In the future, new jobs will emerge and changing – and in some cases – be eliminated due to new technologies. Grand Valley State University president, Dr. Philomena Mantella, explained how higher education must evolve and meet the demand during Thursday morning’s Peter Secchia Breakfast Lecture.
“We expect students to come in at 18-years old and at 22-years old they leave and they’re set for a lifetime of change. It’s not going to work in the future that we have ahead.”
Grand Valley State University president, Dr. Philomena Mantella, explains the higher education industry must stand by the learner for a lifetime; eighteen to 22-year olds are long on time and short on experience. Adults in the workforce experiencing technologies transforming their industries and in need of up-skills are long on experience and short on time.
“This fundamental change isn’t a change of choice, it’s needing to stand by our alums to offer elements of the learning that they’re going to need over the course they’re lifetime.”
Dr. Mantella also says universities are facing declining enrollments due to lower birthrates. The opportunity is serving a variety of populations and focusing on inclusivity making higher education more affordable.
Patrick Center, WGVU News.