The 10 Inspiring Education Leaders, 2025

UC TI

Education

isn’t just a path. It’s the promise of one

DearReaders,

Ineducation,inspirationisnotbornfromabstracttheoriesorloftyspeeches.It’sforgedinthe daily,dedicatedworkofbuildingbridges—bridgesbetweenstudentsandtheirpotential, betweeninstitutionsandtheircommunities,andbetweentoday’slearningandtomorrow’s workforce.Themostinspiringleadersarethearchitectsoftheseconnections.Theyare pragmaticvisionarieswhounderstandthatthetruemeasureoftheirsuccessisnotfoundin enrollmentnumbers,butinthetangibleopportunitiestheycreateforeverysinglestudent.Itis thisbrandofhands-on,purpose-drivenleadershipthatwearehonoredtofeatureinourmonthly issue,“The10InspiringEducationLeaders,2025.”

Ourcoverstory,Dr.KenIngle,PresidentofAlamanceCommunityCollege,istheperfect embodimentofthismoderneducationalleader.Hisjourneyisapowerfulfusionoftwocritical worlds:informationtechnologyandcommunitycollegeleadership.Heisnotatraditional academicwholearnedabouttechnology,butatechexpertwhowascalledtotheheartof education.Thisdualfluencygiveshimauniqueadvantage,allowinghimtoseestudentsuccess notjustasanacademicgoal,butasasystemthatcanbethoughtfullydesignedandimproved. AtACC,heappliesthisuniqueperspectivetobreakdownbarriers,usingdata-drivensolutions anddigitaltransformationtocreateclear,effectivepathwaysforstudents,ensuringthe institutionisnotjustaplaceoflearning,butavitalengineforcommunityandworkforce development.

Thiseditionalsoproudlyrecognizesotherleaderswhoareshapingthefutureofeducationwith theirowninspiringvision.WefeaturetheimpactfulworkofDr.DanaT.BeddenatCentennial SchoolDistrict,thesystem-wideleadershipofDr.MichaelV.DrakeattheUniversityof California,thetrailblazingpresidencyofDr.MautraStaleyJonesatOklahomaCity CommunityCollege,andthededicatedstewardshipofDr.NormanD.HallatSimpson University

Theleadersinthesepagesaremorethanjustadministrators;theyarecommunitybuildersand opportunitycreators.Theyremindusthatthemostprofoundandinspiringworkineducationis, andalwayswillbe,aboutempoweringpeopletobuildbetterlives.

Pankaj Gholap Managing Editor

From The Editor’s Desk

People Behind This Issue

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Dr. Ken Ingle

Dr. Ken Ingle www.alamancecc.edu Dr. Dana T. Bedden www.centennialsd.org

Dr. Michael V. Drake www.ucop.edu

Mautra Staley Jones www.occc.edu

Dr. Norman D. Hall www.simpsonu.edu

G. Mills www.nyu.edu

Alphonso Ogbuehi www.jcsu.edu

www.ferrum.edu

R Boyer www.nau.edu

www.lonestar.edu

Dr. CoverStory

Ken Ingle

President

Alamance Community College (ACC)

Bridging Technology and Student Success at Alamance Community College

CoverStory

Inaclose-knitcommunitywhereeducationismorethan justapathway—it’salifeline—oneman’sjourney highlightstheincrediblepotentialoftechnologytochange lives. , of Dr.KenIngle President AlamanceCommunity College(ACC),grewupinaplacewhereeverydecisioncould shapethefuture,andheunderstooddeeplythateducationisnot justaprocessbutaheartfeltpromisetothecommunity.His storyisnotfilledwithgrandslogansorvagueaspirations; instead,itisatestamenttotheconcreteactions,personal sacrifices,anddeepcommitmenttoharnessingdigitalinnovation forthebenefitofstudents.

BeforehebecameasymbolofprogressatAlamance CommunityCollege,Dr.Inglewasacurioussoul,often pondering,“Howcanweusetechnologytohelpstudents succeed?”Thisprofoundquestionignitedacareerthathas spannednearlythreedecades,positivelyimpactingtheIT industryandtheeducationallandscapeofhiscommunity.His journey,richwithrigorousacademictrainingandhands-on experience,hasturnedintoamissiontoensurethatevery studenthasthenecessarytoolsandsupporttoflourishinan ever-evolvingworld.

FoundationsinITandtheEarlyYearsofInnovation

Dr.Ingle’sjourneybeganinthedynamicfieldofinformation technology.Heearnedhisbachelor’sdegreefromUNC Charlotte,wherehestudiedtheuseanddevelopmentof informationsystems.Theseearlyexperiencesignitedhispassion forproblem-solvingandsparkedhisfascinationwiththe potentialofdigitalsystems.

Todeepenhisexpertise,hepursuedamaster’sdegreeat BellevueUniversity,focusingonadvancedtopicsininformation systemsandprojectmanagement.However,itwashisdoctoral studiesatNCStateUniversity,whereheearnedadoctoratein CommunityCollegeLeadership,thattrulyshapedhisfuture.His researchcenteredondigitaltransformationinhighereducation, duringwhichhecametounderstandthataccesstotechnology couldserveasacatalystforchangeinlearningoutcomes.

FromITtotheHeartofEducation

Dr.Inglefoundanopportunitytomakealastingimpactby applyinghisskillsinafieldthatoftenlacksthepredictabilityof IT:education.Althoughhebeganhiscareerworkingwith systemsandsoftware,hewasdrawntotheideathattechnology couldhelpstudentsreachtheirfullpotential.Overthepast twentyyears,hehasfocusedonstrategicplanning,digital transformation,andworkforcedevelopmentintheeducation sector.

Dr.Inglebelievesthatdata-drivensolutionsandstudentcenteredinitiativescanbreakdownbarriersandcreate opportunitiesforalllearners.Thisbelief,supportedby histechnicalexpertiseandacademicknowledge,has propelledhimintoleadershiproleswherehecan effectivelycombinetechnologyandeducationto empowerstudents.

TakingtheHelmatAlamanceCommunityCollege

In2024,Dr.Ingle’svisionanddedicationwere recognizedwithhisappointmentasPresidentof AlamanceCommunityCollege(ACC).Foundedin 1958,ACCisoneofNorthCarolina’sfirstcommunity colleges,originallyestablishedtoprovideworkforce trainingandtechnicaleducation.Overtheyears,ithas grownintoacomprehensiveinstitutionofferingmore than50associatedegreeprograms,diplomas,and certificates.Thecollege’sacademicofferingsinclude healthsciences,business,publicsafety,andinformation technology,alongwitharobustUniversityTransfer programthatenablesstudentstocompletethefirsttwo yearsofabachelor’sdegreebeforetransferringtoa four-yearinstitution.

ACC’sexpandingAgriculturalSciencesprograms, whichfeatureAnimalCareandManagement, Horticulture,andanewVeterinaryMedicalTechnology programsupportedbyanon-campusfarmclassroom, reflectthecollege’scommitmenttoacademicexcellence andhands-onlearning.

UpontakingontheleadershiproleatACC,Dr.Ingle madeithismissiontotransformthecollegeintoa dynamichubthatnotonlyaddressescurrenteducational needsbutalsoanticipatesfutureworkforcedemands. Hisguidingprincipleisstraightforward:everydecision madeshouldenhancestudentsuccessandstrengthenthe connectionbetweenacademiclearningandlocal industryneeds.

RevolutionizingStudentSupportandEngagement

OneofDr.Ingle’sfirstinitiativesasPresidentwasto revampthecollege’sadvisingmodel.Recognizingthat eachstudent’sjourneyisunique,heintroduceda proactiveandpersonalizedadvisingsystemdesignedto supportstudentsfromthemomenttheyexpressinterest inACCthroughtograduation.Thisnewmodelensures thatstudentsreceivetailoredguidanceonacademic planning,careerexploration,andpersonaldevelopment,

empoweringthemtonavigate challengeswithconfidence.Underhis leadership,thecollegehasseena significantimprovementinstudent enrollment,showcasingthe effectivenessofindividualizedsupport.

Additionally,Dr.Ingledesignedthe college’sinnovativeParentPromise program.Thisprogram,anextension oftheCareerandCollegePromise (CCP)initiative,allowsparentsof dual-enrolledhighschoolstudentsto pursuehighereducationatACCatno cost.Thisgroundbreakinginitiative reflectshiscommitmenttomaking educationaccessiblenotonlyto individualstudentsbutalsotoentire families.Byremovingfinancial barriers,theprogramstrengthensthe communityandreinforcesthebelief thatsuccessineducationbenefits everyone.

EmbracingCutting-Edge TechnologyatACC

Recognizingthattechnologyis essentialforunlockingstudent potential,Dr.InglehasurgedACCto adoptcutting-edgedigitaltools.Oneof themostsignificantchangesduringhis leadershiphasbeentheimplementation ofanewCustomerRelationship Management(CRM)system.This systemhastransformedhowACC communicateswithprospectiveand currentstudentsbystreamliningthe enrollmentprocess,enhancing engagement,andprovidingreal-time datatosupportstudentsuccess.Asa result,ACCisacollegethathas implementedadvancedtechnologyand isnowattheforefrontofdigital transformationineducation.

Additionally,ACC’sparticipationin theBOOSTinitiativewiththeNorth CarolinaCommunityCollegeSystem representsanotherstrategicmoveto enhancestudentsuccess.

If you stay focused on students, open to innovation, committed to collaboration, and dedicated to continuous learning, you’ll create a lasting impact in the field of education

CoverStory

BOOSTisaprovenprogramthatutilizestargetedadvising, financialincentives,andcomprehensivesupporttoincrease graduationrates.Earlysuccessesfromotherinstitutionshave inspiredDr.Ingle,whoisconfidentthatBOOSTwillhavea transformativeimpactonACC,ensuringthatmorestudentsnot onlyenrollbutalsosuccessfullycompletetheirprograms.

AVisionfortheFuture:InnovationandWorkforce Readiness

Dr.Ingle’sstrategicvisionforACCisambitiousandforwardthinking.Heenvisionsthecollegeasaleaderinpreparing studentsforthefutureworkforcebycontinuouslyadaptingto changingindustryneeds.Oneofhisprimarygoalsistoexpand academicofferingsinemergingfieldssuchasArtificial IntelligenceandBusinessAnalytics.Theseprogramsare designedtoequipstudentswithcutting-edgeskillsessentialfor today’sdigitaleconomy.Byaligningthecurriculumwithlocal industrydemands,ACCensuresthatgraduatesarenotonly academicallyproficientbutalsojob-ready

Furthermore,Dr.Inglehasplayedakeyroleinstrengthening partnershipswithlocalbusinessesandcommunity organizations.Thesecollaborationscreateopportunitiesfor internships,apprenticeships,andhands-ontrainingthatbridge thegapbetweenclassroomlearningandreal-worldexperience. Whetherthroughtailoredworkforcedevelopmentprogramsor industry-sponsoredprojects,ACCiscommittedtodriving economicgrowthintheregionbyprovidingstudentswiththe skillstheyneedtosucceed.

