DECEMBER
Donna Price Henry
Creators of Extra OrdinaryVisionaries!
DearReaders,
Educationalleadersplayacrucialroleinfosteringinnovationwithinschoolsandsystems, whichisincreasinglyessentialintoday’srapidlyevolvingsocio-culturallandscape.The demandforinnovativeeducationalleadershiparisesfromtheneedtoenhancelearning experiencesandoutcomes,ensuringthateducationremainsrelevantandeffectivein meetingthediverseneedsofstudents.
Withtheworldchangingfasterthanever,theabilitytoadaptandinnovateismore importantthansimplymaintainingthestatusquo.Educationalleaderswhoembracethis responsibilityarenotonlyguidinginstitutionsthroughtransitionsbutalsoshapingthe futureoflearningitself.
Innovationineducationisnotmerelyaboutimplementingnewtechnologies;it encompassesabroadspectrumofchangesthatenhanceteachingandlearningprocesses. Effectiveeducationalleadersrecognizethattraditionalmethodsmaynotsufficetoengage 21st-centurylearners,promptingthemtoadoptnewpedagogicalapproachesand technologiesthatcanrevolutionizetheclassroomexperience.Byembracinginnovative strategies,educatorscanbetterpreparestudentsforthecomplexitiesofmodernlife, ensuringtheydevelopcriticalproblem-solvingskills,creativity,andresilience.Inthis context,theroleofleadershipbecomespivotalinsteeringeducationalinstitutionstoward abrighter,moreinclusivefuture.
Inthisedition“The10InspiringEducationLeaders,2024”ofTheEducationMagazine, weshineaspotlightonDonnaPriceHenry,ChancelloratTheUniversityofVirginia’s CollegeatWise(UVA–Wise),asourCoverStory.Witharichbackgroundineducational technologyandstudentdevelopment,Dr.Henryexemplifiesthequalitiesofaforwardthinkingleader.Herapproachblendsinnovativestrategieswithpracticalsolutions,which hasledtosignificantadvancementsatUVA–Wise.Heracademiccredentials,includinga Ph.D.inPhysiology,furtherstrengthenherleadershipinhighereducation,settinghigh standardsforbothacademicachievementandstudentsuccess.
AlsofeaturedinthiseditionareotheroutstandingleaderssuchasDr.NormanD.Hall,Dr. MautraStaleyJones,ArvindRaman,andDr.SandyKiddoo,eachofwhomhas demonstratedatransformativeimpactoneducationthroughtheirvisionaryleadershipand commitmenttoadvancinglearningexperiencesforallstudents.
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10 Donna Price Henry C O V E R S T O R Y
Donna Price Henry
Revolutionizing Higher Education with Unmatched Vision and Dynamic Balance
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IInhighereducation,leadersplay acrucialroleinstudent development,oftendefining institutionalsuccess.Effective leadershipinthisfieldrequires accountability,vision,and specializedskills.Leadersmust graspacademicand organizationaldynamicswhileremainingdedicated tostudentgrowthandinstitutionalprogress.
DonnaPriceHenry,ChancelloratTheUniversity ofVirginia’sCollegeatWise(UVA-Wise), exemplifiestheseattributes.Withabackgroundin educationaltechnologyandstudentdevelopment, Henrymergesinnovativestrategieswithpractical solutions.Herexpertiseintechnicalwriting, organizationaldevelopment,andtraininghasset highstandardsinhighereducation.
Dr.Henry’sacademiccredentialsfurtherstrengthen herleadership.SheearnedaPh.D.inPhysiology fromThomasJeffersonUniversity,reflectingher solidgroundinginscientificandeducational disciplines.Thisblendofskillsandexperienceshas shapedherleadershipapproach,leadingto significantadvancementsatUVA-Wise.
JourneyfromAcademiatoChancellorship
Dr.Henry’scareerjourneyreflectsherstrong commitmenttoacademiaandleadership, culminatinginhercurrentroleastheeighth ChancellorofTheUniversityofVirginia’sCollege atWise.ShebeganherpathwithaBachelorofArts inBiologicalBasisofBehaviorfromtheUniversity ofPennsylvania,whereshealsominoredinSpanish. Thisinterdisciplinaryfoundationinbiologyand behavior,combinedwithlanguagestudies,laidthe groundworkforhersubsequentacademicand leadershiproles.
Aftercompletingherundergraduatestudies,Henry earnedaDoctorateinPhysiologyfromThomas JeffersonUniversity.Thisadvancedtraining deepenedherexpertiseinthebiologicalsciencesand preparedherforthedemandsofhighereducation leadership.Equippedwithasolidacademic background,sheembarkedonacareerinhigher educationthatspannedseveraldecadesandincluded variousroles.
BeforebecomingChancelloratUVA-Wise,Dr.Henryspent 16yearsatFloridaGulfCoastUniversity(FGCU).There, shemadesignificantcontributionsasafoundingfaculty memberandservedindiverseroles,includingfaculty senatepresidentandamemberoftheUniversityBoardof Trustees.Theseroleshighlightedherleadershipskillsand commitmenttofacultygovernanceandinstitutional development.
HermostnotablepositionatFGCUwasasthedeanofthe CollegeofArtsandSciences.Thisrolerequiredstrategic planningandleadership,duringwhichshemanagedthe College’srapidgrowthwhilemaintaininghighacademic standards.Hersuccessinthisroleshowcasedherabilityto leadandmanageacomplexeducationalinstitution,paving thewayforherfutureasChancellorofUVA-Wise.
OnDecember7,2012,theUniversityofVirginiaBoardof VisitorselectedDr.HenryasChancellorofTheUniversity ofVirginia’sCollegeatWise.Sheofficiallytookofficeon January18,2013.AsChancellor,sheleadsUVA-Wiseinits missionofstudentsuccessandservicetoSouthwest VirginiaandtheCommonwealth.Herleadershiphasbeen crucialinadvancingtheCollege’svision,asdemonstrated byinitiativessuchastheHonortheFutureCampaignand The2030PlanforUVA-Wise.
CommitmenttoStudentSuccessandExpanding AcademicHorizons
TheUniversityofVirginia’sCollegeatWise,nestledinthe serenemountainsofSouthwestVirginia,isacenterfor academicexcellenceandcommunityservice.Thispublic, four-yearresidentialliberalartscollegecombinesrigorous educationwithpersonalizedattention,allwithinthe picturesqueAppalachianregion.ChancellorDonnaPrice Henrycapturestheinstitution’smission: “At UVA-Wise, our mission is simple: student success and service to the region.” ThismissionreflectstheCollege’sdedicationto fosteringanenvironmentwherestudentsthrive academicallyandpersonally,preparingthemtocontribute meaningfullytotheircommunitiesandbeyond.
