Jennifer Shewmaker

Provost's Office

Provost

Biography

Beginning in 2002, Dr. Shewmaker served at Abilene Christian University in several key leadership roles as well as holding a faculty appointment in psychology. Before coming to Lipscomb she held the role of dean of the ACU College of Education and Human Services. She also served in a variety of administrative roles at the institution including assistant provost for teaching, learning and inquiry; chair of strategic planning; executive director of the Walter H. Adams Center for Teaching and Learning; director of faculty enrichment; and director of the School Psychology Specialist Program.

Shewmaker holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology from ACU and a Ph.D. in psychology from Texas Woman’s University. She and her husband, Stephen Shewmaker, have three daughters, Rylan (22), Catherine (21), and Alexandra (18)

Provost Shewmaker describes her vocation as saying, "My mission is to create transformative learning environments and experiences that allow students, faculty, and staff to use their strengths and passions to make the world a better place. Throughout my career, I've found that striving to ask new questions, listening well, and considering new ways of doing things have served to move innovative and strategic ideas forward. I've taken my belief in supporting universal flourishing, or shalom, into each role."

Academic Degrees

Ph.D. (Psychology) Texas Woman's University

B.S. (Psychology) Abilene Christian University

Academic Office

Office of the Provost

Publications

Books and Book Chapters

Shewmaker, J.W. & Baldridge, S. (2022). Implementing an Innovative Interprofessional Education Curriculum Across a College. In E. Sengupta and P. Blessinger ICT and Innovation in Teaching Learning Methods in Higher Education: Innovations in Higher Education Teaching and Learning. Bingley, United Kingdom: Emerald Publishing.

Shewmaker, J.W., Austin, L., & Garcia, M. (2021) Exposing Learners to Practice: When Crisis Presents New Opportunities. Handbook of Research on Updating and Innovating Health Professions Education: Post-Pandemic Perspectives. Hershey, PA: IGI Global.

Shewmaker, J.W. & Boone, A. (2021). Creating and Consuming Media Messages with Purpose: A Guide for Educators. Goshen, KY: Gifted Unlimited.

Shewmaker, J.W. & Boone, A. (2020) Empowering Faculty to Use Practices of Hospitality and Vulnerability to Encourage Risk Taking in the Higher Education Classroom (pp.111-121). In E. Sengupta and P. Blessinger International Perspectives on Improving Classroom Engagement and International Development Programs: Humanizing Higher Education. Bingley, United Kingdom: Emerald Publishing.

Hains, R.C. & Shewmaker, J.W. (2019) “I just don’t really, like, connect to it”: How girls negotiate LEGO’s gender-marketed toys (pp.247-269). In R.C. Hains and S.R. Mazzarella Cultural Studies of LEGO: More than just bricks. Basingstoke: United Kingdom: Palgrave Macmillan.

Shewmaker, J.W. (2018) Using a Contemplative Pedagogy to Promote Discussion in a First Year Seminar (pp. 101-106). In L. Nilson and J. Herman (Eds), Creating Engaging Discussions: Strategies for “Avoiding Crickets” in any size classroom and online. Herndon, VA: Stylus.

Shewmaker, J.W. (2017). Building Belonging: Fostering Difficult Conversations around Diversity (pp.243-256). In K. Longman (Ed.), Diversity Matters, Abilene, TX: ACU Press.

Shewmaker, J.W. (2015). Sexualized media messages and our children: Teaching kids to be smart critics and consumers. Childhood in America series. Santa Barbara, CA: Praeger Press.

Shewmaker, J.W. & Lee, S. (2015). Distributed Leadership in a University School Collaborative Partnership to Build the STEM Pipeline for Girls (pp. 195-209). In Blessinger, P. & Cozza, B. (Eds). University Partnerships for Community and School System Development Innovations in Higher Education Teaching and Learning, Volume 5, Bingley, UK: Emerald Group Publishing.

Fang, B., Shewmaker, J., & Self, S. (2015). Designing Free-range Assignments. In D. Preuveneers (Ed.) Workshop Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Intelligent Environments, Prague, Czech Republic, July 13-15, 2015 (pp. 120-129). Amsterdam: IOS Press.

