Successful education leaders understand the importance of building community, empower teachers to cultivate leadership skills, and create collaborative, inclusive learning environments. Dr. Andrew Hugine, Jr. (President of Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University) is a dynamic leader who is at the forefront of modern leadership trends. Leveraging his vast experience in higher education, Dr. Hugine is contributing immensely towards the growth of the university.

Long Affiliation with Higher Education

Dr. Hugine graduated from South Carolina State University (SCSU), where he pursued a B.S. degree in mathematics, followed by a M.Ed. in mathematics education. He completed his doctorate in higher education/institutional research from the Michigan State University.

A feature of Dr. Hugine’s long affiliation with higher education was his tenure as president of his alma mater, South Carolina State University—where he attracted the first debate of the 2008 Democratic Party Presidential Candidate Debate Series, the first such event on a black college campus. Besides higher education, Dr. Hugine is also affiliated with numerous religious, civic, and professional organizations.

Dr. Hugine was appointed as the president of the historic 145-year-old Alabama A &M University on July 16, 2009. He secured a $96 million funding package at AAMU, a portion of which funded a 580-bed residence facility that opened in 2018. The last funding from HBCU Capital Access entailed $70 million to construct the University Event Center and to continue upgrades. As the president, he is at the forefront of the university’s operations.

Expanding the Educational Influence

Alabama A&M University is a historic, student-friendly, and community-focused institution of higher learning. It was founded by a former slave, Dr. William Hooper Councill, in 1875 to provide education to Americans who were allowed to be enslaved by the government and other institutions through the close of the Civil War. Reflecting on its heritage as a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) and as a traditional 1890 land-grant institution, AAMU functions as a teaching, research, and public service institution.

As an HBCU, AAMU has expanded its educational influence as the nation has slowly opened up to a more inclusive society overall. During the long decades of racial segregation, the professions in which African Americans could join and sustain themselves were limited, and school curricula at all levels reflected this in various degrees. Reflecting on his first 100 days as AAMU president, Dr. Hugine noted that it is precisely because of their effectiveness in educating African American men and women in particular that Hugine believes HBCUs are here to stay.  “There is a tremendous job for higher education institutions in this nation that is only achieved when individuals have options,” he explained.  “All institutions will have to provide for greater access.  HBCUs have to make sure that they have good programs and that all individuals have the ability to strive for success.  We are not here just to serve African Americans, but we exist for any person wanting to achieve and meet his or her goals.”

Strong Academic Curriculum

AAMU is committed to serving a diverse, 6,000-student population of students from around the world. As a collegiate university, it balances the personal attention of a small, traditional land-grant college with the academic vitalities and broad opportunities of a research university. The university provides scores of undergraduate, graduate, certificate programs, and concentrations through four colleges including,

1. College of Agricultural, Life, and Natural Sciences (CALNS)
2. College of Engineering, technology, and Physical Sciences (CETPS)
3. College of Education, Humanities, and Behavioral Sciences (CEHBS)
4. College of Business and Public Affairs (CBPA)

The most successful graduates at AAMU are proud to cite the university as a major factor in preparing them for their achievements in life and in the workplace. Alongside academic programs, the university also remains the site of a Confucius Institute, which provides resources for students with an interest in the Chinese language and culture.

Additional Resources and Activities

Dr. Hugine states that at AAMU, students are provided additional resources through the Tutorial Assistance Network (TAN)—which coordinates and maintains free campus-wide tutorials, supplemental instruction, and structured learning assistance for undergraduates. The university also provides Career Development Services that offer a wide range of virtual programs including placement services, interviewing techniques, virtual career fairs, and numerous other activities.

Additionally, the university also embodies a Student Activities Office—through which students are exposed to a range of events and guest speakers for intellectual and cultural enrichment. Some of the renowned guest speakers invited by AAMU include Bakari Sellers, the daughters of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X, David Banner, writer Terry McMillan, Roland Martin, Michael Vick, and several other personalities. “The university also arranges several traditional activities such as coronations, Homecoming activities, student-sponsored religious events, talent shows, fashion shows, etc.,” adds Dr. Hugine.

Developing High-demand Skills

Dr. Hugine further mentions that AAMU has significantly invested in developing its online presence and instructional modalities, aggressively providing training to faculty and staff so that education can continue in various forms. Moreover, the university has engaged in partnerships aimed at providing faculty and students with exposure to cutting-edge technology.