TheCollege’scommitmenttostudentsuccessappearsinits diverseselectionofundergraduateprograms,designedto catertovariousinterestsandcareergoals.Forinstance, studentscanpursueaBachelorofScienceinBusiness AdministrationwithconcentrationsinAccounting,Finance, andManagement.OtheroptionsincludedegreesinEarly Childhood,Elementary,andSecondaryEducation, equippingstudentswithessentialskillsfortheirfuture
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careers.Additionally,thehealthsciencesarewellrepresentedwithprogramsinNursingandHealthand PhysicalEducation,preparinggraduatesforimpactfulroles inhealthcareandwellness.
Studentscanalsoexploremajorsinhumanities,social sciences,science,andtechnology,suchasEnglish,History, PoliticalScience,Sociology,Biology,Chemistry,and ComputerScience.Theseprogramsblendacademic learningwithhands-onexperience.Thoseseekingaflexible academicpathmightoptforInterdisciplinaryStudiesorthe BachelorofArtsinLiberalArts,whichallowsstudentsto tailortheireducationtotheirinterestsandcareer aspirations.Throughitsfocusonexcellenceinteaching, individualgrowth,andregionalservice,UVA-Wiseensures thatitsgraduatesareacademicallypreparedtoleadand servegloballywhileremainingdeeplyconnectedtotheir localcommunity
ChancellorDonnaPriceHenry’sLegacyatUVA-Wise
Overthepastdecade,Dr.Henryhassignificantlyinfluenced TheUniversityofVirginia'sCollegeatWisethroughher leadershipanddedicationtotheinstitutionandits community AsChancellor,shehasledaseriesof transformativeinitiativesthathavepositionedUVA-Wiseas ahubofopportunityandinnovationinSouthwestVirginia.
Oneofherkeyachievementsincludeslaunchingthe innovate2eleVAteinitiativein2019,whichprovidedevery student,staffmember,andfacultymemberwithaniPad, ApplePencil,andkeyboard.Thisinitiativeprovedessential duringtheCOVID-19pandemic,enablingtheCollegeto transitionsmoothlytovirtuallearning.Asaresult,UVAWisereceivedtheAppleDistinguishedSchooldesignation in2021,recognizingitsinnovativeuseoftechnologyin education.
ChancellorHenryalsoexpandededucationalopportunities bysecuringthelargestgiftintheCollege’shistory—$10 millionfromHunterJ.SmithandtheHunterSmithFamily Foundation,matchedbyUVA’sStrategicInvestmentFund. This$20milliongiftestablishedtheCarlW.Smith BicentennialScholarsFunds,whichhaveawarded scholarshipstoover100students,particularlysupporting first-generationandSTEMstudents.
UnderChancellorHenry’sleadership,UVA-Wisehasalso expandeditsacademicofferingsandresearchcapacity The Collegeisnowapprovedtooffergraduateprograms,with thefirstsettolaunchsoon.In2023,theLittleCavaliers
EarlyLearningCenterwillopen, providingessentialchildcareservices tothecommunity
HerleadershipduringtheCOVID-19 pandemicfurtherhighlightedher abilitytoguidetheCollegethrough challengingtimes.ChancellorHenry ensuredthesafetyandwell-beingof thecampuscommunitywhile maintainingtheCollege’seducational mission.Hersteadyleadershipduring thisperioddemonstratedhercapacity tonavigatecriseswithresolveand compassion.
Additionally,ChancellorHenryhas advanceddiversity,equity,and inclusionatUVA-Wise.Inthe2014-15 academicyear,shecollaboratedwith TabithaSmithtoestablishthe College’sfirstOfficeforDiversity, Equity,andInclusion.Thisofficehas beencrucialinfosteringamore inclusivecampusenvironmentwhere allmembersfeelvaluedandsupported.
EnhancingStudentLifeandWellBeing
ChancellorHenryiscommittedto fosteringavibrant,supportive,and inclusivestudentlifeat UVA-Wise.As Chancellor,shehasplayedakeyrole inshapingtheDivisionofStudent Affairs,whichintegratesintellectual andpersonalgrowthwithintheliberal artscommunity.
Underherguidance,theCollegeoffers avarietyofprogramsandservices designedtoenhancestudent engagement.Theseincludefirst-year initiatives,leadershipopportunities, andactivitiesthatpromoteactive involvement.Whetherstudentsare localorfromafar,theyfinda welcomingcommunityoncampus wheretheycanformlifelong friendships.
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When we invest in students, we invest in the future—one enriched by diversity, equity, and the power of education
Studentrecreationplaysacrucialroleincampuslife. TheCollegeprovidesnumerousactivities,sports,and wellnessprogramsthatcomplementacademiclearning. TheUVA-WiseWellnessprogram,oneofChancellor Henry'skeyinitiatives,supportsstudents’physicaland mentalhealthwithtailoredresourcesandclasses.
ChancellorHenryhasalsoestablishedclearCommunity StandardsandaStudentCodeofConduct,focusingon accountabilityandtheimportanceofunderstanding one’sactions.DetailedintheStudentHandbook,these standardsoutlinecampusresourcesandfostera respectfulandresponsiblecampusculture.
Tofurthersupportstudents,ChancellorHenry developedtheCARETeam,aninterdisciplinarygroup thataddressescrisesandsupportsstudentsfacing emotionaloracademicdistress.Thisteamensuresthat studentsreceivethehelptheyneedtonavigatetheir challenges.
TraditionsplayacrucialroleintheCollege’sculture, andChancellorHenryencouragesstudentstoengage withUVAWise’srichhistorythroughvariousannual events.Underherdirection,theStudentGovernment Associationrepresentsthestudentbody,overseeing organizations,activities,andcommunityimprovements.
ChancellorHenryalsoaddressesthepracticalneedsof students.TheCollegeoffersanonymousaccesstofood andhygieneproductsforstudentsfacingfood insecurityandprovidestransportationservices, includinglocaloptionsandairportshuttles.
VisionofExcellence:UVAWise’sCommitmentto StudentSuccess
ChancellorHenry’seffortstoreducestudentdebtare evidentintheCollege'sfinancialaidofferings.Eighty percentofstudentsreceivefinancialsupport,which helpsalleviatetheburdenoftuition.Thisfocuson affordabilitycontributestotheimpressivestatisticthat 97percentofgraduatesareeitheremployedor continuingtheireducation.
HervisionforUVA-Wiseunderscoresitsroleasa leadingpublicliberalartsinstitutiondedicatedto studentsuccessandcommunityservice.Herleadership ensuresthattheCollegeremainsadistinguishedchoice forstudentsseekingawell-roundedandenriching educationalexperience.
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.
10 AI Marketing Tools to Boost ROI in 2025
Student Edition
“AI will not replace you, a person who’s using AI will replace you!”
