Graduation & Changing Landscape

This time of year has unique energy. The close of an academic year and the pomp and circumstance around the graduation ceremony in the Cistern Yard are significant. Our graduates are moving on to the next stage of their life’s journey. For me, it’s also a time to pause and reflect.

There’s a lot to consider. We’ve accomplished a lot in a short amount of time, but there’s still work to be done. Significant synergies are emerging with community and campus partners; seeing the possibilities is fun. I look forward to sharing more specific details over the summer and fall.

Gibbs shared this article that caused me to reflect in a different direction:

Students pursue microcredentials in the liberal arts (insidehighered.com)

Microcredentials have been around for a long time, and we’ve talked about stackable credentials for as long as I can remember. Now, they are emerging in the liberal arts. As an academy, we’ve been slow to adjust. In addition, we are now seeing changes thanks to AI. The higher education landscape continues to change right before our eyes. Will we change with it?

However, while learning and education will take on different forms in the future, the need for what we do will not dissipate. It actually increases. IMHO (In My Humble Opinion), the value of a solid liberal arts combined with professional education has never been higher. Will we communicate this value proposition? Why we do what we do won’t change, but the how will. I’m excited about our future together because the rest will take care of itself if we focus on learning.

I hope you have a productive and refreshing summer.

YOU make a difference!