Shewmaker, J.W. & Bolin, P. (2015). Shifting vision: Mentoring as faculty development for all levels of experience (pp. 155-168). In G.D. Wright (Ed.) The Mentoring Continuum: From Graduate School through Tenure, Syracuse, NY: Syracuse University Press.

Shewmaker, J.W. (2014). Exploring the social sciences. In K. Cukrowski (Ed.). Cornerstone Textbook (pp. 39-51). Abilene Christian University: Abilene, Texas.

Articles

Smiler, A.P., Shewmaker, J.W. & Hearon, B. (2017). From “I Want to Hold Your Hand” to “Promiscuous”: Sexual Stereotypes in Popular Music Lyrics, 1960–2008. Sexuality & Culture, pp. 1-23. doi:10.1007/s12119-017-9437-7.

Heflin, H., Shewmaker, J.W., & Nguyen, J. (2017). Impact of mobile technology on student attitudes, engagement, and learning. Computers & Education. pp. 91-99. doi: 10.1016/ j.compedu.2017.01.006.

Fang, B., & Shewmaker, J. (2016). The case for small data in higher education. In p. Novais and S. Konomi (Eds.) Intelligent Environments. pp. 159–168. Amsterdam: IOS Press. http://doi.org/10.3233/978-1-61499-690-3-159

Shewmaker, J.W. (2013). Social media in the classroom: Challenges and strategies in faculty development. The Journal of Social Media in Society, 3 (1), 87-94.

Lewis, S.L & Shewmaker, J.W. (2011). Considering age and gender: A comparative content analysis of sexualization of teen celebrity photos. International Journal of Interdisciplinary Social Sciences, 5, (12) 215-224.

Christopher, M. & Shewmaker, J.W. (2010). The relationship of affective variables to perfectionism in gifted and highly able children. Gifted Child Today, 33 (3), 20-30.

Shewmaker, J.W. (2007). Assessment of data-based problem-solving skills. The Trainers’ Forum, October 2007.

Presentations and Speaking Engagements

Selected Peer Reviewed Presentations

Shewmaker, J.W., Austin, L., Chrane, L., East, K., & Williams, K. (2022). Using Collaborative Assignments and Projects in Healthcare Education. Best Practices in Christian Higher Education, September 26, Abilene, Texas.

Shewmaker, J.W. & Boone, A. (2021). Creating and consuming media messages with purpose. NAGC national conference, November 12, Denver, Colorado.

Shewmaker, J.W. (2021). Girls producing and consuming identity through LEGO play. American Psychological Association Annual Convention, August 12, Virtual.

Shewmaker, J.W. & Boone, A. (2020). Creating and consuming media messages with purpose. ASCD Empower 20, March 16, Los Angeles, California. (Conference canceled due to COVID-19)

Shewmaker, J.W. & Boone, A. (2019). Creating and consuming media messages with purpose. Texas Association of Gifted Students Annual Conference, December 6, San Antonio, Texas.

Shewmaker, J.W. & Boone, A. (2018). Empowering faculty to use practices of hospitality and vulnerability to encourage risk taking in the higher education classroom. National Collegiate Honors Council Annual Conference, November 10, Boston, Massachusetts.

Shewmaker, J.W. & Hains, R. (2016). Gendered marketing and promotion of stereotypes in girls aged 8-11 years. American Psychological Association Annual Convention, August 9, Denver, Colorado.

Randolph, R.M., Pope, T.P., & Shewmaker, J.W. (2015). Reflections on the MIT Report: 2014 Community attitudes on sexual assault and a literature review on the ways alcohol/drugs are assessed and implications for church related schools. Christian Scholars Conference, June 3-5, Abilene, Texas.

Blassingame, S., Lamascus, S., Borchers, A., Shewmaker, J.W., & Pemberton, G. (2015). Making core curriculum core: When faculty read (and influence) texts beyond their departments. Christian Scholars Conference, June 3-5, Abilene, Texas.

Shewmaker, J.W. & Spain, C. (2014). An examination of 8-11-year-old girls’ responses to gendered marketing. American Psychological Association Annual Convention, August 7-10, Washington, DC.

Shewmaker, J.W., Hartstein, J., & Edel, D (2014). Online activism: Social media as a platform for advancing feminist psychology, American Psychological Association Annual Convention, August 7-10, Washington, DC.