Indeed,AIMarketingtoolsaretransforminghow businessesconnectwithcustomers,increase efficiency,andmaximizeROI.By2025,AIis expectedtoboostglobalbusinessrevenuebyover $15.7trillion.So,areyoureadytotakeyour marketinggametothenextlevelin2025?
Fromautomatingadcampaignstocraftingengaging content,thesetoolsarenotjustfor businesses—they’reagoldenopportunityforstudents too!Masteringthesetechnologiescansupercharge yourcareer,makingyouatopcandidateinAI-driven industries.Inthisblog,youwillexplorethetop10AI marketingtoolsthatcanredefineyourfutureandhelp businessesgrowfasterthaneverbefore.
Hereare10AIMarketingToolstoBoostROIin 2025
1.HubSpotMarketingHub
●CoreFeatures:
HubSpotMarketingHubisanall-in-one platformofferingemailmarketing,CRM integration,personalizedcustomer journeys,andanalyticsdashboards poweredbyAI.ItsAIenginepredicts customerbehaviorandrecommends marketingactions,makingcampaigns moreeffective.
●MarketingEfficiency&ROIImpact:
Automationreducesmanualtasksby30%, improvingproductivity.Businessescan achievea50%increaseinleadconversion ratesthroughpersonalizedmarketing.This translatesintohigherROIbyminimizing timespentonrepetitivetasksandfocusing onstrategicgrowth.
●StudentBenefits:
LearningHubSpotprovidesstudentswith CRMandmarketingautomationskills, highlyvaluedbyemployers.Accordingto LinkedIn’s2023jobreport,CRMand marketingautomationexpertisewere amongthetopskillsaspiredafterin marketingroles.
2.JasperAI
●CoreFeatures:
JasperAIisapowerfulcontentgeneration toolcapableofcreatingblogs,ads,emails, andsocialmediaposts.ItsAIalgorithms understandbrandtone,generatinghighquality,engagingcontentinminutes.
●MarketingEfficiency&ROIImpact:
Businessescansaveupto70%oftime spentoncontentcreation,leadingtofaster campaignrolloutsandhigherengagement. CompaniesusingAI-generatedcontent reporta30%boostinaudienceinteraction, drivingincreasedrevenue.
S.No.
●StudentBenefits:
MasteringJasperAIenhancescreativewriting anddigitalcontentskills,essentialforrolesin contentmarketing,copywriting,andsocialmedia management.Studentsgainacompetitiveedgein content-drivenindustries.
3.SurferSEO
●CoreFeatures:
SurferSEOisacloud-basedtoolthatleverages AIforon-pageSEOoptimization,contentaudits, andkeywordresearch.Itanalyzestop-ranking pagesandsuggestsactionableimprovementsto enhancesearchvisibility.
●MarketingEfficiency&ROIImpact:
Byautomatingkeywordresearchandproviding real-timeoptimizationsuggestions,SurferSEO increasesorganictrafficbyupto40%.Businesses canexpecthighersearchenginerankings, translatingtoincreasedleadsandrevenue.
●StudentBenefits:
SEOexpertiseisacriticalskillfordigital marketers.LearningSurferSEOpreparesstudents forrolesinsearchenginemarketing,improving theiremployabilityinacompetitivedigital landscape.
4.AdextAI
●CoreFeatures:
AdextAIautomatesdigitaladcampaignson platformslikeGoogleandFacebook.Ituses machinelearningtoadjusttargetingandbidding strategiesinrealtime,optimizingad performance.
●MarketingEfficiency&ROIImpact:
AdextAIincreasesROIby20-30%byreducing adspendwastageandimprovingconversionrates. ItsAI-drivenoptimizationensuresbusinesses reachtherightaudiencewithminimaleffort.
●StudentBenefits:
FamiliaritywithAdextAIequipsstudentswithknowledgeof performancemarketingandprogrammaticadvertising,essential forcareersinmediaplanninganddigitalmarketing.
5.ManyChat
●CoreFeatures:
ManyChatisavisualchatbotbuilderdesignedforplatformslike FacebookMessengerandInstagram.Itoffersdrag-and-drop functionality,AI-poweredresponses,andintegrationswithecommercesystems.
●MarketingEfficiency&ROIImpact:
ManyChatautomatescustomerinteractions,increasing engagementratesbyupto50%andreducingresponsetimeby 80%.Thisenhancescustomersatisfaction,leadingtohighersales andrepeatbusiness.
●StudentBenefits:
Aschatbottechnologybecomesmainstream,mastering ManyChatcansetstudentsapartincustomerservice,ecommerce,andconversationalmarketingroles,expandingtheir digitalskillset.
6.ElevenLabs
●CoreFeatures:
ElevenLabsspecializesinAI-generatedvoiceovers,creating lifelikeaudiocontentforads,podcasts,andvideos.Itoffers voicecloningandtonaladjustmentsforpersonalizedaudio experiences.
●MarketingEfficiency&ROIImpact:
WithElevenLabs,businessescanreduceaudioproductioncosts by40%whileenhancingengagementthroughtailored voiceovers.Thisleadstomorecompellingmarketingcampaigns andhigherROI.
●StudentBenefits:
Audiomarketingisgrowingrapidly.MasteringElevenLabs preparesstudentsforrolesinmultimediaproduction,podcasting, andvideomarketing,whereaudiocontentisacriticalelement.
7.MarketMuse
●CoreFeatures:
MarketMuseusesAItoanalyzecontentgaps,recommend keywords,andgeneratecomprehensivecontentbriefs.It’s idealforimprovingcontentrelevanceandauthorityin searchrankings.
●MarketingEfficiency&ROIImpact:
BusinessesusingMarketMusereporta35%increasein organictrafficanda25%boostincontentproduction efficiency ThisresultsinbettervisibilityandhigherROI.
●StudentBenefits:
MasteringMarketMusestrengthensanalyticalandcontent strategyskills,valuableforrolesinSEO,content marketing,anddigitalstrategydevelopment.
8.Drift
●CoreFeatures:
DriftfocusesonconversationalmarketingthroughAIpoweredchatbotsandreal-timemessaging.Itintegrates withCRMsystemstoprovidepersonalizedcustomer experiences.
●MarketingEfficiency&ROIImpact:
Drift'sAIchatbotscanhandleupto60%ofcustomer queriesautonomously,improvingleadqualificationand boostingsalesconversionsby25%.Businessesbenefitfrom reducedcustomerservicecostsandincreasedrevenue.
●StudentBenefits:
LearningDriftequipsstudentswithcustomerinteraction managementskills,crucialforcareersincustomersuccess, salesenablement,andbusinessdevelopment.
9.LatelyAI
●CoreFeatures:
Lately,AIhasautomatedsocialmediacontentcreationby repurposinglong-formcontentintobite-sizedposts.Ituses AItopredictwhattypeofcontentwillperformbest.
