Chair Message

BY MARIE HOLLIDAY, CPA

Colleges and universities across the United States are undergoing a profound transformation as they respond to shifting demographics and the evolving demands of the labor market. U.S. birth rates have declined substantively in recent years, resulting in fewer traditional college-aged students. Employers are seeking more specialized, tech-savvy graduates, and higher education institutions are rethinking how they deliver value.

Businesses are having difficulty finding qualified talent. As a result, employers are increasingly prioritizing “skills” over degrees. In response, colleges are embedding career readiness into curricula, offering microcredentials, and partnering with industries to ensure graduates are job-ready. Colleges are also attempting to diversify their student populations by targeting adult learners, offering flexible learning formats and expanding online and hybrid programs.

In Delaware, these national trends are playing out in innovative ways. The University of Delaware (UD) has expanded its professional and continuing studies programs to attract nontraditional learners and working adults. A notable example is the paralegal program, which can be completed in less than a year. The students in this program can quickly obtain the skills needed to perform their duties without the prohibitive cost of a four-year degree. Additionally, UD’s Data Science Institute partners with local businesses to provide students with hands-on experience in high-demand fields like AI and analytics.

Delaware State University (DSU) is also adapting. DSU just celebrated the grand opening of its new Early Childhood Innovation Center, which aims to strengthen the early childhood pipeline by supporting educators from certification through degree completion. Its students can pursue a CDA, associate, or bachelor’s degree while working directly with children from birth to age five across the state.

Meanwhile, Delaware Technical Community College is a model for workforce alignment. The college works closely with state agencies and employers to design programs that meet immediate labor market demands. Programs such as nursing, dental hygiene, and respiratory care are tailored to fill critical skill gaps in the state’s health care systems.

Beyond curriculum changes, Delaware institutions are also rethinking student support. Recognizing that today’s students often juggle work, family, and education, colleges are expanding mental health services, offering child care support, and providing more flexible scheduling options.

These efforts are supported by state-level initiatives. Delaware’s Higher Education Economic Development Fund encourages collaboration between colleges and employers to create programs that directly support the state’s economic goals. Additionally, the Delaware Pathways initiative connects high school students with college and career opportunities, helping to build a more seamless transition from education to employment.

As the landscape of higher education continues to evolve, adaptability is key. Education is not only about our youth; it also involves upskilling current employees as technology advances. Institutions that embrace innovation, prioritize student success, and closely align with workforce needs are not only surviving, but thriving. Delaware’s colleges and universities offer a compelling example of how regional institutions can lead the way in this new era of higher education.

Marie Holliday, CPA is the Mid-Atlantic regional managing partner at the The Bonadio Group.