IntegratingAIandDigitalLearningSolutions

Recognizingthatthefutureofeducationliesin personalized,technology-drivenlearning,Dr.Ingle hasprioritizedtheintegrationofAIanddigital tools.AtACC,innovativelearningsolutionsare transformingthestudentexperience.Artificial intelligenceanddataanalyticsarebeingutilizedto createpersonalizedlearningpathwaysthatadaptto eachstudent’sprogress.Real-timefeedbackfrom data-drivensystemshelpsidentifyareaswhere studentsneedadditionalsupport,ensuringthat interventionsaretimelyandeffective.This personalizedapproachisrevolutionizinghow studentslearn,makingeducationmoreaccessible andtailoredtoindividualneeds.

Moreover,ACCisexpandingitshybridandonline learningoptionstoprovidegreaterflexibilityfor studentswhoarebalancingwork,family,and education.Interactiveonlineplatforms,virtuallabs, andremotecollaborationtoolshavebeen implementedtoensurehigh-qualityeducationis accessibletoeveryone,regardlessoftheirlocation. Facultydevelopmentandinstructionaldesign supportarealsobeingenhancedtomakeonline coursesmoreengagingandeffective.These technologicaladvancementsnotonlyimprove academicoutcomesbutalsopreparestudentsfora futurewheredigitalskillsareessential.

FosteringaCultureofCollaborationand CommunityEngagement

Dr.Inglestronglybelievesthatthesuccessof acommunitycollegereliesonbuilding strongrelationshipsamongfaculty,staff, students,andlocalpartners.AtACC,open communicationisencouragedateverylevel. Facultymembersservenotonlyaseducators butalsoasmentorswhosupportstudents throughbothacademicandpersonal challenges.Dr.Inglehasfosteredan environmentwherecollaborationisa standardpractice.

Hehasestablishedpartnershipswithlocal businesses,non-profits,andK-12schoolsto createopportunitiesforinternships, apprenticeships,andcommunity-based projects.Thesecollaborativeeffortsenhance theeducationalexperienceandensurethat ACCcontinuestobeavitalcontributorto theregion'seconomicandsocial development.

DrivingWorkforceDevelopmentThrough DigitalInnovation

Thefutureofworkisdigital,andDr.Ingleis dedicatedtopreparingstudentsforarapidly evolvingjobmarket.Infieldssuchas business,advancedmanufacturing,and healthcare,AIapplicationscanbeutilizedto simulatereal-worldscenariosandenhance hands-ontraining.Byleveragingpredictive analyticsandmachinelearning,ACCwillbe abletoanticipateworkforcetrendsand adjustitstrainingprogramsaccordingly.

Dr.Ingle’scommitmenttoworkforce developmentisevidentinhisproactive approachtoestablishingpartnershipswith localemployers.Thesecollaborationsensure thatacademicprogramsarecloselyaligned withindustryneeds,resultinginhighjob placementratesandlong-termcareersuccess forgraduates.ACC’sflexiblelearning optionsandhands-ontraininginitiativesplay acriticalroleinbridgingthegapbetween educationandemployment,ultimately drivingeconomicgrowthinthecommunity

BalancingFinancialSustainabilityandAcademicExcellence

AcoreaspectofDr.Ingle’sleadershipishiscommitmentto balancingfinancialsustainabilitywithacademicexcellence.He recognizesthateverydecisionmadeatACCmustbeboth strategicallysoundandfiscallyresponsible.Thecollegealigns itsbudgetwithitsstrategicpriorities,ensuringthatinvestments intechnology,facultydevelopment,andstudentsupportleadto impactfulresults.

TheACCFoundationplaysacrucialroleinthisprocessby securingscholarships,grants,andprivatedonationsthatexpand opportunitiesforstudentswithoutaddingfinancialburdens. Throughdata-drivenresourcemanagementandstrategic planning,ACCremainsfinanciallystrongwhilecontinuingto innovateandexcelineducation.

Work-LifeBalanceandthePersonalSideofLeadership

Despitethedemandsofhisrole,Dr.Ingleemphasizesthe importanceofpersonalwell-beingandbalance.Hebelievesthat aleader’sabilitytoinspireandguideaninstitutionisclosely tiedtotheirownsenseoffulfillmentandhappiness.

Dr.Ingleisadevotedfamilymanwhovaluesthemomentshe shareswithhiswifeandchildren.Whetherheiswatchinghis soncompeteingolf,cheeringforhisdaughteratasoccergame, orenjoyingaquietmountaintripwithhiswife,thesepersonal experiencesrejuvenatehimandremindhimofthesignificance ofhiswork.Hisloveforfoodandtravelfurtherenricheshis life,allowinghimtoexplorenewculturesand ideas—experiencesthatultimatelyinspirehisapproachto educationandleadership.

AdviceforAspiringEducationLeaders

Dr.KenIngleisnotonlyaleaderbutalsoamentortoaspiring educationleaders.Heemphasizesthatstayingstudent-centered isthekeytosuccess,believingthateverydecisionshould prioritizethebestinterestsofstudents.Dr.Ingleadvisesfuture leaderstoembracechangeandbeadaptable,ashighereducation isevolvingrapidly.Henotesthatbuildingstrong,collaborative relationshipsisessential—noleadercansucceedinisolation.

Healsoencourageseducationleaderstofosterpartnershipswith faculty,staff,communityorganizations,andlocalbusinesses, creatingasupportnetworkthatcandrivemeaningfulchange. Finally,Dr.Inglestressestheimportanceoflifelonglearning. Justasstudentsareencouragedtocontinuelearning,leaders, too,shouldremaincurious,seekmentorship,andcontinuously growintheirroles.

“

Challenges become opportunities when approached with a clear vision and collaborative problemsolving.

DANA T. BEDDEN DR.

Engineering Systemic Improvement in Public Education

Superintendent I Centennial School District (CSD)

Effectiveleadershipinpubliceducationisessentialfor fosteringanenvironmentthatpromotesstudent achievement.Thisleadershipgoesbeyondmerepedagogical expertise;itrequiresastrategicvision,strongoperationalcapabilities, fiscalaccountability,andtheabilitytoengageeffectivelywithvarious stakeholders.Dr.DanaT.Bedden,SuperintendentofCentennial SchoolDistrict(CSD),exemplifiesthesevitalqualities.

Dr.Beddenadoptsasystems-thinkingapproachthatnotonlydrives measurableresultsbutalsopositionsCSDasaninnovativeand forward-thinkingdistrictcommittedtostudentsuccessandoperational excellence.Withover30yearsofexperienceineducational leadership,hehassuccessfullynavigateddiversepublicschool systemsacrossPennsylvania,Georgia,Texas,Virginia,and Washington,D.C.Hiscareerhighlightsincludeeffectivelyleading districtsofvarioussizes—rangingfrom5,300tomorethan36,000 students—andholdingseniorleadershiprolesinalargedistrictwith over200,000students,allwhilemanagingbudgetsfrom$72million to$500million.

AFoundationBuiltonDiverseExperience

Dr.Bedden’sjourneyineducationbeganinthemostcrucialsetting: theclassroom.“Mycareerineducationstartedasamiddleschool teacher,whereIdiscoveredmypassionformakingadifferencein students’lives,”heshares.Thisfoundationalexperiencecontinuesto informhisleadershiptoday

Hiscareerprogressedmethodicallythroughvariousroles:heservedas anathleticdirector,asubschoolprincipalinFairfaxCounty,ahigh schoolprincipalinWashingtonD.C.,andaregionalsuperintendentin Philadelphia.Ultimately,hetookondistrictsuperintendentrolesin Pennsylvania,Georgia,Texas,andVirginia.Thisextensivetrajectory hasprovidedhimwithdeepinsightsintodiverseeducational landscapes.

“Eachrolehasenrichedmyunderstandingofeducational systems,”Dr.Beddennotes.Hisacademiccredentialsreflectthis practicalexperience,includingaBachelor’sdegreefromthe UniversityofFlorida,aMaster’sdegreefromPennState,aDoctorate fromVirginiaTech,andpost-doctoralcertificatesfromHarvard,Penn, andGeorgetown.

TheSuperintendent’sMandateatCentennial

SincejoiningCSDin2020,Dr.Beddenhashadaclearfocus:to collaboratewithstakeholdersindefininganeducationalvisionandto overseeitsimplementationthroughstrategicplanning,curriculum development,responsiblefiscalmanagement,andcommunity engagement.Theresultsclearlydemonstratetheeffectivenessofthis approach:

● AcademicGrowth:Achieved100%of thePVAASgrowthmeasures(meetingor exceedingstatestandards).

● ImprovedScores:IncreasedPSSA Mathematicsscoresby12.7%.

● FiscalResponsibility:SecuredanAa2 bondrating,enablingrefinancingthat savedthedistrict$4million

● Innovation&Efficiency:Establishedthe CentennialVirtualLearningAcademy (CVLA),avoidingover$1millionincosts associatedwithexternalcybercharter schools.

● EquityinAction:Implementedthe district'sEducationalEquityPolicy, enhancingaccessforallstudents.

● FuturePathways:Developedthe “2x2x2”post-secondarymodel,supporting diversecareerandcollegeroutes.

Theseaccomplishmentsreflectaleadership stylecenteredontangibleoutcomesand systemicimprovement.

StrategicVision:EngineeringaFutureReadyDistrict

Dr.Bedden’sstrategicvisionfortheCSDin 2025andbeyondfocuseson“creatinga future-readydistrict.”Thekeyobjectives includeestablishingclearlearningpathways, ensuringthatallstudentshaveaccesstohighqualityeducationalopportunities,enhancing technologyintegrationinaresponsiblemanner, strengtheningfiscalsustainability,and deepeningcommunitypartnerships.

Successinachievingthesegoalswillbe measuredbyvariousindicators:continued growthinlocalandstateassessments,positive trendsinculture-climateandsocial-emotional learningsurveys,increasedstudent participationinadvancedcoursework (includingAP,Honors,andDualEnrollment), improveddigitalliteracyacrossthedistrict, maintenanceofstrongbondratings,andthe expansionofmeaningfulpartnership opportunities.Thiscomprehensiveapproach aimstoservethe“wholestudent”andapplies systemsthinkingtoconsistentlyelevatedistrict performance.

InnovationCaseStudy:TheCentennialVirtual LearningAcademy(CVLA)

TheestablishmentoftheCentennialVirtualLearning Academy(CVLA)exemplifiesDr.Bedden'sstrategic approachtoeducation.Whileheacknowledgesthe hardworkofhisteaminimplementingthe academy—saying,“Theytrulydidtheheavy lifting”—heprovidesthevisionforaneffectiveand cost-efficientin-housevirtualacademy.

Unlikefullyoutsourcedmodels,CVLAusesdistrict teacherswhoarefamiliarwiththeCentennialSchool District’scommunityandstandardstoprovide instruction.Theacademy’sstructureincludesboth synchronous(real-time)andasynchronous(flexible) learning,alongwithdedicatedsuccesscoaches. Importantly,ithelpsmaintainstudents'connectionsto thedistrictbyprovidingaccesstoin-personactivities.

Thisfinancialstrategyalsopreventsthesignificant costs—approximately$20,000ormoreper student—associatedwithexternalcybercharter schooltuitionbykeepingstudentsenrolledinthe district'sprogram.Additionally,investmentsin infrastructuresupportbothCVLAandtraditional classroomneeds.

EnsuringQualityandEquityAcrossLearning Models

CSDiscommittedtoprovidingarangeof instructionaloptions,includingvirtual,blended,and in-personformats.Byutilizingreal-timedata monitoring,CSDcanimplementearlyinterventionsto supportstudentneeds,andcomprehensivesupport servicesaredesignedtoreacheverystudent.

