CENTER FOR PROFESSIONAL STUDIES TRANSFORMING NON-TRADITIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL LEARNING Texas State University is developing a Center for Professional Studies at the Round Rock Campus (RRC), located just north of Austin. This initiative aligns with the university’s dedication to serving non-traditional and professional learners and setting the stage for new programs to be offered at the RRC location and the San Marcos campus. Workforce Development - The establishment of the Center for Professional Studies addresses a critical need in our academic curriculum. The Center aims to offer a comprehensive menu of certificates and credentials, creating accessible pathways into degree programs. A carefully curated menu will be developed to ensure it effectively meets the evolving demands of lifelong learning and workforce development. Career Catalyst - One of the primary goals of the Center is to expedite the launch of both non-credit and creditbearing programs that hold significant value in the market. By bypassing traditional academic delays, we can swiftly respond to emerging needs, ultimately generating revenue to bolster the university’s core academic functions. This emphasis on speed to market will be a career catalyst, and a key competitive advantage, particularly at the Round Rock Campus.
TXST’s Strategic Advantages for the Center for Professional Studies 01
At Round Rock Campus – The Round Rock Campus’ growth stands as a cornerstone in Texas State’s ambitious vision, as articulated in President Kelly Damphousse’s “Hopes & Aspirations High” initiative, charting the course for the university’s future. The Center as a gateway is poised to drive a transformative expansion of the Round Rock Campus’s mission, seizing upon the abundant opportunities it presents, in meeting the diverse learning needs of non-traditional learners, specifically individuals within businesses and organizations. To be an attractive gateway into the Round Rock Campus, the Center must be equipped with the right leadership, organizational structure, resources, and capabilities. This includes specialized units focused on critical functions such as business development, establishing corporate and community relationships, program design and development, fostering academic partnerships, overseeing program marketing and recruitment, and handling other administrative aspects. Additionally, we will leverage our existing university centers, such as the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, in utilizing this platform as a crucial outreach and engagement tool with the campus community. The McCoy College of Business can also play a pivotal role and even take the lead on many of these initiatives.
• Establish a talent pipeline for degree programs. • Expand TXST Round Rock Campus Enrollment • Foster extensive employer engagement and industry connections. • Strengthen TXST Round Rock’s strategic position and success. • Elevate TXST’s national reputation and visibility. • Drive economic growth in the region.
The creation of the Center for Professional Studies represents a forwardlooking approach to professional education and training, one that is agile, responsive, and deeply aligned with the evolving demands of both learners and the workforce. •
There exists a pressing need for a swift adaptation to the rapidly evolving skills demanded by the workforce. The ever-changing nature of industries and technologies necessitates a learning environment that can respond promptly and effectively to these shifts.
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We are observing a notable move towards bypassing middlemen and exploring alternative sources for education and training. Conventional educational models no longer hold exclusive control over spreading knowledge. This change in perspective necessitates a reexamination of our methods and the provision of inventive, adaptable learning options that address the diverse needs of learners.
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Aligning with the TX 60x30 postsecondary goals is paramount. These ambitious objectives set by the state of Texas call for a concerted effort to increase educational attainment, foster workforce readiness, and ensure accessibility for all Texans. The Center for Professional Studies can serve as a key driver in meeting and exceeding these benchmarks.
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Collaboration with both academic institutions and private enterprises is critical for the development of effective training programs. By forging strong partnerships, we can leverage the expertise and resources of various stakeholders to design programs that are relevant, impactful, and aligned with industry needs.
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There is a noticeable increase in the market for sub-degree programs, with a growing demand for credentials, badging, and certificates. This trend underscores the necessity for the Center to offer a diverse array of program options that cater to different skill levels and career objectives.
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ways professional learning and development will be elevated at the
CENTER FOR PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
The Center for Professional Studies will offer a diverse range of programs in leadership, strategy, digital transformation, innovation, and business analysis. These offerings will be enriched by tapping into industry expertise and capabilities, and our seasoned faculty. This center aims to revolutionize non-traditional and professional learning by seamlessly integrating a wide array of options.
1. Access to top-tier knowledge that drives progress in careers, communities, and industries. 2. A curated selection of transferable certificates and degree programs in areas like Bioethics, Artificial Intelligence, Health Informatics, Digital Marketing, and Business Innovation. 3. Diverse programs blend research with practical applications, tailored for the evolving needs of the emerging workforce. 4. Establishment and oversight of online program infrastructure and Online Program Management (OPM) relationships. 5. Integration of expertise from various campus resources for a comprehensive educational experience. 6. Outreach to diverse communities of learners, including working professionals, executives, business leaders, and managers at every career stage. 7. Utilization of a wide range of industry experts and professionals for top-notch content delivery. 8. Cultivation of dynamic partnerships with employers to identify workforce needs and deliver custom learning initiatives. 9. Creation of tailored programs for businesses and organizations. 10. Facilitation of collaboration among businesses and organizations, enabling the exchange of valuable perspectives and connecting them with cutting-edge thought leadership and proven best practices. 03
EXAMPLE OF AN INDUSTRY-LED TRAINING The McCoy College of Business at Texas State University in collaboration with The Emerson Group and the Future Commerce Initiative (FCI) is hosting a “Future of Commerce and Leadership Program” at the Texas State University – Round Rock campus on November 1. During this one-day immersion program, participants will be exposed to the FCI 2030 concepts that could make or break future industry leaders. The curriculum is crafted to assist in meeting present needs while also preparing for future advancements or shifts.
HOW CAN YOU HELP? Be a part of the transformation in non-traditional and professional learning. Your support is essential in establishing the Center for Professional Studies as a dynamic hub, bringing together businesses and organizations to facilitate the exchange of perspectives, connecting them with leading thought leadership and proven real-world practices. The Center will cater to a diverse range of learners, fulfilling individual career needs while advancing the mission of TXST, serving the local community, and meeting the broader workforce demands of the State of Texas. Contact Brooks Hull, Vice President for University Advancement, and discover how you can contribute to Texas State’s commitment to serving non-traditional and professional learners.
We have a tremendous opportunity to transform and grow our Round Rock Campus. It has the potential to provide affordable, high-quality, and convenient higher education access to thousands of new, future students. Opportunities exist to add new programs, both in health professions and non-health professions, to meet the local and state workforce needs.” KELLY DAMPHOUSSE, PRESIDENT
FOR MORE INFORMATION Brooks A. Hull Vice President for University Advancement 601 University Drive, JCK 960 | San Marcos, Texas 78666 brookshull@txstate.edu | 512-245-3021