As ACHE’s Operations Associate, I had been gearing up for the conference for about six months; the financial structures, attendee materials and technological specifications were ready to be deployed. The opening day dawned, large crowds formed and the accomplished lecturers took to their podiums. Something that struck me as I interacted with colleagues from across the industry gave me pause, however. I was the youngest person at the conference. At 25 years old and a graduate student, I felt my perspectives were unique.
I wanted to add valuable ideas to the intellectual symposium. During the conference, I spent time earnestly reflecting on the future of CE and the changing trends that would likely emerge for young professionals looking to enter this field.
Based on my reflections from the conference and many other experiences, I believe the following three projections are important for future continuing and higher education leaders to consider.
1. The Democratization of Higher Education
Young CE professionals can expect to encounter a dramatic shift in American collegiate affairs due to the democratization of higher learning. The digitization and liberation of information will provide countless job opportunities for CE specialists. Dedicated organizations currently aim to provide free and open texts and resources for students. This resourcefulness will surely expand and unrestricted digital learning initiatives will deliver accurate and peer-reviewed alternatives to the traditional industries that contemporary students are accustomed to.
The collection of big data will also become progressively more influential in the near future for educators and administrators, as it will help them better understand the academic and social needs of their constituents. Leaders of higher learning establishments will be able to apply ultramodern analytical data in order to make vital decisions on how to best assist non-traditional students in their efforts to reach academic or occupational excellence in their respective fields. The comprehension and utilization of this pioneering information will require responsible and driven leaders.
2. Community Outreach and Accountability
Emerging CE leaders should be prepared to be held accountable for forming bridges between higher learning institutions and community workforces. CE authorities will facilitate the systematic interlinking of industries, public affairs and higher education institutions. The imperative collaborative and progressive nature of CE specialists will ultimately contribute to the growing health of the national economy.
As organizers of cooperation, CE units will also share the overall national responsibility of allocating funds and efforts to ventures that promote sustainability, conservation and green energy. The future success of any college will depend on its measured relationship with the environment. CE professionals should consider turning their attention to an emerging practice of higher education sustainability.
3. Lifelong Learning and Civic Duty
CE needs leaders to serve the members of America’s armed forces. The endeavor to educate our service members should be a top priority. Future CE leaders should look to the collective needs of our enlisted women and men. Educational units that serve the military forces within the United States and abroad will expand and require trained experts to provide top-tier services.
It is well-recognized that higher learning institutions serve a wide spectrum of students. CE professionals will be charged with the duty to find the most marginalized non-traditional learners and provide them access to higher education. People with disabilities, first-generation students, those who are looking for a second chance; all of these people will look to CE for guidance. It is up to young professionals to encourage the innovation of programs that bring a democratized form of education to underprivileged and underserved populations.
There is much hope for the field of CE, its evolution and identity. I am excited to see what the next 75 years will bring.
You Might Also Like