For instance, through AAMU’s collaboration with IBM, its faculty and students now have opportunities to earn badge certificates in key areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cybersecurity, Internet of Things, Quantum Computing, Data Science, Cloud Computing, Design Thinking, and Blockchain. Dr. Hugine believes that the program delivers diverse and high-demand skillsets that align with industry needs and trends, so both students and faculty can develop the skills they need today for the jobs of tomorrow.

A Diverse Learning Experience Having successfully led AAMU for almost a decade, Dr. Hugine believes that students should seek a school that will encourage and support them academically, socially, and via a commitment to civic engagement. Talking about AAMU’s future plans, he adds that the university will approach 2021 and beyond even more prepared for the unknown than ever before. According toHugine, the plunge into online learning has made way for an institution that can offer educational attainment within a plethora of instructional modalities. “While these technological innovations will undoubtedly remain in place and become entrenched, a desire on part of students and perhaps some faculty to return to a traditional approach also will give rise to a diverse learning experience,” concludes Dr. Hugine.

Also Read: The 10 Inspiring Education Leaders, 2024” (August issue)

The post Dr. Andrew Hugine, Jr.: Developing the 21’st Century Global Leaders appeared first on The Education Magazine.

The entire education system has undergone numerous transformations over the years. In recent years, we have come to learn that teaching and learning are distinct but inseparable components of education. The modern educator must use inquiry, experiential learning, and technology to create an environment that engages students in a learning process. We have also gained a better understanding of individualized learning and flexibility in teaching methods according to the students’ backgrounds and learning styles.

Talking about the changing education landscape around the world, James Gaudino (President of Central Washington University) states, “We are rediscovering old lessons while also adapting them to an environment of ubiquitous connectivity, smartphones, and social media. The pandemic has further accelerated our adaption to and adoption of these technologies.” Gaudino is a seasoned educator with extensive experience. He has been an integral part of CWU’s success as one of the preeminent universities in the region.

An Illustrious Career

Gaudino is a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy and served in the U.S. Air Force in California, Turkey, and Germany. He pursued a Ph.D. in Communication from Michigan State University and a Master of Science in Management from Troy State University. His prominent interests include public relations and public opinion formation.

In his eminent career, Gaudino has worked with several renowned educational institutions. He was the Executive Director of the National Communication Association. He also served on the faculty of Michigan State University’s Department of Advertising before joining Kent State University. At Kent State University, he founded the College of Communication and Information and guided its development into a center of innovation in the study of the new information age. Gaudino was appointed the President of CWU in 2009 and has taken the university to new heights during his tenure.

A Leader in Teacher Education

Central Washington University (CWU) was founded in 1891 as the Washington State Normal School. It was known as the Central Washington College of Education from 1937-1961, then Central Washington State College from 1961-1977. It has been CWU since 1977. Initially established as a teachers’ training institution, CWU’s mission has expanded over the years as it has transformed into a comprehensive four-year public university. Central’s role as a leader in teacher education has remained consistent as the university is now recognized for providing one of the largest and most prestigious teacher education programs in the west.

The Facilities Plan

When Gaudino first arrived at CWU 12 years ago, he committed to a facilities plan that would give students the best learning environment. “We ensured that by building new instructional facilities and renovating existing ones. Our students now have the opportunities to discover new stars in a research quality planetarium and study sound in an anechoic chamber,” adds Gaudino.

The students can conduct study security structures in a cyber warfare lab and investigate 3D systems in virtual reality labs. A new health sciences building—which opens in January 2022—will boast state-of-the-art 3D anatomy tables and virtual reality tools.

Competitive Environment

“I believe that competition is more than a desire to win. It is a drive to improve, and the act of competing is simply a measure of that effort,” asserts Gaudino. According to him, education is all about seeking improvement. Offering students an opportunity to compete motivates them to improve and allows them to evaluate their progress.

CWU encourages students to test themselves by entering regional, national, and international competitions in diverse fields such as music performance, math modeling, construction management, and business planning. During his 12 years as President, Gaudino has seen many teams return with honors, only to ask for an opportunity to improve their performance in the coming competition year. “That spirit of continuous improvement is why our recent re-accreditation report described CWU as an excellent university that is on the cusp of greatness. We now strive for that goal,” Gaudino continues.

Promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity

CWU takes pride in providing opportunities to talented students from a variety of backgrounds and abilities to pay. Diversity, equity, and inclusivity have been the top priorities during Gaudino’s tenure. About 40 percent of CWU’s students are traditionally underserved students or students of color, thus the university ensures to provide them a welcoming and accepting environment.

As majority of its students are first-generation college students, CWU has programs that provide ongoing assistance to them, such as its First-Year Experience, Sophomore Year Experience, and other enrichment initiatives. The Office of International Studies and Programs (OISP) also offers a wide variety of programs and support services for international students, education abroad participants, exchange scholars, and academic departments.

Career and Academic Services

The university is committed to providing its students with the career and academic services including peer tutoring, career counseling, and study skill workshops, that they need to succeed. “Our academic majors help students with educational policies, transfer credits, apply to a major, and other essential information about degree programs,” adds Gaudino. The career services assist students with exploring options for internships, job searches, career choices, and networking opportunities.

CWU’s Department of Career Services offers career counseling and professional development opportunities to all current and transfer students, alumni, faculty, and staff. The career services sponsor career, internship, and graduate school fairs throughout the year and career counselors, workshops, and a professional clothing closet—offering free interview-appropriate clothing to students in need of professional attire. The Career Services staff at CWU also assists students in job searching techniques, resume and cover letter writing, and interviewing.

Why CWU?

The number of educational institutions emerging has been increasing in recent years. Students today have numerous options while choosing the educational institute. Thus, choosing a college/university is vital for students. According to Gaudino, there are several prominent reasons a student should choose CWU. The university has a welcoming environment for the students, faculty, and staff. “We have a saying at Central—you belong—and it is how we want our student, faculty, staff, and parents to feel about the university,” says Gaudino.

Furthermore, CWU is known for embracing diversity. As one of the most diverse and inclusive universities in the state, it has been awarded the prestigious Higher Education Excellence in Diversity award in six of the past seven years. Alongside diversity, affordability is one of the most important factors students consider before choosing a university. CWU has been consistently ranked as one of the most affordable public universities in Washington State.

The year 2020 brought numerous changes to the ways CWU operated. Its expectations from 2021 and beyond include returning to in-person instruction and in-person university operations in the fall. “Of course, being able to do that will depend on the recommendations of our local and state health professionals,” concludes Gaudino.

ALSO READ: The 10 Remarkable Education Leaders of December 2023

The post James Gaudino: A Seasoned Educator Preparing Students for Enlightened, Responsible, and Productive Lives appeared first on The Education Magazine.

From award-winning academic opportunities to exciting Division I Athletics, Troy University provides students around the globe with top-notch learning opportunities both in-person and online. “As we look into the future, Troy University will continue to prepare globally aware and globally competitive students. We will also grow our role as a center for research,” says Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor at Troy University. Dr. Hawkins, who came to Troy University in 1989, is the longest-serving CEO of a public university in the United States.

Dr. Hawkins said his work at TROY has been supported and enhanced by the contributions of his wife and TROY First Lady Janice Hawkins. She has served as a strong advocate of the fine arts and campus physical improvements to include an arts center and cultural arts park, which bears her name. Mrs. Hawkins has also supported the internationalization of the University and has been an advocate for military veterans through the “TROY for Troops” centers on campuses in Troy, Montgomery, Dothan and Phenix City.

Watch Here:- Conference Dr Jack Hawkins, Jr.

WIDESPREAD ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

Troy University offers more than 170 undergraduate majors and minors, as well as a variety of graduate degree programs. The University offers three doctoral programs including its newest—the Ph.D. in Global Leadership—which launched in 2020. The Ph.D. program, taught online, focuses on leadership theory, its practical applications and the nature of today’s workforce.

In 2019, the University’s Sorrell College of Business became one of 189 business colleges worldwide to hold dual accreditation in business and accounting from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)—the largest business education network connecting students, educators and businesses worldwide.

EMPOWERING STUDENTS WITH PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE

Troy University is committed to preparing students for the job market. Dr. Hawkins adds that TROY’s new programs in 3D printing and Materials and Manufacturing Sciences are embracing the latest advances in technology and research. Moreover, its Department of Geospatial Informatics’ Unmanned Aerial Systems minor provides students with practical experience in drone operations—a technology that is growing in use throughout a variety of career fields.