Dr.Beddenensuresconsistencyandequitythrough severalkeystrategies.Theseincludemaintaining uniformstandards,ensuringequitableaccessto technologywitha1:1deviceprogram,andoffering specializedtrainingforteacherstoeffectivelyengage withdiverselearningmodalities.

Moreover,theinstitutionactivelyseeksfeedbackfrom stakeholderstomakeagileadjustments,reinforcingits commitmenttoexcellence.Thegoalremainsconstant: “Ensureallstudentsreceiveahigh-quality educationregardlessofhowinstructionis delivered.”

CultivatingInclusion:EquityasAccess

Thedistrict’sapproachtoInclusivePracticesisbasedon itsEducationalEquityPolicy.Dr.Beddenemphasizes thefocusonequity:“Ourgoalistoensurethatevery studentreceivestheresources,support,and opportunitiesneededforsuccess—notbasedonrace butonaccess.”

ForCSD,InclusivePracticesaredefinedasintentionaland collaborativeeffortsaimedatfosteringasenseof belonging,providingequitableaccess,andempoweringall individuals,recognizingandaddressingindividualneeds toensurethateveryonewithinourdiversecommunitycan activelyparticipateandthriveintheirCentennialSchool Districtjourney.

Thisapproachincludesadaptinginstruction,utilizingdata toidentifyresourcegaps,andassessingtheeffectiveness ofinterventions.“Mostimportantly,weviewinclusion asfundamentaltoeducationalexcellence—whenevery studenthasproperaccesstoeducationalresources,all studentsbenefit,”hestates.

LeadershipThroughChallenge:Opportunityin Adversity

Dr.Bedden’sextensivecareer,markedbysignificant challengesandexperiences,informshiscurrentleadership. Notably,hehasoftenbeenatrailblazer,includinghis historicappointmentasthefirstAfrican-American SuperintendentofIrvingIndependentSchoolDistrictin Texas.

LeadingtheCSDthroughtheCOVID-19pandemic,which beganshortlyafterhisarrivalin2020,testedhis leadershipinprofoundways.Hisapproachprioritized safetyandcontinuedlearning,supportedbytransparent communicationwithstakeholders.

Inhisprevioussuperintendentroles,hefacedsevere budgetconstraints.Toaddressthesechallenges,he appliedsystemsthinkingtoidentifyefficienciesand strategicallyreallocateresources.Hisgoalwastomaintain educationalqualitywhileachievingfiscalstability.During oneparticularlychallengingperiod,heearnedrecognition forhisdistrictasafive-stardistrictinTexasforboth financialmanagementandacademicprogress.These experienceshavereinforcedhisbeliefthat“challenges becomeopportunitieswhenapproachedwithaclear visionandcollaborativeproblem-solving.”

TheIdealSystem:VisionBeyond Constraints

Ifresourceswereunlimited,Dr Beddenenvisionsarangeof constructivechangesthatcould greatlyenhanceeducation.This includescreatinginspiringand adaptablelearningenvironmentsand establishingcomprehensive communityschoolsthatprovide integratedsupport.

Additionally,headvocatesfor increasedteachercompensationand ongoingprofessionaldevelopment. Byleveragingtechnology,wecan personalizelearningforeachstudent, whileacurriculumcenteredonrealworldproblem-solvingcanbe developedthroughstrategic partnerships.Furthermore, assessmentswouldfocusonauthentic demonstrationsofmastery,ensuring thatstudentstrulygraspthematerial.

FutureFocus:ResponsibleAIand SuccessionPlanning

Dr.Beddenlooksforwardtothe excitingworkCSDhasaccomplished overthepast18monthsinpreparing fortheresponsibleimplementation ofArtificialIntelligencetoassist withadministrativetasks,teaching, andlearning.Hehopesthedistrict willcontinuetoadvanceitsAI literacyinitiative,helpingstudents understandthesocietalimplications ofAIthroughpartnershipswith industry.

Completinghistwenty-secondyear asasuperintendentandhisfifthyear leadingCSD,Dr.Beddenplansto retirefromhispositionin Pennsylvania.Hiscurrentprimary goalistoensureastrongfoundation forthedistrict'scontinuedsuccess beyondhistenure,withafocuson sustainablesystemsandinitiatives.

Centennial School District (CSD), Administration Building

Dr.Beddenspeaksopenlyaboutthepressuresofhisrole.“I’llbecandid—I haven’talwaysdoneagoodjobwithwork-lifebalance,”headmits. “However,experiencehastaughtmethateffectivenessrequires intentionalbalance.”Henowprioritizeshisfamily,health,andwell-being, recognizingtheseasnon-negotiableaspectsofhislife.

TheBeddenPhilosophy:GuidingPrinciplesforEducationalExcellence

Dr.Beddenarticulateshisleadershipphilosophythrough“TheFourE’s”:

● Excellence:Strivingforhighstandardsinalldistrictendeavors.

● Equity:Ensuringeverystudentreceivesthenecessaryresourcesand support.

● Empowerment:Buildingcapacityandagencywithinstaffandstudents.

● Engagement:Fosteringmeaningfulrelationshipsamongallstakeholders.

Hefundamentallybelievesthatachievingeducationalexcellencerequiresa unifiedeffort.“Noonepersonmakestheschooldistrict.Noonepersonis theschooldistrict,”hestates,highlightingtheimportanceofcollaboration.

Hiscoreconvictionisthataligningsystemseffectively,cultivatinginclusive communities,andmaintainingan“unwaveringbeliefineverychild's potential”enableseducationtofulfillits“transformativepromiseas society’smostpowerfulcatalystforpositivechange.”

EDUCATION ADULT EDUCATION THEORY

Modern Solutions for Trainers

Didyouknowthatineffectivetrainingrepresentsasignificantfinancialdrain?Itcostscompaniesmillionsinlost productivityyearly.Estimatesreach$13.5millionper1,000employees.Thissubstantialwastedemands immediateattention.Itsignalsafundamentalflawintheapproach.Adultsdonotlearnlikechildrendo.They havedifferentneedsentirely.Ignoringthesedifferencesisacostlybusinesspractice. Understandingadulteducationtheory providesastrategicsolution.

Itgivestrainersanevidence-basedblueprintforsuccess.Thistheorymakestrainingprogramshighlyefficientand impactful.MalcolmKnowleschampionedAndragogyprinciples.Thisisacoreelementofadulteducationtheory.Itoutlines keyadultlearningconceptsclearly.Trainersneedtheseinsightsurgentlytoday.Theyfacecomplexmodernchallengesdaily. Thisarticleofferspracticalsolutionsrootedinthistheory.Weprovideactionableinsightsfortrainersspecifically.Ourfocus isondrivingreal,measurableoutcomesconsistently.Optimizeyourhumancapitalinvestmentwiselyformaximumreturns.

EDUCATION

Theadultlearner’sblueprint:Keyprinciplesofadult educationtheory

Adulttrainingdemandsadistinctstrategy.Itisnotsimply scalingupmethodsforchildren.Consideritsimilarto analyzingmarketsegments.Successfulinvestorstailor approaches.Adultspossessuniquelearning characteristics.Thesetraitsdirectlyinfluencetraining effectiveness.Theyimpactyourreturnoninvestment. Understandingadulteducationtheoryunlocksbetter results.Itprovidesthenecessaryframework.

Thisframework,largelydefinedbyMalcolmKnowles’s Andragogy,offerskeyinsights.Thinkoftheselike fundamentaleconomicindicatorsforlearning.Theyare crucialfactorstrainersmustanalyze.Theseprinciples explainwhyadultslearndifferently.

Keyprinciplesincludetheirneedtoknowthevalue,their self-directedconcept,thewealthoftheirexperience,their readinessbasedonlifetasks,theirproblem-centered approach,andtheirinternalmotivation.Masteringthese principlesallowstrainerstooptimizetheireducational delivery,muchlikeoptimizingaportfolio.Itensures everytrainingdollaryieldsmaximumimpactandskill transfer.

Applyingandragogy:Modernsolutionsforcommon trainerchallenges

Effectivetrainingisastrategicbusinessinvestment. Trainersfacespecific,complexhurdlestoday.These obstaclesdirectlyimpactlearningoutcomes.Poor outcomesdiminishthereturnonyourhumancapital investment.Understandingadulteducationtheoryequips trainerswithpowerfultools.Itprovidesaclear frameworktoovercomethesemodernissuesefficiently Let'sanalyzesomekeychallengestrainersfrequently encounter.

Digitallearningenvironmentspresentsignificant engagementrisks.Learnersgeteasilydistractedonline. Passivecontentoftenresultsinlowparticipationrates. Thiswastesvaluabletrainingresourcesdramatically.It degradesyourinvestment’spotentialeffectiveness quickly Andragogyhighlightsthatadultsneedcontrol overlearning.Theylearnmosteffectivelywhentheyare activeparticipants.Theirlifeexperienceisavaluable resource.Motivationislargelyinternalforthem.How cantrainersactivatetheseprincipleseffectivelyinvirtual spaces?

Here are key approaches for trainers to implement:

● EmpowerLearnerControl:Offermodulechoices whenfeasible.Letlearnerssometimessettheirown pace.

● MaximizeInteraction:Usepollsfrequently.Facilitate liveQ&Asessions.Digitalbreakoutroomsencourage peerlearningpowerfully.Thiseffectivelyleveragestheir collectiveexperience.

● FocusonRelevance:Makecontentproblem-focused. Beginwitharelatableworkscenario.Clearlyshowthe immediatevalueofthelearning.Thistapsdirectlyinto their‘needtoknow.’

● BreakDownContent:Delivermaterialinsmall, focusedmicrolearningchunks.Thisformatfitsbusy schedulesbetter.Ithelpsmaintainconcentration efficiently

Thesemethodsdirectlyapplyadulteducationtheory They transformpassiveonlineexposureintoactiveengagement, maximizinglearningpotentialefficientlyandsignificantly improvingyourtraininginvestment’soverallreturn.

Howtoensureskillsandknowledgeactuallytransfertothe job?

Trainingrepresentsadirectinvestmentcost.Thatinvestmentonly yieldsreturnsiflearnersapplyskills.Acriticalchallengefor trainersistransferfailure.Datashowsthatlessthan20%of corporatetrainingiseffectivelytransferred.Thismeansmost learnedknowledgedoesnotreachtheactualworkplace.Itresults insubstantialfinancialwaste.Itlowersproductivityand performancemetrics.Thisproblemtiesdirectlytoadultlearning. Adultsprioritizerelevance.Theylearnbydoing.Theircontext drivesreadiness.Howcantrainersensureskillsmakeittothe job?

Trainers must prioritize application. Implement these practical strategies:

● DesignReal-WorldPractice:Usejob-specificscenarios consistently.Buildinsimulationsorrole-playing activities.Practicemakesapplicationautomaticlater

● IntegrateWorkplaceTasks:Assignprojectsrequiring newskillsusage.Encourageimmediateapplication opportunities.Thisleveragestheirproblem-centered approach.

● SupportPost-TrainingApplication:Providequick referenceguides.Facilitatefollow-updiscussionsorcoaching. Reinforcementcombatstheforgettingcurveeffectively

● CollaboratewithManagers:Partnerwith supervisorsonapplicationgoals.Ensureworkplace supportforusingnewskills.Thisaddressesreadiness andmotivationbarriers.