●MarketingEfficiency&ROIImpact:
BusinessesusingLatelyAIcanreducesocialmedia managementtimeby50%whileincreasing engagementby30%.Thisboostsbrandvisibilityand marketingROI.
●StudentBenefits:
MasteringLatelyAIpreparesstudentsforsocial mediamarketingroles,enhancingtheirabilityto manageandoptimizesocialmediacampaigns efficiently
10.Campaigner
●CoreFeatures:
CampaigneroffersAI-drivenemailmarketing automationwithpersonalizedworkflowsand predictiveanalyticstoenhancecustomerengagement.
●MarketingEfficiency&ROIImpact:
Businessesseea40%increaseinemailopenrates anda20%boostinconversionrates,drivinghigher revenuefromemailcampaigns.
●StudentBenefits:
Emailmarketingremainsakeydigitalmarketing strategy.LearningCampaignerpositionsstudentsfor rolesinCRM,marketingautomation,andcustomer engagementstrategies.
EndNote
Intheever-evolvingdigitalworld,AIMarketingtools arethekeytostayingahead.Forstudents,thesetools offerachancetolearnin-demandskills,improve employability,andstepintoAI-drivenindustries confidently.AsbusinessesincreasinglyrelyonAIfor marketingsuccess,masteringthesetechnologies todaycouldbeyourtickettoathrivingcareer tomorrow
Ifyoufoundthisbloghelpful,shareitwithyour friends,family,andfellowstudents.Let’sspreadthe wordaboutthepowerofAImarketingtoolsandhow theycanshapeabrighterfutureforeveryone!
Arvind R aman
Empowering Future Engineers for a Better Tomorrow
Thefieldofeducationiswherethe
journeybeginstodevelopoutstanding individualswhocanshapeabetter future.Andtonurturesuchindividuals, weneedgreatteachers.Werecentlyhad thechancetointerviewonesuchteacher,Arvind Raman,theDeanofPurdueUniversity’sCollegeof Engineering.Heisaremarkableeducatorwitha visionforabrighterfuture.Moreover,heisskilledat bringingpeopletogetherandguidingthemtodotheir best.Whatmotivateshimthemostisthepositive impactleaderscanmake,andheisdedicatedto makingthatimpactathisownalmamatertohelp improvesociety.
Arvind’sCareerTrajectoryfromIndiatotheUSA
Arvind’sjourneyimpresses.HestartedwithaBS degreefromtheIndianInstituteofTechnology (IIT) DelhiandthenpursuedanMSinmechanical engineeringatPurdue.Thisjourneybeganalmost threedecadesago.Furtheringhiseducation,heearned aPh.D.fromtheUniversityofCalifornia.Between 2000and2014,heactivelytaught,conductedresearch, andengagedwithstudentsatPurdue’sCollegeof Engineering.Unexpectedly,Arvind’scareershiftedto leadership.Hetookonrolesinglobalengineering, academicaffairs,andbothundergraduateandgraduate education.Ultimately,onApril1,2023,hebecame dean,arolethatallowedhimtosignificantlybroaden thecollege’simpact.Additionally,Arvindnotes, “I remain the Robert V Adams Professor in Mechanical Engineering and, by courtesy, Professor of Materials Engineering.”
Whenaskedabouthisinspirationandrolemodel, Arvindunquestionablycitesittohismother.Hesays, “My mother has been my greatest and earliest role model. As a chemistry teacher, she sparked my childhood interest in STEM. Her intelligence, confidence, and curiosity remain major influences.”
FoundationofPurdueUniversity:An
Instituteof ExcellenceandInnovation
JohnPurdueestablishedPurdueUniversityin1869in WestLafayette,Indiana,asarenownedpublicresearch institution.Initiallyfoundedasapubliccollegefocusedon science,technology,andagriculture,theuniversityachieved significantexcellence.
TheCollegeofEngineering,datingbackto1874,standsas Purdue’slargestacademicunit.In1874,theuniversity presidentintroducedfour-yearcoursesinciviland mechanicalengineering,startinginthespringof1875. Currently,thecollegeoffersacomprehensiverangeof academicprograms,includingBS,MS,andPh.D.degrees across14disciplines.Thesedisciplinesincludeaeronautics andastronautics,agriculturalandbiologicalengineering, biomedicalengineering,chemicalengineering,civil engineering,constructionengineeringandmanagement, electricalandcomputerengineering,engineeringeducation, environmentalandecologicalengineering,industrial engineering,materialsengineering,mechanical engineering,andnuclearengineering.
Thecollegehostspioneeringprogramssuchas Semiconductors@Purdue,EngineeringHonorsProgram, VerticallyIntegratedProjects(VIP),First-YearEngineering (FYE),EngineeringProjectsinCommunityService (EPICS),SummerUndergraduateResearchFellowship Program(SURF),GlobalEngineeringProgramsand Partnerships(GEPP),MinorityEngineeringProgram (MEP),ProfessionalPractice(co-op)Program,andWomen inEngineering(WiE)Program.
PromotingaFlexibleandInclusiveEducationSystem
WhencomparingPurdueUniversity’sengineeringcollege withothers,itdistinguishesitselfinseveralways.Itholds thedistinctionofbeingthelargestengineeringcollegeever rankedinthetop4ofU.S.News&WorldReport, benefitingfromitssubstantialscale.Withundergraduate
enrollmentexceedingthecombined figuresofthethreetopengineering colleges,itpresentsarespected, affordable,andhighlyrankedoption. Notably,flexibilityisadefining feature.Theconceptof“yearto choose”enablesundergraduatesto exploredifferentpathwaysduring theirfirstyear,preventingthemfrom feelinglockedintoanunsuitable major.Purdue’sengineeringcollegeis nationallyrankedat#7forco-opsand internships,underscoringitsemphasis onpracticalreadiness.
Theinstitution’sapproachto experientiallearningsetsitapart.
Embracingthephilosophyof“Learn byDoing,”Purdueintegrates undergraduateresearch,global experiences,EPICS(aservicelearningdesignprogram),VIP (VerticallyIntegratedProjects),and studentorganizationstofoster practicallearning.Speakingaboutthe institution’sinclusivity,Arvind highlights, “We offer a safe, welcoming, diverse community Regarding research, what’s special about our college is our highly collaborative environment, with great facilities and top-notch faculty, including 37 past and present NAE members and 14 National Academy of Inventors fellows; a dozen $10 million+ research centers; and worldclass alumni.”
LeadershipAnchoredinSupport forExcellinginPracticalSkill Development
Whenaskedabouthiscore responsibilitiesasaDean,Arvind clarified, “The dean of Purdue’s College of Engineering is responsible for envisioning, motivating, removing roadblocks, and enabling the success of others. He focuses on assisting faculty with significant funding opportunities, facilitating experiential
learning for students, promoting student health and well-being, and developing cutting-edge concentrations and minors.”
