goods–think Minty Peach or Blueberry Honeysuckle jams. Scott is also an active participant in preserving local history, having served as president of the Chattanooga Area Historical Association and was a board member of Preserve Chattanooga (formerly Cornerstones).
Schedule a consult with Scott.
Dr. Anabel Livengood, Educational Developer
Anabel supports faculty in becoming more confident instructors by providing tailored solutions that enhance teaching effectiveness. Whether faculty need guidance on designing inclusive syllabi, making assignments more transparent, or building teaching portfolios, Anabel is there to help them every step of the way.
Originally from the Cologne/Bonn area of Germany, Anabel spent a gap year as an au-pair in Paris before completing her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Sociology at a small university in Eichstätt, Bavaria. After living in Detroit for over a decade where she earned her PhD, she moved to Asheville two years ago and is excited to join the Coulter Faculty Commons. Anabel discovered her passion for faculty development at Wayne State University, where she found joy in helping faculty grow in their teaching journeys.
Outside of the CFC, Anabel can be found enjoying time on her porch playing Yahtzee with her husband Matt and their dog Mick, hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, yanking out pokeweed in the garden, or reading.
Schedule a consult with Anabel directly via Calendly or reach out via email at llivengood@wcu.edu.
Angela Fulk, Administrative Support Associate
Angela has been at the CFC since October 2021. It was apparent that she was destined to be involved in education when, at 3 years old, she would often be spied “reading” to her stuffed animals. A proud native Texan, “y’all” frequently punctuates her speech. Angela earned her BA in History from the University of Dallas. She moved to the Cullowhee area win August 2020 with her husband, Dr. Kevin Fulk, who is a faculty member in the College of Business. Before joining the CFC, her work experiences include teaching high school, teaching preschool, working at the YMCA, working at the WCU Covid vaccine clinic, and working for the Vice Chancellor of Administration and Finance.
Angela’s favorite things include the Houston Astros, Texans and Rockets; coffee, chocolate, books, and autumn leaves. Knowing that it is important to feed mind, body and soul; Angela is sure to keep the CFC stocked with treats for the team and any visitors.
Get in touch with Angela via email at afulk@email.wcu.edu or via phone at 828-227-7196.
Henrietta Sackey, Graduate Assistant
Henrietta is a dynamic and resourceful young lady currently pursuing a Master’s in Higher Education Student Affairs here at Western Carolina University while working as a Graduate Research Assistant at the Coulter Faculty Commons.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in human resource management and certifications in AI Career Essentials and Virtual Assistance. With a strong background in educational support, research, instructional design, and virtual assistance, and with a demonstrated history of enhancing learning environments and administrative processes, she brings a unique skill set to the CFC.
She is a native of Ghana, a beautiful country with a rich culture located in West Africa. She has a passion for teaching and problem-solving. In her spare time, Henrietta enjoys reading, hiking, and creating various artworks.