“While we are embracing the latest technologies in these areas, we are committed to empowering the next generation of global leaders as well,” says Dr. Hawkins, whose service as a platoon leader in the United States Marine Corps formed his leadership style. TROY’s record of service to the men and women of the United States Military dates back 60 years, and TROY has been cited as one of the most military-friendly institutions in the United States. To educate leaders, Troy University combines classroom instruction and practical experience through Troy University’s thriving internship programs and cooperative partnerships. The University seeks to add value to the TROY degree every day. This commitment, along with the dedication to serving students, sets Troy University apart from other colleges and universities.

A PLACE OF VALUE AND VALUES

“The most important thing we do at TROY is to serve our students. Our faculty and staff are dedicated to a student-first philosophy that has enabled us to create a culture of caring where we know our students by their name and not just by a number,” says Dr. Hawkins. He adds that TROY students benefit from many of the services and opportunities offered at larger universities, but they do so in a close-knit, family-like environment. Moreover, the University is a place of value and values, where students receive a quality education at an affordable price while also having opportunities to be engaged with and in service to others.

Troy University is preparing its students for the world of work and equipping them with the skills necessary to be leaders within their communities, across the nation and throughout the world. Dr. Hawkins said, “Our founding motto is at the heart of the culture of caring that exists at TROY—we educate the mind to think, the heart to feel, and the body to act.”

ENHANCING STUDENT SUCCESS

The complete university experience may be found at Troy University’s beautiful, historic campus in Troy, Alabama, where almost $400 million has been invested in capital improvements over the last 25 years. The campus offers advanced academic programs along with experiences that shape careers and lives. Students at TROY can benefit from the more than 200 clubs, Greek organizations and philanthropic groups, as well as study-abroad programs, Division I Athletics, an honors program and more.

TROY also offers diverse options of residence halls, dining options and a new, state-of-the-art fitness and wellness center. “Students also can take advantage of opportunities that will help them hone their skills and enhance their academic success,” said Dr. Hawkins. The John W. Schmidt Center for Student Success provides programs and services that enhance students’ academic achievement, personal and social growth, campus and civic engagement, persistence to graduation, and career placement.

EVOLVING THE LANDSCAPE OF EDUCATION

Looking at the demographics of online education, Dr. Hawkins asserted that roughly six million U.S. university students were studying online before the pandemic. However, with the outbreak of COVID-19 around 1.5 billion students worldwide were forced to go online. Also, around 76% of college faculty in the U.S. had to move courses online to complete the spring term. He asserts, “While many were not prepared to make that shift, I’m proud to say that our 25 years of experience in online education prepared Troy University well for a time such as this.”

The landscape of higher education has continued to evolve through the years. Tech advancements have been highly embraced to effectively serve the University’s students. TROY became a pioneer in online education which served the University well when the pandemic resulted in a transition from in-person to online learning this spring. TROY already had a wide inventory of online programs, and with the advent of a pandemic, it is committed to increasing this inventory to better serve students. Dr. Hawkins emphasized, “However, successful universities in this ever-changing landscape are those that not only strive to be high-tech but also high-touch. At TROY, we are committed to being both high-tech and high-touch.”

LOOKING FORWARD TO A BETTER FUTURE

Dr. Hawkins said the vision for Troy University rests on five pillars of excellence:

1. Capitalizing on the current trends in distance education by moving 100% of TROY’s academic programs online.
2. Focusing on the employability of all graduates in all academic disciplines.
3. Emphasizing continued good stewardship in areas of staffing and capital improvements.
4. Maintaining a global focus by bringing the world to TROY and sending TROY into the world.
5. Refining and growing research efforts.

Dr. Hawkins concluded, “Achieving these goals will ensure that the best is yet to be for Troy University!”

ALSO READ: The 10 Remarkable Education Leaders of December 2023

The post Dr. Jack Hawkins Jr. : A Catalyst for the Transformation of the University appeared first on The Education Magazine.

Later, he had the opportunity to attend Stanford University on a scholarship where he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees and played football as a defensive back, earning PAC-10 Academic All-Conference honors.

After Stanford, he was accepted to Oxford University where he earned his doctorate in Middle East History. Dr. Cook has more than 25 years of experience as an executive administrator in higher education, serving in such roles as President of the Abu Dhabi Women’s College in the United Arab Emirates, Executive Vice President and Provost at Southern Utah University, and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Utah Valley University.