Furthermore,headdressedthe changingeducationlandscapeand evolvingstudentneeds.Heremarked, “To address the needs of a diverse range of learners, including working professionals, we have established a variety of highly ranked online opportunities that are both affordable and convenient. Our offerings range from degree programs to professional courses and certificates.”
Theinstitutionplacessignificant
“
Anidealeducational leaderbringspeople togetherundera commontentwitha
commonvision.
importanceonexperientiallearningto meetthedemandforpracticalskills.
Theinstitutiontooktheleadin introducingthefirstcomprehensive semiconductordegreeprograminthe UnitedStates.Additionally,it spearheadstheScalableAsymmetric LifecycleEngagement(SCALE) workforcedevelopmentprogram, fundedbytheDOD,whichsupports thegrowthofthenation’s microelectronicsindustrytoaddress thecreationof50,000newjobs.
Thecollegeprovidesrobustsupportto students,aligningwiththeirgrowing interestinentrepreneurship.TheJohn MartinsonEntrepreneurialCenterand
theSiliconValleyBusinessInnovation Group(SVBIG)standastwovaluable resources.Arvindhighlighted pioneeringprograms,stating, “Our college is committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. We initiated the Women in Engineering (WiE) Program and the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), and we continuously forge new pathways for all to excel.”
Additionally,collaborationssuchas thepartnershipwiththehistorically BlackuniversityMorganState underscoreadedicationtobroader inclusivity.
AddressingIssuesintheEducation System
Arvindpossessesasignificantvision andforecastschallengesthehigher educationsystemwillconfrontinthe nearfuture.Heasserts, “Academia is having to deal with the demographic phenomenon called the ‘enrollment cliff,’meaning the college-age population will shrink beginning in 2025. This is a time when we as a nation need many more engineers, not fewer.”
LivingLifebeyondWork
Maintainingabalancedlifecanbe challenging,especiallywhenholding aprominentcareerrole.Nonetheless, itremainsessentialtonurturespecific hobbiesandtakeregularbreaksto adapttotheevolvingenvironment. Arvindholdsapositionthatinvolves monitoringmultipledemanding factorsthatcanleadtoexhaustion. Yet,heconsistentlydiscovers strategiestoalleviatethisand dedicatestimetorelishingmoments. Whenheseekssolaceawayfromthe bustlingsurroundings,heoptsfor hiking.Additionally,heintegrates jogging,cooking,andgardeninginto hisroutinetoinvigoratehismind.
Ecommercetrendscomeandgo.Somedon’t justtransferfromoneseasontoanotherbut seemtohaveapermanentvaluein rewritinghowpeopleusethem.Withglobalecommercesalesprojectedtogrow39percentby 2027,it’snosurprisethatmostretailerswanttheir sliceofthepie.Onlinebusinessesneedtoevaluate thecurrentecommercetrendstoadopttostay competitivewithnextyear’swave.
Firstly,weknowthat,asfarasthee-commerce marketisconcerned,italwayskeepsaneyeonfuture ecommercetrends.Fromaugmentedrealityand artificialintelligencedevelopmenttomobile shopping,chatbotsinshort,thisindustrywillalways liveonthecuttingedgeoftechnologyandinnovation.
Sohereistoday’srundown:6ecommercetrendsto watchthecomingyear.
1.Thein-storeexperienceisbroughtonlineviaAR
Theonlineshoppingexperienceisgettingaugmented realityaddedtoit,andthiscanbeconsideredoneof thewell-knownecommercetrendsof2025.
Puttingaproductinthecustomer'shandsand allowinghimtotouchandfeelitbeforebreaking openhiscreditcardsisperhapsthemostdifficult hurdleinonlineshopping.
EnterAR,oraugmentedreality.Accordingto eMarketer,thefigurewillclimbtoover100million ARusersintheUSbytheendof2025,accounting for32%ofthepopulation.Certainly,ARandVR consistofendlesspossibilitiesforcreatingtheonline shoppingexperiencearoundrealandvirtualworlds.
Augmentedrealityiscompletelychangingconsumer interactionwithproductsthroughtheInternet.In 2025,ARtechnologywill:
●Makepossiblethevirtualtryingonofclothing itemsandaccessoriesaswellasmakeup.
●Showvisualizefurnitureandaccessoriesfromhis orherhouse.
●Beenhancedtoincludesuchsensoryexperienceas immersionin3Dfordescriptionofgoods.
So-calledARtoolsareexpectedtobringreducedreturns andincreasedcustomerconfidence,thusbecominga necessityforeverye-commerceplatform.
MergingARwithretailtodayprovidesvirtualtry-onsand 3Dvisualizationofproductsforthecustomerstovisualize thatproductintheirreal-worldenvironments,increasing confidenceinpurchaseanddecreasingreturns.
Forexample,61%ofconsumerssaytheywouldbemore likelytobuyfromaretailerthatoffersARexperiences, demonstratingitsimpactonsales.
2.Shoppinghasgonesocial
Overthelasttwoyears,Instagram,Facebook,andTikTok havetakenthatonestepfurtherincreatingsocial commercewithdirectlinkstotheuserexperience. AccordingtoInsiderIntelligence,about110.4millionUS residentswillshopthroughsocialchannelsby2025.
Socialcommerceallowsconsumerstofindproductsby seeingtheminsocialmedia-generatedposts,liveshopping events,oreventhroughasingleclick.
Socialmediawebsitesaretransformingintofull-fledgedecommercesites.Intheyear2025:
●Shoppablepostsandlive-streamshoppingeventswill becomecommonplace.
●Agreatnumberofinfluencerswillbeessentialto purchasedirectlythroughapps.
●AI-poweredsystemswillgreatlyenhanceproduct discoverythroughpersonalizedfeeds.
Brandsmustthereforebenativelyincorporatedwithsocial platformsinabidtoconnectyoungaudiencesandlift sales.
Thisismakingshoppingincreasinglyaccessiblebecauseit allowseventhesmallestbusinessestobroadentheirreach andengagepotentialcustomersinamuchmoreinteractive andpersonalizedway
Furthermore,72%ofInstagrammershaveboughta productafterseeingitonthesite,whichhighlightsthereal successofsocialcommerce.Suchecommercetrendsare abouttochangethewayweshoponline.
3.Subscriptionsmaintainaconstantrevolvingdoorfor customers
AccordingtoTheWashingtonPost,the“subscription economy”willattainabout$1.5trillionin2025,provingthat subscriptionmodelsareontheriseinthelatestecommerce trends.
