Keith Rivero, a tenure-earning assistant professor in FAMU College of Education, has been named one of 15 early-career scholars nationwide to join the 10th cohort of the ELEVATE Fellowship, a faculty development initiative hosted by Rutgers University. The program set to take place June 10–13 in Princeton, New Jersey, aims to enhance professors’ teaching, research, and leadership skills.
ELEVATE (Enriching Learning, Enhancing Visibility and Training Educators) equips participants with training in academic writing, grant acquisition, mentorship strategies, and tenure navigation.
Rivero called his selection “unexpected” given the competitive nature of the program.
“There’s always stiff competition, and you never know if you’ll hear back. So, getting that email was a pleasant surprise,” said Rivero, who emphasized his eagerness to collaborate with peers from Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) across the U.S.
Interim Dean of the College of Education, Sarah Price, praised the achievement: “We are ecstatic to see Dr. Rivero receive this fellowship. It will undoubtedly amplify his impact on research, teaching, and our students’ success.”
Rivero’s research focuses on educational equity, highlighting the transformative potential of professional development. “Knowledge is social. When shared through programs like ELEVATE, we grow collectively—not just as educators, but as institutions,” he said.
The professor plans to integrate strategies from the fellowship into his classroom. “Everything I gain—whether new research methods or teaching tools—will benefit our students. Our mission is to prepare them for the real world,” Rivero added.
The College of Education anticipates that Rivero’s participation will strengthen FAMU’s academic profile and foster innovative approaches to student-centered learning.