Thesestepsapplyadulteducationtheoryfortangibleresults. Theybridgethegapbetweenclassroomandwork.This significantlyincreasesyourtraininginvestment’sROI.Itturns learnedpotentialintomeasurableworkplaceperformance.

Howtomotivatereluctantordiversegroupsoflearners?

Employeemotivationisakeyperformancedriver.Trainers frequentlymanagevariedparticipantgroups.Somelearners showinitialreluctanceordisinterest.Othersbringdiverse backgroundsanduniqueneeds.Engagingeveryone maximizesyourtraininginvestment’simpact.Itensures higherreturnsonhumancapital.Dataunderscores motivation’sfinancialpower.

Forinstance,93%ofemployeesaremorelikelytostaywith organizationsinvestingintheircareers.Highretention significantlycutscostlyturnover Thisrequirestrainersto understandindividualdrives.Itmeansactivelyvaluingevery learner’sdiverseexperience.Adulteducationtheoryprinciples providetheinsights.Needforpurposeiscrucial.Selfdirectionmattersgreatly.Experiencesshapelearning perspective.

Trainers should implement inclusive approaches. Consider these actionable strategies:

● ShowPersonalRelevance:Clearlyexplainspecific benefitsfortheirrole.Connectlearningdirectlyto individualcareergrowthgoals.Thisactivatesinternal motivationeffectively.

● ValueDiverseExperience:Createsafespacesfor peersharing.Openlyvaluedifferentperspectivesand contributions.Thisleveragesvariedbackgroundsasa strength.

● OfferChoicesandFlexibility:Provideoptionsin learningactivitiesorpace.Allowlearnerssome controlovertheirjourney.Thisrespectstheirselfconceptandautonomy

● FosterInclusion:Buildtrustandopen communicationalways.Ensureeveryonefeels comfortableparticipatingfully Thisisvitalforengaging allvoiceseffectively

Thesestrategies,groundedinadultlearningprinciples, buildessentialengagement.Theyaddressindividual needsrespectfully.Thisboostsoverallteameffectiveness andretentionrates.Itdemonstrablyenhancesthefinancial healthoftheorganization.

Leveragingtechnologyeffectivelybasedonadult learningprinciples

Technologyoffersvastpotentialfortrainerstoday Yet, techadoptionrequirescarefulstrategy.Usingtechnology merelyforitsnoveltywastesvaluableinvestment.Smart integrationfocusesonmaximizingthelearningimpact. Thisapproachoptimizesyourtechnologyspend efficiently.Effectivetechusedirectlyalignswithadult learningprinciples.Itaddresseslearners’uniqueneeds precisely.Datahighlightstech'ssignificantfinancial upside.

Organizationscanreducetrainingcostssubstantiallyvia eLearning.Savingsoftenrangebetween50%-70% comparedtotraditionalmethods.Thisdramaticallyboosts efficiencyandscale.Adultsvaluecontrolhighly They prioritizerelevancealways.Experienceguidestheir learningpath.Adulteducationtheoryofferstheessential roadmaphere.

Trainers must use technology wisely. Implement these powerful methods:

● SelectInteractiveTools:Chooseplatforms enablingactiveparticipation.Utilize simulations,quizzes,orcollaborativeonline documents.Interactivetecheffectivelyleverages theirexperienceandincreasesengagement.

● BuildinFlexibility:Provideon-demandcontent accessreadily.Offermobile-friendlylearning optionsconsistently Thisrespectsbusy schedulesandfostersself-direction.

● FocusonApplication:Usetechnologythat helpslearnerssolverealproblems.Lookfor platformssupportingjob-specifictasksdirectly. Thisalignsperfectlywiththeirpractical orientation.

● EnablePersonalization:Utilizetechallowing tailoredlearningpaths.AI-driventoolscanadapt contentdeliverydynamically Thisefficiently addressesdiverseneedsandboostsoutcomes.

Thesestrategiesapplyprinciplesofadulteducationtheory fortangibleresults.Theyensuretechnologyenhances learningexperiences,nothindersthem.Thismaximizes yourtechinvestment'sreturnconsistently.Itdrivesbetter, moreefficienttrainingoutcomesacrosstheboard.

Beyondandragogy:Atrainer'sperspectiveonrelated concepts

Andragogyprovidesthevitalfoundation.Itgivestrainers essentialpracticaldirection.Otherrelatedtheoriesalso enrichthisfieldsignificantly.TransformativeLearning helpsfosterdeepperspectiveshiftsinlearners. ExperientialLearningstressesthepowerofhands-on learningbydoing.Whilevaluable,thesetheories generallycomplementthecoreframework.Andragogy remainstheessentialpracticaltoolboxformodern trainers.Itoffersthefundamentalsolutionsdiscussed throughout.Masteringitsprinciplesfirstiskey.This maximizesyourfoundationalinvestmentintraining effectiveness.

1.TransformativeLearning

Whatmakeslearningtrulylife-changing?Inadult educationtheory,transformativelearningfocusesondeep personalchange.Itistriggeredwhenadultsfacea “disorientingdilemma”—amomentthatchallengestheir beliefsorhabits.

Unlikebasicskilltraining,thisapproachreshapes perspectives.Trainerscanapplyitby:

● Designingactivitiesthatsparkcriticalthinking andreflection.

● Encouragingopendiscussionsonreal-world problemswithdiverseviewpoints.

● Buildingsafespacesforlearnerstoquestion long-heldassumptions.

Forexample,acorporateleadermightrethinktheirentire managementstyleafterarole-playthatrevealshidden biases.Theshiftgoesbeyondknowledge—itchanges actionsandattitudes.

Whenusedalongsideadulteducationtheory, TransformativeLearningmovestrainingfromsurface-level todeeplyimpactful.Ithelpsadultsgrowinboththeir careersandpersonallives,leadingtolong-termpositive change.

2.ExperientialLearning(Kolb’sExperientialLearning Cycle)

Howdoadultslearnbest?Inadulteducationtheory, experientiallearningexplainsthatrealunderstanding comesfromdoing,reflecting,andapplying.DavidKolb’s 1984modeloutlinesfourclearstages:

1. ConcreteExperience–engaginginarealor simulatedtask.

2. ReflectiveObservation–thinkingaboutwhat happenedandwhy

3. AbstractConceptualization–connectingthe experiencetoideasorprinciples.

4. ActiveExperimentation–testingnewapproaches inrealsituations.

ThisprocessalignsperfectlywithAndragogy’sfocuson experience-based,problem-centeredlearning.Trainerscan useitby:

● Runningsimulations,role-plays,andhands-on projects.

● Holdingstructureddebriefstoreflecton outcomes.

● Guidinglearnerstolinknewinsightswith existingknowledgeandapplythemquickly

Forexample,aprojectmanagermightleadamockclient meeting,reflectonteamfeedback,thenrefinestrategiesfor real-worlduse.

3.Self-DirectedLearning(BeyondAndragogy’s‘SelfConcept’)

Whathappenswhenlearnersfullyowntheirlearning journey?Inadulteducationtheory,Self-DirectedLearning meansadultsidentifytheirneeds,setgoals,choose resources,andmeasureresults—oftenwithminimal externaldirection.

ItexpandsAndragogy’sprincipleofself-conceptbyoffering aclearroadmapforautonomy.Thisapproachworksbecause adultsvaluecontrolandlearnbestwhentheydrivethe process.

Trainerscanmakeitworkby:

● Offeringmultipleresourcesandpathwaysinsteadof onefixedplan.

● Guidinglearnerstosetpersonallearninggoalsand trackprogress.

● Actingasacoachorfacilitator,notjustan instructor.

Forexample,anemployeeaimingtomasterdataanalytics mightchoosebetweenonlinemodules,peerdiscussions,or real-worldprojects—thenreviewprogressweekly

Whenpairedwithadulteducationtheory,Self-Directed Learningcreateshighlymotivatedlearnerswhoachieve faster,deeper,andmorelastingresults.

KeyTakeaways

Wehaveexploredpowerfulconceptstogether.Understanding adulteducationtheoryisfarmorethananacademicexercise. Itisacriticalstrategicskillformoderntrainers.Itunlocks significantbusinessvaluedirectly ThinkofAndragogynot justastheory.Considerityourcoreanalyticalmodeland practicalframework.Applyingitsprinciplestransforms trainingfromamerecosttoapotentinvestmentdriver.You nowhavespecifictoolstoboostdigitalengagement effectively Yougainedclearmethodsensuringskillstransfer strongly Youfoundactionablewaystomotivatediverse learnerssuccessfully Youdiscoveredsmartapproaches leveragingtechnologyforbetteroutcomes.

Yourabilitytoapplytheseprinciplesmakesatangible difference.Itimpactsyourlearners’successprofoundlyfirst. Itinfluencesyourprogram’smeasurablefinancialoutcomes. Itaffectsyourorganization’sfiscalhealthultimately Your roleasatrainerisinherentlystrategic.Youoptimizehuman capitalvaluewitheverysinglesessionyouconduct.Use theseinsightsactivelyeveryday.Makeyourtraining investmentscountdecisivelyeverytime.Yourcontinuous learningfuelsyourownprofessionalimpact.Embracethese adulteducationtheoryprinciplesfully.Driverobust, measurablereturnsforbothyourcareerandyourcompany’s bottomline.

OCCC’s Dr. Mautra Staley Jones

On Educational Leadership, Innovation, and Student Success

KeyPoints:

●Dr.MautraStaleyJones,appointedasOklahomaCityCommunityCollege’spresidentinMarch2022,isthefirst AfricanAmericanfemalepresidentofanyinstitutionofhighereducationinOklahomathatisnotanHBCU.

●Ledbyher,OCCCprioritizes“StudentSuccess,CommunityEnrichment,”with87+degreeandcertificate programsforover18,000students,emphasizingpracticalskillsandcriticalthinking.

●AsOklahoma’stopmicro-credentialprovider,OCCCprepares13,000+yearlyforleadership,withitsonline psychologydegreerankedtoptennationallybyForbesAdvisor.

InOklahoma’score,Dr.MautraStaleyJones,the newlyappointedPresidentofOklahomaCity CommunityCollege(OCCC),istransforminghigher education.Herhistoricpresidencybreaksbarriersand createsempowering,inclusivepaths.Herinitiativesshineas innovativebeacons,aligningacademicprogramswith practicalapplications.

Dr.JonespropelsOCCCforwardwithtop-tierprogramslike theGrayFredericksonDigitalCinemaProgram,acelebrated cybersecuritycurriculum,andexpandingfacultyworkinAI, topreparestudentsforadynamicglobaljobmarket.

Guidedbyhervision,OCCCisameltingpotofdiversity, reflectingOklahoma’svibrantcommunitiesandfulfillingits mission:“StudentSuccess,CommunityEnrichment.”

InarecentinterviewwithTheEducationMagazine,Dr Jonessharedherperspective:thestridesmadetocrossthe finishlinewilldefineyourjourney Thestartingpointisa

moment;thefinishlineiswherehistoryismade,she said. “How we finish the race is more critical than how the race began. Run steadfastly, extending assistance to as many as possible throughout the journey.”

TEM:Dr.Jones,couldyouenlightenusonthe genesisofOklahomaCityCommunityCollege andthebreadthofacademicofferingsavailable?