Suchacontinuousrevenuestreamandcustomerloyaltyare greatbenefitsforcompaniesdoingbusinessthisway.Tothe customers,themodelgivesthemspecialdiscounts,early accesstonewproducts,andpersonalizedsupport.
Subscriptionsystemshavecomeverymuchintothelight.In thiscase,cometheyear2025,ecommercebusiness companieswillsignificantlyinclude:
●Curatedsubscriptionboxestosuitanindividual’spalate.
●Accesstosubscriptionsforsomeproductsorservices,say, forexample,consumablesordigitalcontent.
●Fosteringbrandloyaltythroughadd-onsubscription benefitslikediscountedprices.
Thismodelensuresrecurringrevenueandstrengthensbrandcustomerrelationships.
Studiesshowthat75percentofcustomersareupto subscribingtoaservicethatofferspersonalizedcontent.
Subscription-basedbusinessesarelikeliertoretaincustomers because,oncetheybecomemembers,theyusuallyspend moreastimepassesthantheydowithone-timebuyers.
4.
Raisingthepowerofvoicesearch
Smartspeakershaveturnedintohouseholdphenomena,with 75%oftheUSpopulationexpectedtohavethemathomeby 2025;thiscontinuestodrivevoicesearchtowardsapopular andbecoming-every-whiterphenomenon.
Indeed,applyinghands-freeandeaseofusetoshopping, AmazonAlexaandGoogleAssistantvoiceassistantshave revolutionizedthenatureofconsumerinteractionwith commercesites.Withjustavoice,customerscansearchfor products,transactthem,andtracktheirorderswithmaximum ease.
Thetremendouspossibleadvancementthatvoicecommerce, activatedbysmartspeakersandvirtualassistants,promisesis appealing.By2025,wecanexpectthat:
●Voice-activatedshoppingwillnaturallyfitwithinthe contextofthesmarthome.
●Retailerswillbemakingproductsandlisting optimizationsforvoicecommands.
●Theconsumerwouldusevoicetoreorderessentials anddiscovernewproducts.
Somanye-commercebusinessesarerespondingtovoice searchesbyoptimizingtheirwebsitesforit.Inthisway, theygettounderstandquickandpreciseresponsesto mostvoicequeriesontheinternet.
However,evennowtheadvancedinnovationsinvoice technologyenteringtestsintherealworldwillstitchit tightlyintotheshoppingexperience,offeringunmatched conveniencetocustomersandopeninggatesto incredibleonlinesalesimprovements.Intermsofthe ecommercetrends,thevoicesearchconceptisaboutto boom.
5.Flexiblepaymentmodeshelpclosethesale
Theonlineuserexperienceisoneofthemostimportant stepsinthecustomerjourney.Somethingsominorasa smallinterruptionduringthecheck-outmayresultina lostsale,perhapsevenforlife.Manypeoplethinkofa smoothandflexiblecheckoutasthefinalstepthat includeshavingdifferenttypesofpaymentoptions.
Researchshowsthat13%ofcustomersabandontheir cartsduetoalackofsufficientpaymentoptions.To preventthis,organizationsmustdevelopvariouspayment gateways,suchascreditcards,digitalwalletslikePaypal orAppleWallet,orone-clickcheckoutslikeBolt.
Consumerswillbelookingforalternativesinpayments thatareflexibleandmorediverseintheyear2025.Here aresomeofthealternatives:
●BuyNow,PayLater(BNPL)servicesthatwillenable installmentswithoutinterest.
●Digitalwalletswouldbepartofthepaymentmethods, whichincludeApplePay,GooglePay,andsomany others.
●Recurringpurchasetransactionswillalsohavethe subscriptionpaymodel.
Havingdifferentpaymentoptionswill enhancecustomerconvenienceand remarkablylowertheratesofcart abandonment.
Inaddition,youmayprovidefinancing optionslikebuynowandpaylater,wherein youcanjoinyourphysicalstorestothe onlineones.
WhencombinedwithproviderslikeKlarna, Sezzle,andAffirm,itmakestheonline shopper'sexperienceeasysincetheypayin installmentswithoutaccruing interest—consequentlyincreasingthe conversionrates,averageordervalues,and amounts.
6.Makingpersonalizedshopping experiencespossiblethroughthe utilizationofcustomerdata
Usingdatafromconsumersforpersonalized shoppingexperiencesisachallengingtrend ine-commercewherebrandscan individualizewhattheyaresellingbasedon thetastesanddispositionsoftheir customers.
Retailerscanusetheinformationgathered fromauser’sbrowsingandpurchasehistory
inconjunctionwithdemographicdatato developindividualizedrecommendationsand motivatedsalescampaigns.
Artificialintelligence(AI)isgoingtochangeecommercebycreatinghyper-personalised shoppingexperiences.AIanalysesdatarelated tocustomersso:
●Tailorproductrecommendations,
●Predicttheshoppinghabits,and
●Providereal-timesupportthroughAI chatbotstothecustomers.
Suchactionsaddconsumervalueintermsof increasedoptionsandcontributetoconversion bybringingconsumerstobrandsthat understandtheirneedsmoreclosely
Inanincreasinglycompetitivemarketplace, data-richpersonalizedexperiencesareessential tobrandloyaltyandsalesincrease.Thiscanbe consideredthegamechangerofallthe ecommercetrends.
Conclusion
So,thosearetheecommercetrendsthatwill continueshapingthelandscapein2025:everchangingtechnologyandawholenew shopping
experience—personalized,efficient,and immersive.Theseflippedonarevolutionized paradigmofshoppingexperiencesthatmay includeAI,mobileoptimizations,social commerce,andaugmentedreality,eventually leadingtogreatpotentialgrowthforbusinesses inenteringacreativespaceinacustomer’s world.
Alongwiththechangeinconsumerbehavior,it isexpectedthatretailerswillremainagileto thesechangesfortheircompetitiveexistence.
Consequently,embracingthesechangeswill offeranadvancedcustomerjourneyandvaried growthandopportunityavenuesintheentire ecommercetrendsenvironment.
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.
GREEN JOBS 2025
Definition, History, & Objectives Explained
The future of work is green! Astheworldshifts towardssustainablepractices,greenjobsare takingcenterstage,offeringexcitingopportunities forprofessionalswhocareabouttheenvironment.
Fromtacklingclimatechangetorevolutionizingindustries, thesecareersletyoumakeadifferencewhilesucceeding financially.Butwhatexactlyaregreenjobs,whatareits objectives,andhowdiditallstart?Thisblogwillletyou knowallaboutit!Excited?Let'sbuildagreenerworld together.
1.WhatAreGreenJobs?
GreenJobsarerolesthatcontributedirectlytopreservingor restoringtheenvironment.Thesejobsfocusonreducing energyconsumption,minimizingwaste,promoting renewableresources,andpromotingsustainablepractices acrossvariousindustries.Simplyput,GreenJobsareabout makingtheworldabetterplacewhileearningaliving.