Schowengerdt, I., Alejano-Steele, A., Erkut, S., Shewmaker, J.W., Kilmartin, C., Lamb, S., & Hall, D.M. (2014). Advancing feminist goals through public engagement, advocacy and translation of psychological science, American Psychological Association Annual Convention, August 7-10, Washington, DC.

Shewmaker, J.W. & Spain, C. (2014). The relationship between gendered toys and stereotype threat in girls. Southwest Psychological Association Regional Conference. April 3-5, San Antonio, Texas.

Ellery, E., Myer, M., Shewmaker, J.W., & Thorton, K. (2012). Social modeling in media from aardvarks to zombies: A comparison of prosocial and aggressive themes in Mattel’s Monster High and Public Broadcasting System’s Arthur. Texas Association of School Psychologists Annual Conference, October 6, 2012, Houston, Texas.

Shewmaker, J.W. & Spain, B. (2011). An examination of the relationships between media use, self-esteem, and parental closeness. American Psychological Association Annual Conference, August 5, 2011, Washington, D.C.

Lozano, G., & Spain, B., Shewmaker, J.W. (2010). A comparison of parental closeness, self-esteem, and value. International Research Conference for Graduate Student Research. Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas.

Shewmaker, J.W., Spain, B., & Luedecke, J. (2010). Examining adolescent media use, self-esteem, and related variables. Texas Association of School Psychologists Annual Conference, Las Colinas, Texas. October 7-10, 2010.

Shewmaker, J.W. & Lewis, S.L. (2010). Considering age and gender: Comparative content analysis of sexualization of teen celebrity websites. 5th International Conference on Interdisciplinary Social Sciences, Cambridge, United Kingdom, August 2-5, 2010.

Perkins, S., Crisp, B., Dodd, M., Goff, J. D., Powell, C., & Shewmaker, J. (2010). Researching the impact of mobility. Paper presented at the ACU ConnectED Conference, Abilene, Texas, February 2010.

Selected Invited Presentations

Shewmaker, J.W. (2021). Social media and identity development, Georgia Association of School Psychologists, Jekyll Island, Georgia, October 2021.

Box, C., Heard, C., Nordstrom, H. & Shewmaker, J.W. (2021). Pedagogical innovations and the future ready graduate, Christian Scholars Conference, Nashville, Tennessee, June 2021.

Shewmaker, J.W. & Boone, A. (2021). Creating and consuming media messages with purpose: A workshop for teachers. Region 14 Educational Service Center, Summer Professional Education Series, Abilene, Texas, June 2021.

Shewmaker, J.W. (2018). Social media & identity: Developing wholeness in a connected world. Summit, Abilene Christian University, Abilene, Texas, 2018.

Shewmaker, J.W. (2018). Social media and identity in tweens, teens and young adults. Lectureship, Pepperdine University, Malibu, California, May 7, 2018.

Heflin, H. and Shewmaker, J.W. (2016). Impact of Mobile Technology on Student Attitudes, Engagement, and Learning. Transforming the Teaching & Learning Environment: 2015 The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) Virtual Conference, February 22. Virtual Conference.

Shewmaker, J.W. (2015). Sexualized media messages and children: Addressing cultural dimensions of sexual health. Keynote for Leading a Revolution in American Mental Health: Combatting STIs, HIV/AIDS, and Teenage Pregnancy, and Addressing the Cultural Dimensions of Sexual Health, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas. November 21, 2015.

Shewmaker, J.W. (2015). Helping Children Thrive: Challenges and strategies for thriving. Pepperdine Bible Lectures, Malibu, California. May 2015.

Shewmaker, J.W. (2015). Sexualized media messages and our children: Teaching kids to be smart critics and consumers. Hardy Girls Healthy Women Parenting Webinar Series, Waterville, Maine. March 2015.

Shewmaker, J.W. (2014). Sexualized media messages and our children. School Psychology Awareness Week Presentation. University of Wisconsin, Stout. November 2014. Menomonie, Wisconsin.

Shewmaker, J.W. (2014). Operation transformation: Transcending media messages to become a world changer. Hardy Girls Healthy Women Parenting Webinar Series, Waterville, Maine. January 2014.

