Rate My Professor Lora Bagwell

Lora Bagwell is Department Head and Associate Professor of English at Pellissippi State Community College in the School of Communication, Arts, and Media Technologies. Her academic background includes an A.S. in Secondary Education from Roane State Community College, a B.S. in Secondary Education-English from Tennessee Technological University, and an M.A. in Education, Curriculum and Instruction-Reading from Tennessee Technological University. These qualifications underpin her focus on English, reading instruction, and student success programs at the institution.

Throughout her tenure at Pellissippi State, Bagwell has held progressive leadership roles, including Associate Professor/Assistant Dean English, Associate Professor/English Program Coordinator for Reading and College 1500, and current Department Head/Associate Professor. She teaches corequisite courses in reading and college success (COLL1500), promoting academic preparedness and growth mindset among students. Bagwell demonstrates dedication to student development by hosting an in-class naturalization ceremony celebration for Maria Ortiz Quiñones and engaging daily discussions on perseverance and mindset. She contributes to campus initiatives as a member of the Low-Income Student Task Force, supporting poverty-informed practices, and as a Panthers Club member. During campus disruptions like flooding at Hardin Valley, she participated in team efforts to maintain operations. Professionally, Bagwell serves as Vice President of Records for the National Organization for Student Success (NOSS). She has presented at conferences on topics such as 'Curriculum Embedded Reading Assessment' and 'The Use of the Intelligent Practice Formula in the First Year Experience Course,' sharing innovative approaches to developmental education and first-year retention. Her multifaceted roles enhance teaching, coordination, and administrative support in English and related programs.