Forexample,asolarpaneltechnicianhelpsinstalland maintainsolarenergysystems,reducingrelianceonfossil fuels.Similarly,anenvironmentalconsultantadvises companiesonhowtolowertheircarbonfootprint.Green Jobsspanawiderangeoffields,includingrenewable energy,watermanagement,sustainableconstruction,and more.
TheInternationalLabourOrganization(ILO)definesGreen Jobsasthosethat“reducetheenvironmentalimpactof enterprisesandeconomicsectors,ultimatelytolevelsthat aresustainable.”Fromsmallstartupstoglobalcorporations, organizationsacrosstheboardarecreatingGreenJobsto meetenvironmentalandsustainabilitygoals.
Whetheryou'reanengineerdesigningenergy-efficient buildingsorafarmerpracticingorganicagriculture,Green Jobsprovidemeaningfulworkthatalignswithasustainable future.Bychoosingthiscareerpath,you'renotjustearning apaycheck—you'remakingapositiveimpactontheplanet.
2.TheHistoryofGreenJobs
TheconceptofGreenJobsisnotnew―ithasevolved significantlyoverthepastfewdecades.TherootsofGreen Jobscanbetracedbacktotheenvironmentalmovementsof the1960sand1970s,whichraisedawarenessabout pollution,deforestation,andotherecologicalissues.During thisperiod,thefirstframeworksforenvironmentalpolicies andregulationswereestablished,layingthegroundworkfor whatwenowcallGreenJobs.
The1992EarthSummitinRiodeJaneiromarkeda significantmilestoneinthehistoryofGreenJobs.This globaleventhighlightedtheneedforsustainable development,promptingnationstointegrateenvironmental considerationsintotheireconomicpolicies.Asrenewable energytechnologieslikewindandsolargainedgripinthe early2000s,thedemandforskilledworkersinthesefields skyrocketed,givingrisetoanewwaveofGreenJobs.
Morerecently,theParisAgreementof2015further acceleratedthegrowthofGreenJobs.Countriesaroundthe worldarecommittedtoreducinggreenhousegasemissions, promptinginvestmentsincleanenergyandsustainable practices.InitiativesliketheEuropeanGreenDealandthe InflationReductionActintheUnitedStateshaveprovided fundingandincentivesforbusinessestocreateevenmore GreenJobs.
Today,GreenJobsrepresentsacriticalpillaroftheglobal economy.Fromurbanplannersdesigningeco-friendlycities toscientistsresearchingclimate-strongcrops,GreenJobs areattheforefrontofthechangetoasustainablefuture. Thisevolutionhighlightstheimportanceofaligning economicgrowthwithenvironmentalprotection.
3.TheNeedforGreenJobs
WhyareGreenJobssoessential?Theanswerliesinthe urgentneedtoaddresssomeofthemostcriticalchallenges ofourtime—climatechange,resourcedepletion,and environmentaldegradation.GreenJobsplayakeyrolein
transitioningtoalow-carboneconomy,ensuringthat economicprogressdoesn'tcomeattheexpenseofthe planet.
Forinstance,theglobalshifttorenewableenergyis creatingawaveindemandforGreenJobsinsectors likesolarandwindpower.Similarly,industriesare increasinglyadoptingsustainablepractices,from wastereductiontoenergyefficiency,drivingtheneed forskilledprofessionalswhocanleadtheseefforts.
Beyondenvironmentalbenefits,GreenJobsalso contributetosocialandeconomicgoals.Theycreate employmentopportunities,improvepublichealthby reducingpollution,andhelpbuildstrong communities.ByinvestinginGreenJobs,wecan makethewayforamoresustainable,fair,and prosperousfuture.
4.ObjectivesofGreenJobs
GreenJobsaimstoachieveavarietyofobjectives,all ofwhichalignwiththebroadergoalsofsustainability, economicgrowth,andenvironmentalprotection.Here arethekeyobjectives:
1.EnvironmentalSustainability
TheprimarygoalofGreenJobsistoprotectand preservetheenvironment.Thisinvolvesreducing greenhousegasemissions,conservingnatural resources,andpromotingbiodiversity.Forexample, jobsinrenewableenergysectorslikewindandsolar helpdecreaserelianceonfossilfuels,thereby loweringcarbonemissions.
Anotheraspectofsustainabilityiswastemanagement. GreenJobsinthisareafocusonrecycling, composting,andreducinglandfillwaste.Byadopting circulareconomyprinciples,industriescanminimize wasteandmaximizeresourceefficiency
2.EconomicGrowth
GreenJobscontributetoeconomicdevelopmentby encouraginginnovationandcreatingnewmarkets. Therenewableenergysectoralonehasgenerated millionsofjobsworldwide,frommanufacturingsolar panelstooperatingwindfarms.Additionally, sustainableindustrieslikeorganicfarmingandecotourismofferopportunitiesforlocaleconomicgrowth.
Governmentsandorganizationsareinvestingheavilyin greentechnologiesandinfrastructure,furtherpushingjob creation.Forinstance,refittingoldbuildingstomakethem energy-efficientnotonlyreducesenergyconsumptionbut alsocreatesjobsforarchitects,engineers,andconstruction workers.
3.SocialEquity
Alesser-knownobjectiveofGreenJobsispromotingsocial equity Thesejobsaimtoprovidefairwages,safeworking conditions,andopportunitiesformarginalizedcommunities. Byfocusingoninclusivity,GreenJobshelpsbridgesocial andeconomicgaps.
Programslikegreenapprenticeshipsandtraininginitiatives areempoweringindividualstoacquiretheskillsneededfor sustainablecareers.Thisensuresthatthetransitiontoa greeneconomybenefitseveryone,notjustaselectfew
4.ResiliencetoClimateChange
GreenJobsalsoplayanimportantroleinenhancingstability toclimatechange.Rolesinclimateadaptation,suchas designingflood-resistantinfrastructureordeveloping drought-resistantcrops,areessentialforpreparing communitiestofaceenvironmentalchallenges.
Furthermore,GreenJobsindisastermanagementand emergencyplanninghelpreducetheimpactofclimaterelatedevents.Byfocusingonpreparednessandstrength, thesejobscontributetolong-termsustainability
EndNote
Green jobs are more than just careers—they're a commitment to a sustainable and succeeding future. By choosingapathinrenewableenergy,conservation,orecoinnovation,you'recontributingtotheplanet'swell-being whilesecuringaprosperouscareerforyourself.Whether you'rejuststartingorshiftingtoagreenerpath,the opportunitiesareendless.
So,whywait?Ifyoufoundthisbloghelpfulin understandingtheconceptofgreenjobs,shareitwithall yourfriends,beginyourjourneytoday,andturnyour passionforsustainabilityintoapurposefulprofession. Together, let's make the world a greener place to live.