Shewmaker, J.W. (2013). Sex, lies, and teenage girls. West Texas Girls Conference, Abilene, Texas. November 2013.

Shewmaker, J.W. (2013). Fifty shades of grace: Sex and the church. Pepperdine Bible Lectures, Malibu, California. April 2013.

Shewmaker, J.W. (2013). Gender stereotypes and their impact on children. Gender Matters Conference. Wichita Falls, Texas, March 2013.

Shewmaker, J.W. (2012). A new literacy: Media literacy as prevention & intervention for social/emotional issues. Texas Association of School Psychologists, October 6-8, Houston, Texas.

Shewmaker, J.W. (2012). Mediating Childhood: Exploring the impact of sexualized media on children and solutions for empowering effective response. Pepperdine Bible Lectures, May 1-4, 2012, Malibu, California.

Shewmaker, J.W. (2011). Operation Transformation: Strategies in guiding children in responding to sexualized media. Summit, Abilene Christian University, September 21-22, 2011, Abilene, Texas.

Additional Professional Contributions

Author (Blog). www.jennifershewmaker.com. Ongoing.

Author / Subject Matter Expert. Christian Science Monitor, Yahoo Parenting, The Boston Globe, TweenParent.com, The Christian Chronicle, Differences Magazine. Ongoing.

Manuscript Reviewer. Christian Higher Education: An International Journal of Research, Theory, and Practice, Transactions on Learning Technologies, Media Psychology, 2016-present.

Reviewer for Annual Convention Presentation Submissions, American Psychological Association Society for the Psychology of Women, 2014.

Program Reviewer. National Association of School Psychologists Program Approval Board, 2010-2013. Associate Editor. The International Journal of Interdisciplinary Social Sciences, Volume 5, 2010. Article Reviewer. Trainers Forum, 2008.

External Grant Reviewer. Alberta Centre for Child, Family, & Community Research, 2008.

Grants

2021-2022 Inclusion Innovation Collaborative. In June 2020, the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU) was awarded a grant through the American Immigration Council to become a part of the Inclusion Innovation Collaborative that will support the development and scaling of projects that build more inclusive and welcoming communities across the United States. In fall 2021, ACU’s CEHS and School of Nursing were awarded a $10,000 grant to create and implement an Interprofessional Education course focused on the development of intercultural awareness, communication, and relationship building skills.

2013-2014 Pursuit Research Fellow. This program awards grants of $8000 to faculty members and students conducting collaborative research. The award was granted for the gathering of data for research focused on the examination of gendered product packaging, stereotype threat, and gender salience in girls.

2010 Christian Scholar Foundation Grant. This grant is awarded individually to one scholar each year for the advancement of their research. The $9000 grant was awarded to further research on sexualized media and its impact on children and adolescents.

Fall 2009 Mobile Learning Fellow. This program awards grants of $2500 to faculty members conducting research regarding the effectiveness of mobile learning platforms in teaching. This award was granted to develop and pilot progress monitoring for at-risk readers using a mobile learning platform.

Honors and Awards

2018 Straus Institute, Women’s Negotiation Academy. This interactive workshop is designed to develop specific tools and techniques to increase effectiveness as a negotiator. The two days of intensive instruction and experiential learning is offered through the lens of gender, with an eye towards the most recent research on gender issues in negotiation.

2015-2016 HERS Wellesley Leadership Institute. Institute dedicated to creating and sustaining a community of women leaders through leadership development programs and other strategies with a special focus on gender equity within the broader commitment to achieving equality and excellence in higher education. Each year, fewer than 100 women are chosen to participate in each of the Leadership Institutes, drawn from a competitive application process.

2013 Texas Social Media Research Institute's Founder's Award, Texas Social Media Research Institute Paper of Excellence – Jennifer Shewmaker: Social media in the classroom.

2012-2013 American Psychological Association Leadership Institute for Women in Psychology. An institute whose mission is to prepare, support and empower women psychologists as leaders to promote positive changes in institutional, organizational and practice settings as well as APA governance, and increase the diversity, number and effectiveness of women psychologists as leaders. Fifty female psychologists are chosen out of an international pool of applicants to participate each year.