Dr.Jones:Sinceitsfoundingin1972,OCCChas becomeessentialtothenation’seducational landscape,servingover18,000studentsannually. Ourmission,“StudentSuccess,Community Enrichment,”reflectsourdedicationtofostering individualaspirationsandcontributingtocommunity prosperity Weofferanextensiveselectionofmore than87academicdegreeandcertificateprograms, preparingstudentsforfurthereducationand immediatecareerentry.

City Community College PRESIDENT

Oklahoma

AtOCCC,we'recommittedtoacademicrigorwithrealworldapplications,spanningdisciplinessuchasArts, English,Humanities,Business,InformationTechnology, HealthProfessions,Science,Engineering,Mathematics, andSocialSciences.Ourfocusisonnurturingpractical skillsandcriticalthinkingtoalignwiththedynamic demandsofthejobmarket.Westriveforaccessibilityand affordability,maintainingahighstandardofeducation. We’reheretoeducateandempower,andweinviteyour readerstoexploreOCCC,wheretheirfutureisourpurpose.

TEM:Pleaseshareinsightsintoyoureducationaland professionalbackgroundandwhatdroveyoutopursue acareerineducationalleadership.

Dr.Jones:InMarch2022,Ihadthedistincthonorofbeing appointedasthepresidentofOCCC,markingahistoric momentasthefirstwomanandpersonofcolorinthisrole inthecollege’shistory Thisalsorepresentedamilestone forOklahoma,asIbecamethefirstAfricanAmerican femaletoserveaspresidentofanyinstitutionofhigher educationinthestatethatisnotaHistoricallyBlack CollegeandUniversity(HBCU).

Mypassionforeducationalleadershipstemsfromadeep beliefineducationasacatalystforpersonalempowerment, socialequity,andeconomicprosperity.Theopportunityto guideaninstitutionthatsignificantlyinfluencescountless students’futures,equippingthemwiththetoolstorealize theiraspirations,wasacompellingdrawforme.

AspresidentofOklahoma’sfourth-largesteducational institution,Iactivelyengagewithvariousbusiness, community,andphilanthropicorganizations.These engagementsprovidevaluableinsightsandavenuesto championeducationalpoliciesandinitiativesthatbolster

“How we nish the race is more critical than how the race began. Run steadfastly, extending assistance to as many as possible throughout the journey.”

communitygrowth.Additionally,theyenablemeto establishpartnershipsthatserveourstudentsandthe broadercommunity,furthersolidifyingthecollege’s integralroleintheeducationalandeconomicspheresof Oklahoma.

TEM:Inanerawhereeducationalinstitutionsare numerousanddiverse,whatuniquevaluedoesOCCC offerthattrulysetsitapartfromtherest?

Dr.Jones:OklahomaCityCommunityCollege(OCCC) standsoutnotonlyforitsaccoladesbutalsoforits innovativeprograms.We’reattheforefrontof cybersecurityeducation,designatedasaNationalCenter forAcademicExcellenceinCyberDefense.OCCCrecently hostedtheResponsibleAIinHigherEducation Symposium,incollaborationwithPOIETO,toprovideover 300highereducationprofessionalswithamicro-credential togrowtheirawarenessofhowAIcanbeincorporatedinto collegecourseworkandstudentsupportservicestopromote ourstudents’success.

Intoday’sdigitalage,wearegivingourstudentsthetools tosafeguardinformation—askillmorevaluablethanever. Ournursingprogramisranked6thregionally,reflectingour commitmenttorigorousacademicsandpreparinggraduates foressentialroles,particularlyinthepost-pandemicera.

Today,weareOklahoma’slargestproviderofmicrocredentials,helpingover13,000individualslastyearalone, andweareaddingnewmicro-credentialsandforging industrypartnershipstoensureourstudentsarereadyto leadintheirfields.ForbesAdvisorhasrecognizedour onlineassociatedegreeinpsychologyamongthenation’s topten.

Furthermore,OCCCisanemergingHispanic-Serving Institution(HSI),evolvingwithOklahoma’sgrowing

Hispaniccommunityandcreatinga supportive,inclusiveenvironment. Westrivetobemorethanan educationalinstitution;weaimtobe apartnerinreal-worldpreparedness andacommunityadvocate.

TEM:Astheleaderofthe institution,couldyououtlineyour keyresponsibilitiesandhowthey impactthecollegeanditsstudents?

Dr.Jones:Atthecoreofmyroleis guidingOCCCnotjusttofulfillbut toforeseetheeducationaldemandsof ourvariedstudentpopulation.Ihold afirmbeliefthateducationisnot one-size-fits-all.

OCCCthereforeoffersprograms tailoredtomeettheuniqueneedsof everystudent,irrespectiveofage, background,oracademicambition. Inaddition,wehaveestablished seamlesstransferagreementswith numerousfour-yearinstitutionsto ensureourstudentscancontinuetheir educationalpursuitssmoothly

Moreover,ourfacultyandStudent SuccessAdvisorsareinstrumentalin offeringtailoredacademicandcareer guidance.Ourdedicationisrootedin engagingwithstudentswherethey areandequippingthemforwhere theywanttobe.

TEM:Asyoureflectonthe mentorswhohaveilluminatedyour path,couldyoudiscusstheir enduringimpactonyour philosophyandapproachto leadership?

Dr.Jones:Igrewupandwas nurturedinArdmore’sclose-knit community,wheremygrandmother, thematriarchofourfamily,raised me.Herwisdomhasalwaysguided me.Shetaughtmetodreamwithout limits.

Shealwayssaid, “Mautra, dream big dreams. Whatever you want in this life, you can have—and do not forget to honor God. You give Him the glory in all that you pursue.”

Alongsideher,myhusband,The HonorableBernardM.JonesII,and ourthreebeautifulchildrenhavebeen myrock.Theyremindmeofwhat trulymatterswhenthenoiseoflife becomestooloud.Theirlove, support,andencouragementenable metokeeppushingtheboundaries andblazingnewtrailsineducational leadership.

TEM:Astimeprogresses,howdo theneedsofstudentsevolve,and whatmeasuresareyourinstitution takingtoaddressthesechanges?

Dr.Jones:Wearecommittedto empoweringandinvestinginour diversecommunityofstudents, faculty,andstaffwiththenecessary resourcestoexcelandprosper

Innovationiskeyinourapproachto education,ensuringweoffer programsthatcatertoawiderangeof aspirations,fromcertificationto degreecompletionandbeyond.Our campusisaglobalvillage,hometo studentsfromover40countries, enrichingourcommunitywitha multitudeofperspectives.

Moreover,westrivetomeetstudents ateverypointoftheireducational path,offeringavarietyofclassesand transferoptionsthatalignwiththeir goals.Ourmissionistobemorethan acollege—wearealaunchpadforour students'aspirations,helpingthem soartonewheights.

TEM:Inlightofthecurrent educationallandscape,what challengesarebeingaddressedby OCCCtofosterpositivechange?

Dr.Jones:Formany,affordabilityis asignificantbarriertohigher education,andOCCCtacklesthis challengehead-on.Asthemostcosteffectiveinstitutioninthestate,we haveheldourtuitionandfeessteady forthepastsixyears.

Beyondmaintainingaffordablerates, we’vealsoestablisheda comprehensivescholarshipprogram andarobustfinancialaidsystemto easeourstudents’financialburdens. Wehaveincreasedourfundraising worktoexpandsupportservicesfor ourstudents’needsinmentalhealth, foodinsecurity,andaccessto technologyandeducationalresources thatallowthemtosucceed.

Ourcourseschedulingisflexible, encompassingbothonlineandoncampusoptions,andourpartnerships withlocalentitiesarestrong—both stepstowardsaneducationthat’s relevantnowandadaptableforthe future.AtOCCC,we’reactively craftingsolutionsfortheeducational challengesoftodayandtomorrow

TEM:Balancingprofessionaland personallifecanbechallenging. Howdoyoumanagethis,andwhat doyouenjoydoinginyourfree time?

Dr.Jones:Balancingmyroleas presidentofOCCCwithmypersonal lifeisadelicatedance.It’sanhonor toleadthecollege,butI’malsoa wife,mother,friend,mentor,and communityservanttothoseIam appointedtobyGod.

IknowthatIamnotalonein shoulderingsuchresponsibilities. Manyinspiringwomendancethis delicatedance.Forme,prayerand self-careduringdowntimeiskey.Of course,jazzmusicandpraiseand worshiparepersonalindulgences.

Top 5 Platforms Usability Testing Make

MIt Work 2025

akingwebsitesandappseasytousereallymatters.Thiscreatesgreatproductspeoplelove.Butchoosing therightplatformfeelshardsometimes.Somanytoolsexisttoday.Mostreviewsjustlistfeatures,sadly Theydonotshowtherealexperience.Thisguidegivesanhonestlook.Weexplorewhatitisreallylike touse5popularusabilitytestingplatforms.Wecovercommonproblemsinimplementingthem.Wesharebest practicesforsuccess.Seehowtheyhelpsolvetestingpainpoints.Thishelpsyouchoosewisely.Makingasmart platformchoiceforusabilitytestingplatformsisasolidinvestment.

Herearethe5bestusabilitytestingplatforms

Platforms

Maze

UserTesng

Opmal Workshop

Lyssna

Userfeel

BestFor

Rapid user research, usability tesng on prototypes, delivering insights at the speed of product development through unmoderated tests.

Human Insight Plaorm, video-based qualitave feedback from real users, understanding the “why” behind user behavior with a large panel.

Specializaon in informaon architecture tesng (card sorng and tree tesng) to evaluate navigaon and content categorizaon.

Quick and easy usability tesng (five second, first click, preference, prototype tests) with an integrated parcipant panel.

Pay-as-you-go usability tesng model with video recordings, spoken feedback, and cost-effecve, flexible tesng opons.

1.Maze

Mazehelpsteamstestdesignsfast.Itvalidatesprototypes well.StartupslikeMazebest.Itspeedsupdevelopment insights.

WhatareMazehurdles?Linkingdesignsgiveserrorsoften. Testflowslimitcomplexpaths,also.Prototypesmaycrash, andlearningtakestime.HowtouseMazebest?Structure tasksclearly.Useblocksformissions.Alwaysrefresh prototypes.Sharereportsfast,andblenddatatypes.Maze supportsstrongusabilitytestingplatformswork.

DoesMazesolveissues?Yes,itoffershighspeed.Setupis rapidforunmoderatedtests.Furthermore,Mazegivescost value.Afreeplanexists.Paidstartsat$99monthly.Get over3milliontestersin130+countrieswith400+filters. Yet,nicherecruitingfaceslimits.Analysisfeelseasy; feedbackrateshighsatisfaction.usabilitytestingplatforms likeMazeboostvalidationspeedgreatly

Mazesuitsquickprototypechecks.Smallteamsbenefit. Useforearlyvalidationprimarily.Considerlimitsforlarge enterpriseusabilitytestingplatformsneeds.

2.UserTesting

UserTestinggivesvideofeedback.Usersarerealpeople. See,hear,understandusersdirectly.Itdeliversdeep insights.Thistrulyhelpsoptimizeexperiencesrapidly. UserTestingoftenbestfitsenterprises,andalsoproduct teams.Yougetdeepqualitativedataeasily Validatefeatures quickly,too.

WhatUserTestingchallengesexist?Recruitingnicheusers issometimeshard.Writinggoodscreenersistough. Decidingsamplesizeisahurdle,also.Technicalissues occuroften.Importantly,audioproblemscausenearly80% oftestfailures.Biasisarisk,pluslearningtakestime.

