NJCU to Host 8th Annual Pedagogy Day Focused on AI, Art, and Mental Health Advocacy
JERSEY CITY, N.J. | New Jersey City University (NJCU) will host its 8th Annual Pedagogy Day with the theme "Innovative Minds, Connected Futures: Exploring AI, Art, and Advocacy for Mental Health" on Monday, April 14, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in The Gothic Lounge (Hepburn Hall Room 202).
This dynamic event brings together scholars, educators, and students for collaborative discussions on evidence-based teaching and learning practices. The day promises to be filled with inspiration, innovation, and meaningful exchanges on educational methodologies and their applications.
The highlight of this year's event will be a keynote address titled "A Glimmer of Hope" delivered by LaVise McCray, a Jersey City native and current NJCU Psychology student. McCray, a retired Special Education Teacher, brings a powerful personal narrative to her presentation. After being diagnosed with End-Stage Renal Disease in 2015 and receiving a life-saving kidney transplant, she has dedicated herself to advocacy for organ and tissue donation.
McCray's work extends beyond the classroom as she actively mentors and volunteers with organizations including the National Kidney Foundation and NJ Sharing Network. Her keynote will explore themes of perseverance, education, and community impact.
The event will culminate with the Psi Chi Spring Induction, celebrating the academic achievements of new inductees into the International Honor Society in Psychology.
“Since 2018, the annual NJCU Pedagogy Day has fostered resilience and hope through interdisciplinary dialogue on evidence-based teaching and best practices for lifelong learning,” said Dr. Peri Yuksel, Chair of the NJCU Pedagogy Day Committee and Associate Professor of Psychology at NJCU. “This year’s event features a powerful keynote by Ms. LaVise McCray—an organ donation advocate whose journey exemplifies Pedagogy Day’s spirit: overcoming adversity and transforming challenges into purposeful service. This closing ceremony perfectly embodies Pedagogy Day’s core mission: to connect, collaborate, and cultivate a strong, supportive academic community rooted in shared stories, mentorship, and the pursuit of knowledge.”
A special panel of diverse voices will explore AI’s role in mental health, reinforcing Pedagogy Day’s commitment to engaging scholars and advocates on timely and pressing issues. Attendees will also participate in an origami workshop, emphasizing balance, self-reflection, and personal growth—core elements of Pedagogy Day’s approach to holistic learning!
The event is free and open to all NJCU faculty, staff, and students, alumni, and members of the public interested in innovative approaches to teaching and learning.
This year’s organizing committee includes Dr. Yuksel, Dr. Wei Zhang, Assistant Professor of Psychology, with Psychology Department staff Hilda Merchan and Psychology Department graduate assistant Mia Pepe. For more information about the 8th Annual NJCU Pedagogy Day, please contact Dr. Peri Yuksel at PYuksel@njcu.edu.
The Program:
- 11:30 a.m. | Opening Remarks, Dr. Scott Mittman, Interim Dean of Arts and Sciences
- 11:40 a.m. | Keynote speaker, LaVise McCray: “A Glimmer of Hope”
- 12:00 p.m. | Panel, “Role of AI in Mental Health” with Dr. Nic Zapparrata (Educational Psychometrician), Ruth Abadie (O/I Psych Grad Student, Saint Peter’s University, NJCU ’24 Psychology), Weiwei Lo (Graduate MFA Student, NJCU), Jaelynn McGreivey (NJCU ’25 Psychology/Sexuality & Queers Studies)
- 12:45 p.m. | Workshop, “Origami Workshop: Connecting Community through Creativity”, Rachel Guanlao (NJCU ’24 Psychology/Social Work)
- 1:30 p.m. | Psi Chi Induction to the NJCU Chapter, Dr. Wei Zhang (Associate Professor of Psychology)
- 2:00 p.m. | Closing Remarks, Dr. Peri Yuksel (Associate Professor of Psychology)
About NJCU:
New Jersey City University is a comprehensive public regional institution committed to providing a high-quality education to a diverse student population. Located in Jersey City, New Jersey, NJCU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for learning, professional development, and community engagement. Recognized as a top university for improving upward economic social mobility, students enrolled in our undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral programs have access to an affordable, diverse environment, and an exceptionally supportive faculty. This prepares them to go on to become the next generation of workers and leaders who improve their communities and the State of New Jersey.
Contact:
Ira Thor, Associate Vice President for University Communications and Marketing | ithor@njcu.edu | 201-200-3301