Remember, every effort counts toward building a sustainable future.
Dr. Sandy Kiddoo
Dr.SandyKiddooisanaccomplished educationalleaderandthePresidentof NorthlandCommunity&TechnicalCollege. Shehasawealthofexperience,havingservedasChief AcademicOfficeratHazardCommunityandTechnical College,wheresheshowedhercommitmenttostrategic planning,facilitydevelopment,andgrantfunding.She comesfromcentralWisconsinandholdsdegreesfromthe UniversityofWisconsin-GreenBay,CapellaUniversity, andtheUniversityofWisconsin-Madison.
Dr.Kiddoo’sjourneyincludesrolessuchasVicePresident ofAcademicsatMid-StateTechnicalCollegeandleaderin theWisconsinTechnicalCollegeSystem.Shereturnedto herhomeregionasthefourthPresidentofNorthland, wheresheleadsover4,000studentsacross80programson twocampusesandanaerospacesite.Shecontinuesher dedicationtothetransformativepowerofeducation.
LeadershipandImpactatNorthland
AsthePresidentofNorthland,Dr.SandyKiddoo shouldersmanyresponsibilitiestoensuretheinstitution’s success.Shesetsstrategicvisionsanddirections, emphasizesstudentsuccess,andengageswithregional employersandstakeholderstoincludetheirinputin Northland’sinitiatives.
Dr.Kiddooalsoadvocatesatlocal,state,andnational levels,seekingresourcestosustainhigh-qualityservices andprogramsforNorthland’sstudents.Sheisdeeply involvedinthebroadereducationallandscape,whereshe championstheinstitution'sneedsandobjectives.
Dr.Kiddoo’sproudestmomentsaretiedtotheimpactshe makesonindividuallives.Shewitnessesstudentsshe supportedwalkingacrossthegraduationstageandenjoys whenindividualsproudlytellhertheyarealumni.These momentsshowherdedicationandthetransformative powerofeducationunderherleadershipatNorthland.
EvolutionthroughMerger:Northland’sFoundation andGrowth
NorthlandCommunity&TechnicalCollegeisadynamic educationalinstitutionthatresultedfromthe2003merger ofthreecolleges:theThiefRiverFallsAreaVocational Institution,theThiefRiverFallsStateJuniorCollege,and theEastGrandForksTechnicalInstitute.Thismerger establishedthecomprehensiveofferingsthatdefine Northlandtoday.
Northlandoffersadiverseeducation,withprogramsin LiberalArtsTransfer,HealthServices(includingNursing), ConstructionTrades,Manufacturing,Business,IT, Transportation,Aviation,Agriculture,andProtective Services.ThiscurriculumreflectsNorthland’scommitment tomeetingthevariedneedsofitsstudents.
NorthlandhascampusesinThiefRiverFallsandEast GrandForksandservesasahubforacademicexcellence.It fostersalearningenvironmentthatpreparesstudentsfor successinvariousfields.Northland’srichhistoryand dedicationtoabroadspectrumofdisciplinesmakeitavital institutioninnorthwestMinnesota,cateringtothe educationalandprofessionalgrowthofitscommunity
AccessibleAdmissionandHolisticSupport
Northlandhasanethosofaccessibility,shownbyitsopenaccesspolicythatdoesnotrequireaspecificGPAfor admission.Northlandunderstandsthediversechallenges studentsface,suchasworkingandmanagingbusylives, withthemainobstaclebeingthebalancebetweenwork, academics,andfamily
Northlandhasaddressedtheevolvingneedsofitsstudents, whostrugglewithbasicneeds.Northlandhasestablished foodpantriesonbothcampuses,showingitscommitmentto supportingstudentsinmeetingessentialrequirementsfor academicsuccess.Northlandhasalsostrengthenedits communityconnections,creatinganetworktoensure studentsreceivetheresourcesandassistancetheyneedto overcomeobstaclesandthriveintheiracademics.By addressingthesechallenges,Northlandisacompassionate andinclusiveinstitution,dedicatedtofosteringan environmentwhereallstudentscansucceeddespitetheir complexlives.
AHolisticApproachtoAccess,Affordability,and Support
Dr.Kiddoopromotesaccessibilityandinclusivitythrougha multifacetedapproach.Shecreatesawelcoming atmosphere,fosteringasenseofbelongingforevery student.Shemeetslearnerswheretheyareandensuresa tailorededucationalexperiencethataccommodatesdiverse backgroundsandcircumstances.
Affordabilityisakeyfocus,withsupportfromthe foundationandvariousprograms,alongwithlowtuition fees.Dr.Kiddoorecognizesthechallengesofstudentparents,acauseclosetoherheart,andspearheads
initiativeslikeparentstudyrooms.Shedraws fromherownexperienceasasingleparent balancingeducation,work,andparenting,and ensuresthatNorthlandmeetstheneedsofdiverse learners.Shefostersanenvironmentwhere everyone,regardlessofbackgroundor socioeconomicstatus,canthriveintheirpursuit ofeducation.
SymphonyofLeadership,Gardening,and Grandmotherhood
Dr.Kiddoobalancesherdemandingroleasthe PresidentofNorthlandCommunity&Technical Collegewithawell-roundedpersonallife.Asan emptynester,shehasmoretimeforher professionalresponsibilities.Outsideofwork,Dr. Kiddooenjoysgardeningandbeekeeping.She relaxesbyreadingandsolvingpuzzlesinthe wintermonths.
Dr.Kiddoocherishesherroleasagrandmother andspendsqualitytimewithhergrandson whenevershecan.Thisblendofprofessionaland personalinterestsshowsherabilitytoachievea fulfillingwork-lifebalance.Shedemonstratesthe importanceofpersonalpursuitsalongsideher dedicatedleadershipatNorthland.
NurturingIndependence:Empowering ChildrenwithEssentialLifeSkills
Dr.Kiddooadvocatesteachingchildrenessential lifeskillsearly,fosteringindependenceandselfadvocacy.Sheadvisesparentstoempowertheir childrenwithpracticalabilitiesastheysupport theireducationaljourney.Sheencourages childrentoaskforhelpandteachesthem effectivecommunicationskillstonavigate challengesconfidently
Moreover,Dr.Kiddoostressestheimportanceof impartingindependentskillsearly,emphasizing budgetingandpracticaltaskslikecookingona budget.Sheinstillsthesecapabilitiesinchildren, contributingtotheirlong-termsuccess,both academicallyandinlife.Throughthisholistic approach,Dr.Kiddooencouragesparentsto nurturewell-roundedindividualswhocanthrive intheireducationalpursuitsandadult responsibilities.
I advocate locally, at a state and national level, for resources to ensure we can continue to offer high-quality services and programming for our students “