HowtosucceedwithUserTesting?Definegoalsclearly first.Designscreenerswellalways.Alwayspilottests. Maketaskssimple.Askuserstothinkaloud.Planiterations, anduseAIforanalysiseffectively.UserTestingsupports strongusabilitytestingplatformsworkwell.

DoesUserTestingsolveproblems?Yes,speedisfast. Feedbackcomesquickly.However,costcanbepricey.It hasalargeuserpool.Nicherecruitingimprovesnow Analysisneedstimestill.Itoffersflexibility.Usability testingplatformsaidoptimizationwidely

UserTestingfitsenterprisesneedingdeepfeedback.Useit forvalidatingcomplexproducts.Itworksforiterative testing.Itneedsflexibility.Consideritscostforvery smallbudgetsorpanelsneedingraresegmentseasily

3.OptimalWorkshop

OptimalWorkshophelpsmakewebsiteseasytouse.It checkshowpeoplefindthings.Thinkaboutsortingcards ortestingnavigationtrees.Ithelpsvalidatestructure.It workswellforfindingpathsonwebsites.Itsuitschecking complexmenus.

ButwhatishardwithOptimalWorkshop?Findingthe rightpeopleissometimestough.Somegivejunkanswers. Makingquestionscleariskeyalways.Learningallthe toolstakeseffort.Also,costforpeoplecanbehigh.

So,howtouseitwell?Havecleargoalsfirst.Usegood screenerquestions.Pilottestshelpcatchissues.Keep studiesshort.Getgoodpeoplethroughtheirservice,too. Usenewtesttypeslikeprototypetests.Optimal Workshopsupportsstrongusabilitytestingplatforms work.

Doesitsolveproblems?Yes,itrevealsnavigationissues well.Itstoolscoverdifferenttests.Gettingqualitypeople helpsalot.Newfeaturesaddinsightsalso.However,itis notforallbroadtests.Learningitstoolsishardforsome. Costisabarrierforsmallbudgets.Usabilitytesting platformsneedcarefulchoice.

OptimalWorkshopsuitscheckingwebsitestructure deeply.Useitfornavigationideas.Itworksforcomplex content.Getqualityresults.Avoidforbroaduser experienceauditsorquicksimpletests.

4.Lyssna(FormerlyUsabilityHub)

Lyssnaprovidesquickinsights.Itusesmanytesttypes effectively.Getfastvalidationeasilynow.Ithelpsteams workquickly.WhatLyssnahurdlesappear?Technical issueshappensometimes.Prototypesynccanfail,too. Participantqualityvaries.Customizationfeelslimitedfor complexneeds.Learningtakestimeinitially

HowtosucceedwithLyssna?Crafttasksclearlyalways. Usetargetedrecruitingwell.Pilottestshelp.Refresh prototypesproperly.Usetemplates.Iteraterapidlyalways. Panelsfulfillordersunder30minutesquickly.Lyssna supportsstrongusabilitytestingplatformswork.

DoesLyssnasolveproblems?Yes,speedishigh.Responses comeinminutes.Costvalueisgreat.Plansstartat$75 monthly.Payaround$1perminuteresponse.Getunlimited tests.Panelhasover690,000users.Theyoffer395+filters. Yet,nicherecruitingneedseffortstill.Analysislearning curveexists.Itoffersmanymethods,however.Usability testingplatformsaiddecisions.

Lyssnasuitsrapidtestingwell.Usefordesignvalidation. Smallteamsbenefitgreatly.Itworksforcostvalue.Usefor targetedrecruitment.Avoidforcomplexcustomizationor veryrarepanelseasily.

5.Userfeel

Userfeeloffersflexibletesting.Itusesapay-as-you-go model.Getrealuservideoseasilynow.Over1million testersexistglobally.Theyspeak40languages.Thishelps testworldwideapps.Nosubscriptioncontractisneeded.

WhatUserfeelhurdlesappear?Testerqualityvaries sometimes.Targetingprecisionislimited,too.Resultscan facedelays,especiallymobile.Sharingvideosistough; integrationsarelimited.Learningcreditstakestime initially

So,howtosucceedwithUserfeel?Useclearscreeners always.Maketasksfocused.Pilottestshelp.UseAI summarieswell.Buildtrustedtesterlists.Planfordevice diversity.Contactsupportifneeded.Userfeelsupports strongusabilitytestingplatformswork.

DoesUserfeelsolveproblems?Yes,costentryislow.Pay $30for60minutespertester.Nosubscriptionsgive flexibility.Paneldiversityisstrong.AnalysisgetsAIhelp. However,frequenttestingispricey.Targetinglacksdepth. Sharingvideosishard.Usabilitytestingplatformsneed carefulchoice.

Userfeelsuitsflexible,occasionaltestsbest.Useforglobal users.Itworksforsmallbudgetsneedingnocontracts. Avoidforhighvolume,complextargeting,orintegrated workflowsmostly.

ChoosingtheRightPlatformBasedonYourReality

Choosingthebestplatformfeelsdifferentforeveryone.No singleoneisperfect.Howdoyoupicktherightone? Alwayslookatwhatyoutrulyneed.Thinkaboutyourteam sizefirst.Also,consideryourbudgetcarefully.Whatkind ofproductdoyoutest?Howfastdoyouneedresults

always?Whatfeaturesaremostimportant,then?Usewhat youreadaboutchallengesandsolutions.Matchplatform experiencestoyourspecificneedsnow.Thismakesyour investmentsmart.Ithelpsyougetgoodvaluefromyour usabilitytestingplatforms.Choosingsuitableusability testingplatformssavesresources.Alwaystryplatforms yourselffirst.Getfreetrialsordemoseasily.Experiencethe setupfirsthandthen.

KeyTakeaways

Understandingtherealityofusingtheseplatformsguides yoursuccess.Makingtherightchoiceisonlythebeginning forimpactfultesting.

●Remembertheplatformhelps,butyourresearchskills andclearquestionsarevitalforsuccessinanytest.

●Thinkbeyondonetest.Useusabilitytestingplatformsfor ongoingfeedbackloops.Fixingissuesafterreleasecosts 100timesmore.Doingitduringdesignsavesbig expenses.Thisbuildsbetterproductsconsistentlyover timeandprovidescontinuousvalue.

●Sharingresultseffectivelytrulymatters.Makeinsights easyforyourwholeteamtousefordecisions.Thatdrives realvalueandastrongreturnoninvestment.

●Stayingupdatedonnewfeatureskeepsyoucompetitive. Usabilitytestingplatformsevolvefast.

Applyingthesepracticalpointsdrivesrealbusinessresults. Mastertheseinsightstotrulytransformhowyoubuild products.

DR.MICHAEL V. DRAKE

Building a Future of Inclusivity and Excellence at the University of California

Dr.MichaelV.Drake,M.D.,embodiesvisionary leadershipatthehelmoftheUniversityof California(UC)system.Appointedasthe21st PresidentinAugust2020,Dr.Draketookchargeofa sprawlinginstitutionthatincludes10campuses,six academichealthcenters,threeaffiliatednational laboratories,andanextensivecommunityofover290,000 studentsand230,000facultyandstaff.Hispresidency reflectsadeepcommitmenttofosteringaccessible,highqualityeducation,resilienthealthinitiatives,and progressivepoliciesthataddresstheneedsofdiverse communitiesacrossCalifornia.

Throughouthisleadershiptenure,Dr.Drakehasdisplayed anacutefocusonpublichealth,especiallyinresponseto theCOVID-19pandemic.Underhisdirection,theUC systemimplementedrigoroushealthandsafetyprotocols, includingacomprehensivevaccinemandate.Thisapproach ensuredthesafetyofstudents,faculty,andstaff, significantlyreducinginfectionratescomparedto surroundingareas.Dr.Drake’shealth-centeredpolicies safeguardedUC’smissionofeducation,eveninatimeof globalcrisis,andunderscoredhisemphasisonresponsible, proactiveleadership.

Dr.Drake’scareer,priortotheUCpresidency,established himasanadvocateforequitableandtransformative education.ServingaspresidentofOhioStateUniversity (OSU)from2014to2020,headvancedOSU’sreputation foracademicexcellenceandinstitutionalgrowth.His earlieryearsattheUniversityofCaliforniaincludednine yearsaschancellorofUCIrvineandfiveyearsas

systemwidevicepresidentforhealthaffairs.His commitmenttotheUCcommunityhasbeensteadfast, markedbyanunwaveringdedicationtohealth,academia, andaccessibilityineducation.

Asascholar,Dr.Drake’sexpertiseiswidelyrespected. HehasheldfacultyrolesinophthalmologyatUCSFand medicineatUCRiverside,fosteringablendofscientific rigorandleadership.Hisscholarlycontributionsextend tonumerouspublicationsandsixco-authoredbooks, providingvaluableinsightsintomedicineandhigher education.HiselectiontotheNationalAcademyof MedicineandtheAmericanAcademyofArtsand Sciencesfurtheratteststohisintellectualandprofessional contributions.

Financialsustainabilityandaccessibilityrankhighamong Dr.Drake’sprioritiesfortheUCsystem.Tomitigate tuitionincreases,heintroducedtheTuitionStabilityPlan, amultiyearinitiativeapprovedinJuly2021bytheUC BoardofRegents,whichoffersstudentspredictable tuitioncostsandexpandedfinancialaid.Additionally,he championedadebt-freepathwayforUCstudents, enhancingaffordabilityforthosefromunderrepresented backgrounds.TheNativeAmericanOpportunityPlan launchedinspring2022reflectsthisgoal,covering tuitionforCalifornia-basedNativeAmerican,American Indian,andAlaskaNativestudentsfromfederally recognizedtribes.Thiscommitmenthasdirectly supportedUC’srecord-breakingadmissionoffirst-year Californiastudents,creatingamoreinclusiveuniversity community.

21th President University of California.

Dr.Drakealsosecuredafive-yearfunding compactwithCaliforniaGovernorGavin Newsom,solidifyingUC’sfinancial foundation.Thisagreement,reflectedinthe 2022–23statebudget,provided$185million tosupportUC’songoingeffortstoaddress climatechange—acriticalpriorityforDr Drake.ThisfundingempowersUC’sresearch, infrastructure,andlong-terminvestment plans,allofwhichsupporttheuniversity’s missiontodriveinnovationandsustainability

Aspresident,Dr.Drakehaschampioned diversity,equity,andinclusionacrosstheUC system.Recognizingtheurgentneedtofoster asenseofbelongingoncampuses,heled effortstooverhaulcampussafetyand policing,promotingcommunity-drivensafety principlesandenhancedtransparency These reformsemphasizeaccountabilityandthe importanceofinclusiveresponsemodels. UnderDr.Drake’sguidance,UC’sapproach tosafetynowreflectsacommitmenttofair andresponsivecommunityengagement, underpinnedbyclearaccountability.

Dr.Drake’sleadershipextendsbeyond academiaandpublichealth.Heservesonthe boardsoftheBroadMuseumofArtinLos AngelesandtheRock&RollHallofFamein Cleveland,balancinghisresponsibilitiesin highereducationwithhispassionforartand music.LivingintheSanFranciscoBayArea withhiswife,Brenda,andenjoyingtimewith theirtwoadultsonsandfourgrandchildren, Dr.Drakeembodiesapersonalcommitment tocommunity,family,andcultural enrichment.

