The State of Higher Education
Sunday, June 23rd, 2024
Dr. Jean Runyon and Dr. Brie Gertler
Dr. Jean Runyon, President of PVCC, and Dr. Brie Gertler, Vice Provost of UVA, provided an informative overview of each institution’s focus and impact. They shared the many ways that the two institutions of higher education collaborate …both in educational and economic initiatives to the benefit of all citizens!
Dr. Runyon shared how new programs are created and was asked if a tourism program might be in the future. Dr. Gertler was asked how the University is adapting to support adult learners. She noted that the College of Professional Studies is geared specifically for adult students returning to college in pursuit of their bachelor’s degree.
Both leaders shared how their institutions are supporting educational opportunities for incarcerated students. In addition, both leaders detailed how they are working to educate and support faculty around the appropriate uses of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in higher education. Both leaders shared the growing national interest college students have in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) majors, with computer science #1. And, despite the decreasing college student interest in humanities/social sciences majors, the humanities and social sciences are and will be part of the general education requirements. Learning how to think, analyze, and communicate will remain important components of higher education.
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The SSV will return to The Center at Belvedere for programming in August. The SSV Board extends its sincere appreciation to the staff of the Westminster-Canterbury of the Blue Ridge for their support in hosting meetings during this past year:
To join Senior Statesmen of Virginia click the link below