Innovation Springs Interview 2, Jen Kling, Associate Professor
Links Mentioned
- DH Center: https://labs.uccs.edu/crefdh/
- Legal Center: https://centerforlegalstudies.uccs.edu/
- Philosophy Dept: https://philosophy.uccs.edu/
- Ethics Bowl: https://philosophy.uccs.edu/ethics-bowl
- Quiet Resistance: https://cla.umn.edu/about/directory/profile/fakho011
- Hotel Bar Session Podcast: https://hotelbarpodcast.com/
- National Center for Faculty Development: https://www.ncfdd.org/
Watch on YouTube
📺 Viewers can access the full transcript or captions on the YouTube video for a deeper dive into the conversation.
https://youtu.be/_AjrqXY8tys
🎧 Innovation, Philosophy & Digital Humanities in Higher Education
What does innovation look like through a philosophical lens—and how can it reshape teaching, research, and everyday thinking?
In this episode of Innovation Springs, host Hayley Blackburn sits down with Dr. Jen Kling, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Department Chair, and leader across multiple academic initiatives at UCCS, to explore how philosophy, digital humanities, and interdisciplinary work drive innovation in higher education.
From balancing teaching, research, and leadership to rethinking how students engage with content, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at academic life—and how intentional strategies can support creativity and productivity. Dr. Jen shares practical insights like building a daily research habit, alongside broader reflections on how innovation is not just about “newness,” but about aligning methods with meaningful goals.
The episode also dives into the role of the Digital Humanities Center, where faculty across disciplines collaborate to rethink how technology and humanities intersect—from digitized texts to new teaching tools. Beyond the classroom, the conversation highlights how philosophy can be made accessible to broader audiences through platforms like the Hotel Bar Sessions podcast, where complex ideas become engaging, real-world conversations.
Whether you're a student, faculty member, or curious about how ideas evolve in academia, this episode challenges you to think differently about innovation, learning, and the role of philosophy in everyday life.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- What it means to be a professor balancing teaching, research, and leadership
- How to build sustainable research and writing habits in academia
- How digital humanities connects STEM and the humanities
- Why innovation is more than “newness” and must align with clear goals
- How philosophy can be made accessible through podcasts and public dialogue
🔑 Key Quotes
“Write every day… you have to be moving that project toward being out the door.”
“Inspiration is… anything that lets you see that the world could be other than it is.”
“Just because something is new doesn’t mean it’s better.”
“People sometimes mistake difference for progress.”
“Philosophy… is a space of play.”
🎯 Why Students & Faculty Should Listen
This episode answers questions like “What does innovation in higher education really mean?” and “How can philosophy and digital tools improve teaching and learning?”—making it especially valuable for students developing critical thinking skills and faculty designing innovative, interdisciplinary experiences.
It also highlights how academic work can extend beyond the classroom—through collaboration, research centers, and public-facing platforms that make complex ideas more accessible.