Dr.MichaelV.Drake’sleadershiprepresentsa unionofexcellence,resilience,and inclusivity.Hisworkstrengthensthe UniversityofCaliforniaasamodelofpublic education,transformingitintoamore accessible,diverse,andsustainableinstitution poisedtoleadintothefuture.Through strategicinitiatives,financialsustainability, andanunwaveringcommitmenttohealthand inclusivity,Dr.DrakedefinestheUniversity ofCalifornia’sroleasaleaderin21st-century education.

Evergetthatfeelingwhereyoulookaroundatyourtown,your neighborhood,andyoujustthink, “Hmm, I wonder if I could contribute somehow?” It’snotalwaysaboomingthought,more likeaquietlittlenudge,right?Andthat,inanutshell,isoftenthestarting pointforwhatwecallcommunityinvolvement.It’snotabouthavingtojoina millioncommitteesoranythinglikethat(unlessyouwantto!),butit’smore aboutthosemomentswhereyoudecidetoactivelyparticipateinmakingthe placeyoulivealittlebitbetter,alittlemoreconnected.

Thinkaboutit–maybeit’shelpingoutatalocalfoodbank,orjustofferinga handtoaneighborwho’sstrugglingwiththeirgroceries.Thosesmallthings? Theyreallyaddup.Andyouknow,inaworldwherewe’reoftengluedtoour screens,actuallyengagingwiththepeopleandplacesarounduscanbe surprisinglyfulfilling.

So,inthisblogpost,we’regoingtokindofwanderthroughthiswholeidea ofcommunityinvolvement.We’lllookatwhyit’sactuallyimportant(beyond justfeelinggood),exploreawholebunchofdifferentwaysyoucanget involved,nomatterhowmuchtimeyouhave,andyeah,we’lleventouchon someofthethingsthatmightmakeyougo, “Ugh, I don’t know about that.” Readytoexplorehowyoucanbeamoreactivepartofyourcommunity?

Solet’sunpackthepowerof communityinvolement.

The“Why”beyondthefeel-good: Benefitsofcommunityinvolvement

Youeverjustkindafeellikeconnecting withfolksaroundyou,right?It’snot alwaysgottabesomebigorganized thing,justalittlefeelingyouwannabe morepartofthings.That’softenwhere communityinvolvementsortofpops up,youknow?Itain’talwaysabout joiningtonsofcommittees(unless that'syourthing!),butmoreabout thoseeverydaymomentsyoudecideto bepartofwhat’shappeninginyour neckofthewoods.Thinkofit:your community?Likeabigoldpotluck, andcommunityinvolvementisyou bringingyourdish.

Whybother,though?Well,solidreasonsbeyondjust feelinggood.For you:

● YouGetGoodatStuff!

Seriously.Communityprojectsteachunexpectedskills–logistics,listening,teamwork.Andgetthis:a2013study actuallyfoundthatvolunteeringisassociatedwitha27% higheroddsofemployment.That’sprettysignificant,right? Thestudylookedatdatafrom2002-2012andfoundthis wasstatisticallysignificant.Interestingly,forfolkswithout ahighschooldiploma,thatincreasejumpedto51%,and forthoseinruralareas,itwasawhopping55%!So,yeah, it'snotjustabouthelpingout;itcanreallyhelpyourcareer too.

● ItLiftsYourSpirits,ForReal.

Feelingdown?Gettinginvolvedcanbeagreatpick-me-up. Researchindicatesthatsocialsupportcanbenefitsymptoms ofdepressionin83%ofstudiesinvolvingnon-pregnant women.Plus,studieshavefoundthatvolunteeringhas significantpositiveeffectsonmentalhealthoverall. Volunteersoftenreportbetterphysicalhealthandlower ratesofdepressioncomparedtothosewhodon’tvolunteer. Infact,onestudyshowedthatanadditionalparticipationin voluntaryservicesresultedinan8.54%increaseinmental healthanda4.30%decreaseindepression.Andgetthis: 93%ofvolunteersreportedanimprovedmood,and79% reportedlowerstress!

● YouJustGrow,YouKnow?

Steppingoutsideyourusualroutine,meetingdifferent people,seeingtheirviewpoints–itchangesyou,makesyou moreunderstanding.Kindaliketravel,nojetlag.

Andforthecommunity:It’stheglueholdingittogether:

● MakesThingsStronger,NoLie.

Whenpeoplegetinvolved,theyconnect.Themetricfor socialcapital,whichincludesparticipationincommunity organizations,showsthis.Across-sectionalstudyeven lookedathoweconomicconnectedness,socialcohesion, andcivicengagementrelatetohealthacrossallUSstates. Plus,the2024AmericanSocialCapitalSurveyhighlights theimportanceoftheseconnections,evennotingracialand classdivisionsinhowsocialcapitalisformed.Itreally underscoreshowcommunityinvolvementiskeytobuilding thosevitalcommunitybonds.

● HelpsFixRealProblems.

Gotanissueintown?Foodbanklow?Parkrough? Communityinvolvementiswherefolksbandtogetherto act.

● CanEvenHelpLocalBusinesses,BelieveItOr Not.

Communitywherefolkscareandareengaged?Tendsto beamoreattractiveplace,helpslocalshopsthrive, benefitseveryone.

So,yeah,thatwarmfuzzyfeeling?Definitelyaplus.But therealpowerofcommunityinvolvement?Stronger individuals,moreconnected,resilientcommunities.

Explorethedifferentlevelsandtypesofcommunity involvement

Youknow,it’sfunny,thewaypeoplegetinvolvedin theircommunities.It’sneverjustonething,isit?Like, youseesomefolkswhoarejustnaturallydrawntothe big,organizedstuff,thecommitteesandtheofficial meetings.Andthenyou’vegototherswho,youknow, theyjustquietlydotheirthing,helpingoutaneighboror pickinguplitterinthepark.Thatwholespectrum,that’s communityinvolvement,really.It’sthisbig,sprawling thingwithallsortsofwaystojumpin,dependingon whatclickswithyou.

1. FormalVolunteering

Thisiswhatmostpeopleprobablypicture,right? Signingupwithareal-dealorganization–thelocal animalshelter,thefoodbankthat’salwayshustling, thosefolkstryingtosavetheplanet.Yougive‘emyour time,maybeyourskills,whateveryou’vegot.It’sa solidwaytofeellikeyou’recontributingsomething tangible,youknow?

2. CivicEngagement

Everfeellikethingscouldbebetterinyourtown?Well, thisiswhereyoucanactuallytrytodosomethingabout it.Voting,obviously,that’skey.Butit’salsoabout reachingouttoyourrepresentatives,showingupat thosesometimes-kinda-boringlocalgovernment meetings,andjustgenerallybeingawareand participatinginhowyourcommunityisrun.It’syour place,afterall.

3. Philanthropy

Thisdoesn’tmeanyouhavetoberollingin dough,byanymeans.It’saboutgivingwhat youcan,whetherit’safewbuckstoacause youbelievein,donatingclothesyoudon’t wearanymore,orevenorganizingalittle bakesaletoraisemoney.Everylittlebit,as theysay.

4. InformalCommunityBuilding

Youknow,Isometimesthinkthisisthemost underratedpartofcommunityinvolvement. It’sthelittlethings–helpingyourelderly neighborwiththeirmail,startinga neighborhoodgarden,justbeingfriendly andsayinghitopeopleyouseearound.It’s thosesmallconnectionsthatreallymakea communityfeellike…well,acommunity

5. Skills-BasedVolunteering

Whatareyougoodat?Seriously,think aboutit.Gotaknackforfixingcomputers? Maybethelocallibrarycoulduseyourhelp. Goodatwriting?Non-profitsalwaysneed helpwiththatkindofthing.It’sacoolway touseyourspecifictalentstomakeareal difference.

6. DigitalInvolvement

Thesedays,youcanevengetinvolved withoutleavingyourcouch(thoughmaybe getupandstretchsometimes!).Online petitions,socialmediacampaignsforgood causes,evenvirtualvolunteeringgigs–therearetonsofwaystocontributeusingthe internet.It’sprettywild,actually.

Honestly,whenyoulookatallthese differentwaystogetinvolved,itkindofhits youthatthere’ssomethingouttherefor prettymucheveryone.It’sjustamatterof figuringoutwhatmakesyoutick,whatyou careabout,andhowyoucanbestuseyour timeandtalents.Andtrustmeonthisone, eventhesmallestbitofcommunity involvementcanhaveabiggerimpactthan youmightthink.

AddressingPotentialChallengesandDifficulties

Alright,sogettinginvolvedinyourcommunity?Soundsgreat,butreal lifehappens,right?Timecanfeelimpossibletofind.Thethingis,it doesn’thavetobehuge.Thinksmall–even15-30minutesaweek helps.Micro-volunteeringonlineorshortprojectscanwork.Find thoselittlepocketsoftime.

Thenthere’sthe“WheredoIevenstart?”feeling.Overwhelming, right?Thinkaboutwhatyoucareabout–animals,environment,kids? Googlelocalgroupsdoingthat.Theirwebsitesusuallylistneeds. Don’thesitatetoreachoutandaskwhathelptheyneed.

Workingwithdifferentpeople?Canbeinteresting.Differentviews, personalities.Sometimesyouclash.Rememberthesharedgoal. Patienceandgoodcommunicationarekey.

Feelinglikeatinycog?Especiallyinbigorganizations,impactcan feelsmall.Trysmaller,localgroupswhereyouseethedifferencemore directly.Orasktheorganizationhowyourhelpcontributes.

IswhatI’mdoingevenmattering?Youdon’twanttowastetime. Whenlookingatopportunities,understandtheirmissionandhow volunteershelp.Askaboutpastimpact.Thishelpsyoufeelyour involvementisvaluable.

Look,communityinvolvementisn’talwayseasy Therecanbe hiccups.Butbybeingsmartaboutitandtryingdifferentthings,you canfindwaystocontributethatworkforyouandmakeareal difference,evenifitfeelsalittleawkwardsometimes.

Makingcommunityinvolvementasustainablepartofyourlife

So,youwannamakethiscommunityinvolvementthingareal, lastingthing,right?Here’showitkindaworksforfolks,andyou know,formetoo,alittlebit:

Whatreallygetsyougoing?Like,whatdoyouactuallycareabout? Wheneveryoustepout,itshouldfeellikesomethingyou’redoing foryourownhappiness.Anyactivityyou’llbedoingshouldnotfeel likeaburdenorajobtoyou.Andthatcouldbeanythinglikefeeding strayanimals,birdsorevengoingtotheparkandmeetingpeople anddoingsomeactivitywiththemandbeingengagedwiththem. Totallyuptoyou.

Don’tthinkyougottabeasuperherorightoffthebat.Iremember whenIfirststarted,Ijustofferedtowalkthedogsonceaweek.Tiny thing,butitwasconsistent.That’sthesecretsauce,Ireckon–little bits,regularly

Thecoolsurprise?Thefolksyoubumpinto. Seriously,attheshelter,I’vemetsomeofthe mostawesomepeople,allintothesame kindastuff.Makesshowingupwayeasier whenyouknowyourbuddies’llbethere.

Anddon’tforgettopraiseyourself!Although itmayseemlikeasmallthing,astheysay, “Astitchintimesavesnine.”Realizethat, andmaybethenyoucangiveyourselfa breakorgetsomegoodnight’ssleep knowingwhatyoudeserved!

