Winter 2026 | Becoming and Belonging: Evolving Professional Identity Beyond the Doctorate

In this episode of the MyFaculty Podcasts, Dr. Demetria Burleson explores the often-unspoken transition that follows the completion of a doctorate: the journey of becoming a confident, authentic faculty member, especially in online teaching environments. She reframes the feelings of doubt, imposter syndrome, and isolation not as personal failures, but as natural stages of professional development. Drawing from personal experience and research, Burleson emphasizes that teaching voice—rooted in values, presence, and consistency—is not something achieved overnight but cultivated through reflection and intentional practice. She offers practical strategies like defining a three-word teaching voice, establishing a signature rhythm in course delivery, and shifting from performance to facilitation to build presence and confidence. The episode also addresses belonging as an active, community-driven process rather than a passive outcome of credentials. Burleson encourages faculty to build connection through small, consistent peer check-ins, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and participation in supportive educator communities. She challenges the myth that professional growth means working harder alone, instead advocating for sustainable support systems. The episode concludes with a call to action: define your teaching voice, make one micro-connection, and implement one small shift in presence—actions that collectively foster leadership, belonging, and ongoing becoming.