Research article | Open Access
International Journal of Progressive Education 2026, Vol. 22(3) 1-16
Creating empathetic academic service excellence: The case of a university in Florida
pp. 1 - 16 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20539802
Publish Date: June 04, 2026 | Single/Total View: 6/3 | Single/Total Download: 8/3
Abstract
This qualitative instrumental case study explored the role of faculty in creating empathetic academic service excellence at a public university in Florida. Based on interviews with diverse faculty, the study investigated how empathy was enacted in faculty-student interactions and the practical strategies to foster inclusive, supportive learning environments. The findings revealed that faculty empathy was expressed through personalized responsiveness, flexible support strategies, and meaningful engagement with students inside and outside the classroom. Faculty who shared personal experiences and demonstrated understanding of students’ diverse challenges helped build trust, motivated persistence, and promoted student well-being. The study also highlighted barriers to empathetic practice, including time constraints, lack of training, and institutional cultures that might not have prioritized emotional engagement. Theoretical grounding in Emotional Intelligence (EI) underscored the importance of empathy as a core competency for academic service excellence. While the research was limited by its single-institution focus and reliance on faculty self-reporting, it offered practical implications for faculty development and institutional policy. The study concluded by recommending broader, multi-institutional research and the inclusion of student perspectives to understand further and enhance empathetic academic service in higher education.
Keywords: empathy, academic service excellence, faculty, higher education, emotional intelligence, student engagement
APA 7th edition
Mensah, E.K.W. (2026). Creating empathetic academic service excellence: The case of a university in Florida. International Journal of Progressive Education, 22(3), 1-16. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20539802
Harvard
Mensah, E. (2026). Creating empathetic academic service excellence: The case of a university in Florida. International Journal of Progressive Education, 22(3), pp. 1-16.
Chicago 16th edition
Mensah, Emily Kwaa; Wisdom (2026). "Creating empathetic academic service excellence: The case of a university in Florida". International Journal of Progressive Education 22 (3):1-16. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20539802
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