Makingcommunityinvolvementathingyou stickwithisreallyaboutfindingyourown rhythmand,yeah,enjoyingtheride.It'sthose small,regularactionsthatendupmeaning themost,yaknow?

KeyTakeaways

Inthewindingdownofourcommunity involvementseries,herearesomekey conceptstotakeawayandactuallymovethe dialwithhoweverthatlooksonthevolunteer end/rendezvous.Thesearethethreadsthat runthroughallthedifferentlivesof engagementyoucanparticipatein.

● Everytimeyoustepup,howeversmall, createachainofpositiveimpact.

● Identifyingyourareaofinterestisa mustifyouwantthatlevelof involvementinorderforittobe sustainableandenjoyableinyourlife.

● Therelationshipsyoubuildwhile workinginthecommunityarefrequently asimportanttoyou,ifnotmoreso,than thework.

Besuretocredittheworkyouputin,every littlebitcreatesabigimpacttowardsa strongercommunity

Intheend,communityinvolvementisabout seeingthatweallhaveadutytogetherand justhowamazingcollectiveactionis.A lifelongadventurethatenhancesnotonlythe personbutalsotheentirecommunity

Dr. Norman D. Hall

Leading Simpson University with Vision and Grit

Gritisaqualitythatcombines passionandperseverance forlong-termgoals.It meansbeingabletokeepgoingdespite challenges,setbacks,anddifficult times.Peoplewithgritseelifeasa marathon,usingstaminatoreachthe finishline.

Dr.NormanD.HallisthePresident ofSimpsonUniversitylocatedin Redding,CA,andexemplifiesthis qualityinhiseffortstoimprovethe universitywhilestayingtruetoits mission.Inhisseventhyearas president,Dr.Hallbringsyearsof experienceandastrongcommitmentto resilientleadership.Hebalancesvision withdisciplineandworkshardto overcomechallengesthatneedthe determinationthatgritprovides. SimpsonUniversity’sgrowthduring histenureisproofofDr.Hall’ssteel fabricandindomitablespirit.

AJourneyofServiceandLeadership

Dr.Hallhasbuiltastrongcareerin leadershipatvariousacademic institutions.Hestartedin1987,earning abachelor’sdegreeinBiologyand SociologyfromGreenvilleUniversity. In1989,hecompletedaMasterof ScienceinEducationatSouthern IllinoisUniversity,andin2003,he earnedaDoctorateofEducationin InstitutionalManagementfrom PepperdineUniversity

Hisfirstmajorstepoccurredat SouthernIllinoisUniversity Carbondale,whereheworkedasa graduatehalldirector,managing920 studentsina17-storyresidencehall. Thisexperiencetaughthimimportant skillsincrisismanagement,leadership, andstudentengagement.Akey momentinhiscareerhappenedwhen herespondedtoacrisisinvolvinga studentwhoattemptedsuicide. Holdingthatyoungwoman,hefelta

strongdesiretocreateabetterenvironmentforyoung peopletodevelop.

Next,Dr.HallmovedtotheUniversityofCalifornia, SantaBarbara,whereheworkedasafull-timehall directorandtrainedasarapepreventioneducator

HelaterbecametheDirectorofResidenceLifeat AshlandUniversityandAzusaPacificUniversitybefore returningtoGreenvilleUniversity.There,heservedas VicePresidentforStudentDevelopmentandthenVice PresidentforInternationalization,AlumniAffairs,and ChurchRelations.Duringthistime,Dr.Halldirected theWALKABOUT,a10-daywildernessprogram completewitha2-day“solo”thathelpedstudentsgrow intheirfaithandcharacterwhilebuildingleadership skillsthroughwildernessexplorationinsomeofour nation’smostpristineandremoteforests.

SimpsonUniversity’sLegacyandTransformation

SimpsonUniversitybeganin1921inSeattleasthe SimpsonBibleInstitute.Dr A.B.Simpsonfoundeditto helpstudentsgrowspirituallyandpreparemissionaries forservice,especiallyinthePacificRimregion.The schoolexpandedandmovedtoSanFranciscoin1955 andreceivedaccreditationfromtheWesternAssociation ofSchoolsandColleges(WASC)in1969.In2004,it changeditsnametoSimpsonUniversityandrelocated toRedding,California,aimingtodevelopstudentsin mind,faith,andcharacter.

Today,SimpsonUniversityoffersvariousprograms, including18undergraduatedegrees,4adultstudies degrees,6graduateprograms,and3graduate certificates.Theseprogramsfallunderfourschools:the CollegeofArts&Sciences,theBettyM.DeanSchool ofNursing,theSchoolofAdultandGraduate ProfessionalStudies,andtheA.W.TozerTheological Seminary.Dr.Hallleadstheuniversity,whichstays focusedonitsmissionwhileadaptingtotheneedsof the21stcentury.

Additionally,SimpsonUniversityhasexpandedits curriculumtoincludehigh-demandfieldssuchas DigitalMedia,Engineering,andKinesiology The universityalsohasastrongathleticsprogram, competingintheNationalAssociationofIntercollegiate Athletics(NAIA)andtheCaliforniaPacificConference. Itoffers20intercollegiatesportsandhasnearly405 student-athletes.

NumbersThatReflectVisionandDetermination

SimpsonUniversity’srecentgrowthreflectsDr.Hall’s effortsandstrategicplanning.Overthepastsixyears,the universityhasexperienceda25%increaseinboth traditionalandgraduate/professionalprograms.Notably, Simpson'snursingprogram,whichwasrecognizedasthe top-rankedprograminCaliforniathreeyearsago,boastsa 100%passrateontheNCLEXamongitslastthreecohorts. TheseachievementshaveearnedSimpsonaspotonthe U.S.NewsandWorldReport'sBestCollegeslist.

StrategicPlanningfortheFuture

AsPresident,Dr.Hallemploysastructuredapproachto strategicplanningcalledtheStrategicPlanAction Framework.Eachpillarofthisframework—Assessment, FaithFormation,InnovationandFiscalViability,and Fundraising—supportsSimpson’sgrowthwhileenhancing bothacademicandoperationalquality Toachievethese goals,Dr.Hall’steamutilizesdetailedrubricsthatlinkeach strategicactionsteptoanannualmodifiedzero-based budgetprocessandaretiedtospecificmeasurable outcomes.

AcomprehensivemarketstudyofSimpsonUniversity’s regioninShastaCountyandsurroundingcountieshasledto thelaunchofnewprogramsthataddressbothstudent interestsandindustrydemands.NewofferingsinDigital

Gritisapersonality traitthatinvolvesthe passionandperseverance toachievelong-term goals

Media,Engineering,Kinesiology,SportsManagement,and ComputerInformationSystemshavebeenaddedtothe curriculum.

Additionally,investinginco-curricularactivities,specifically inAthleticssuchaswomen’swrestling,men’svolleyball,and bassfishing,enrichescampuslife,providingstudentswith diverseopportunities.In2022,SimpsonUniversityannounced itwouldbelaunchingfootballasitsnewestsportandhasbeen receivedwithandistheonlyNAIAFootballprogramin California.Theuniversity’sBassFishingteamhasbeena leadingforceinthesport,ranking#1intheWestforfive consecutiveyears.SimpsonUniversityAthleticshasover22 highlycompetitiveprogramsthatcompeteinvarious conferencesandarecurrentlyinthemostsuccessful3-year stretchinSimpsonUniversityAthleticshistory.The university'sBassFishingteamhasbeenaleadingforceinthe sport,ranking#1intheWestforfiveconsecutiveyears.These achievementshighlighttheeffectivecombinationofacademic andco-curriculargrowthunderDr.Hall'sleadership.

FinancialStewardship:ABalancingAct

OneofDr.Hall’sprimaryresponsibilitiesistoensurethe financialsustainabilityofSimpsonUniversity.Astheleaderin strategicplanning,heoverseesstaffrecruitment,budgeting, andfundraisingefforts.Themodifiedzero-basedbudgeting modelusedatSimpsonensuresthateverydollarisaccounted forandlinkedtomeasurableoutcomes.Toachievefinancial sustainability,thepresidenthasprioritizedthedevelopmentof non-tuitionrevenuestreams,includingfundraisingandasset management.

Moreover,graduatesfromSimpsonUniversitycarryan averagestudentdebtof$18,000,whichissignificantlylower thanthenationalaverage.Dr.Halltakesprideinthe university’sfinancialturnaround,highlightedbysixofthebest fiscalyearsinSimpson’s104-yearhistory Thisachievement hasputSimpsononsecurefinancialfooting.

FacingChallengesHead-On

Throughouthiscareer,Dr.Hallhasfacedsignificantchallenges withresilience.Ineveryrole,hehasactivelysoughtmentors whocanofferwisdomandguidance,particularlyduringtough times.Asalifelonglearner,heisdedicatedtocontinuous growth,oftenspendingweekendsstudyingsubjectssuchas diversityeducation,budgetmanagement,andfundraising.For Dr.Hall, hisfaithaswellasongoingpersonaldevelopmentare bothvitaltoeffectiveleadership—aprincipleheshareswith histeamandstudentsalike.

AVisionforSimpson’sFuture

Dr.Hall’sambitionsforSimpsonUniversityextend beyondthecampus.Heenvisionsavibrantinstitution thatgraduates,competentandcourageousleaderswho embodytheuniversity’sChristianvalues.Current campusprojects,suchastheconstructionofaBusiness TechnologyandEngineeringBuildingandplansforan eventscenter,highlightSimpson’sgrowthtrajectory.

TheupcomingeventscenterwillbethelargestclimatecontrolledvenueintheNorthernState,providingspace forcommunityactivities,trackmeets,concerts,and more.ForDr.Hall,eachconstructionproject symbolizesasignificantmilestoneinSimpson’s journeyandastepclosertofulfillingitsmission.

BalancingLeadershipwithLifeBeyondtheOffice

Despitehisdemandingrole,Dr.Hallvalueswork-life balance.Aformerbackpackerandavidcyclist,henow enjoyswalkswithhiswifeanddogsandfindssolacein fly-fishing.Thesemomentsprovidetherestand reflectionheneedstoleadwithclarityandpurpose. Forhim,thesequietmomentshighlighttheimportance ofresilience—aqualityhehascultivatedthroughout hiscareerandoneheinstillsintheSimpson community

AMessageofResilienceandPurpose

Dr.Hall’sjourneyreflectsalifededicatedtoservice,a commitmenthediscoveredinhisyouth.Raisedinthe countryside,helearnedthevaluesofhardworkand faithfromhisparents.Hiscallingbecameclearer duringhistimeasagraduatehalldirector,an experiencethatreinforcedhisdedicationtohelping others.Oneparticularincident,wherehesatwitha distressedstudentuntilhelparrived,deepenedhis senseofpurposeandshapedhisapproachtoleadership andcompassion.

Today,Dr.Hallchannelsthiscommitmentintohis workatSimpsonUniversity,leadingwithavisionthat combinesfaith,determination,andanunwavering dedicationtohiscommunity.Underhisguidance, SimpsonUniversitycontinuestothrive,servingasa beaconoflearning,resilience,andservice.Throughhis leadership,Dr.NormanD.Hallremainsasteadfast advocateforSimpson’smissionandexemplifiesthe verydeterminationheinspiresinothers.