STOP MOTIVATING, START INSPIRING
Jill’s work has saved countless students from frustration and failure. Her love of learning is contagious. Jill inspires students. Most teachers teach students “what” they need to learn. Jill teaches students (and faculty)“why” and “how” they need to learn.
Dr. Les Jones
Psychology Faculty
Southern Utah University
Cedar City, UT 84720

ENGENDERING ACADEMIC RIGOR
I first met Jill Wilks while researching my dissertation on physical activity in college women. She was a great supporter of students’ need for developing stronger lifelong skills. Her products show them how to be responsible for their lives and future success and how to advocate for themselves.

Later, I became involved in the successful First Year Seminar at Southern Utah University. The course Jill developed is evidence based and has improved student success by promoting critical thinking skills.

Faculty members were taught how to hold students accountable for learning and urge active participation with Seminar. We learned how to lead it and facilitate students taking the lead in learning. I was able to select content that challenged the student to think critically as a medical professional.

Through seminar, I brought real-life examples to the early foundations. Students began to value and understand the rigor necessary to be a nurse. Since being involved in the first-year design, I have integrated this technique in my classes for majors. It has been extremely successful!
Dr. Lynn Ornes
Nursing Faculty

LET THEM SPEAK
The Seminar is a great transition step for incoming freshmen. It introduces students to all of the necessary steps to be successful at the college level. I especially like the fact that in the small classroom settings they are allowed to reflect orally and in writing about the assignments they are given to read. Then, after listening to them seminar, the professor can give alternative views that allow them to see things in a totally different way. In the process they find that there are few absolutes and the narrow confines they are use to won't allow for clear decision making.
Dr. James Vlasich
History Faculty  
Cedar City, UT 84720

HUMAN LEARNING INSIGHTS
During Fall 2008, I was very fortunate to be a part of Jill's University Seminar. Being a part of it served three valuable functions. First, it was a wonderful recruitment tool. I recruited several students into the major in which I teach.

Second, my wife and I truly enjoyed watching Jill in action. Not only is she entertaining, but more importantly, her insights on the learning process will not be forgotten.

Finally, I am fortunate to have a copy of Jill's workbook, Your Expanding Intelligence. This book is very informative and useful, regardless of what you might teach or how you might learn.
Michael Ostrowsky
Sociology Faculty
Cedar City, UT 84720