Watch Here:- Welcome – Snow College’s 17th President Brad Cook

Best-In-Class

Presently, Dr. Cook is serving as President of Snow College. Founded in 1888, Snow College has been the epicenter for education, art, music, and sports in Central Utah. Over the years, the College has been able to produce thousands of graduates with high academic standards and is nationally recognized for its high touch, residential, high impact education.  The College focuses on offering affordable, accessible, high-quality education for rural and other underserved populations.

As the seventeenth president of Snow College, Dr. Cook understands his role and responsibility of continuing the legacy of the College. “Our challenge moving forward is to remain loyal to our past and our heritage, yet ever be faithful to our future,” he says. The College offers abundant programs.  In areas such as science, premed, and music, the College has developed a national reputation for student success and ranked best-in-class by The Chronicle of Higher Education in 2019-20.

Non-Traditional Platforms: Meeting Learners Where they Are

While historically Snow College has primarily focused on serving traditional-aged college-bound students (18-21-year-olds), it is introducing two additional learning platforms to serve learning adults (22-40-year-olds) and other non-traditional populations.  Snow College recognizes that it must adjust its learning platforms to meet the needs of different kinds of learners. Some learn best in an on-campus environment, while others need an education that caters to their busy lifestyles.  The first platform is a self-paced, competency-based online program aimed at learners unable to travel to a traditional campus: rural working adults, early college students who work best from home, prison inmates, veterans in rural contexts, and other place-bound learners who have some college but no degree.  These students have the option of harnessing Snow College’s Accelerated Online Learning program where they can obtain their degree at their own pace and from the comfort of their own offices or homes.  “The program meets the demands of adult learners whose busy lifestyles require much more flexibility,” says President Cook.

The second platform focuses on offering low-cost certificates and industry-driven, stackable credentials.  Snow College will be standing up a technical education division serving students who want and require affordable technical education training. Students drawn to this type of education may not see themselves as “college-bound” but want relevant, short-term training for immediate employability.  President Cook adds, “Up to 70% of high school students in our service region don’t see themselves as ‘college-goers’ but do desire earning a certificate in welding, auto, diesel, IT, CNA, etc.” Other learners interested in technical and short-term training include professionals needing upskilling, and reskilling which result in certificates and micro-credentials that help them advance in their current careers.  These industry-aligned credentials can then be stacked to associate and bachelor degrees if the student desires. The highlight here is that courses will be offered at the fraction of the cost of typical CTE courses i.e. at $2 per contact hour that will significantly lower barriers to access. These courses will not only meet the students’ employment objectives but also close the skills-gap issues faced by rural communities.

Focusing on Overall Development

Along with academic excellence, students’ overall development is attended to at Snow College by offering over 43 student organizations, 18 academic clubs, 15 intramural sports, and 12 performance groups. Snow College has state of the art recreational facilities for activities such as swimming, tennis, racquetball, dance, bowling, and weightlifting. Nearly all Snow students participate in at least one activity ranging from student government to intramural sports to the KAGE radio club.

Over the years, the College has had an excellent national reputation in football, men’s and women’s basketball, rodeo, volleyball, soccer, and softball. With his own experience as a former student-athlete, President Cook is one of the biggest advocates of athletics at Snow College.  In 1985, Snow’s football team won the national championship and has since won several bowl games. This year, the football team enters the season ranked eighth in the prominent National Junior College Athletic Association football poll. The men’s and women’s basketball and soccer teams have combined for several league championships.

Improving Learners’ Experience

Snow College is renowned for its intimate learning environment, excellent instruction, vibrant student life, and first-rate facilities – all of which are offered at the most affordable tuition in the Intermountain West; and perhaps arguably the best education value for students in the nation.

Learners of today have different needs and different learning styles and as such, higher education must keep up with current trends to meet these demands. Considering the latest trends, Snow College is a national example of an institution remaining nimble and re-imagining education through a variety of platforms. Anticipating the impending disruption in higher education, President Cook hopes that in the coming years, Snow College can serve greater numbers of students who are currently underserved, elevating their skills, and improving their lives. President Cook concludes, “Our goal is to better serve the variety of learners in our service region and beyond and close the unfortunate equity gaps that exist.”

ALSO READ: The 10 Remarkable Education Leaders of December 2023

The post Bradley J. Cook: An Educator Putting Learners’ Needs First appeared first on The Education Magazine.