Primarily online, new concentration
to launch in fall
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle
Tennessee State University, working with leading tire and rubber company
Bridgestone Americas, has created an innovative leadership development program
to help women and men already in the workforce enhance their skills and even
earn a degree.
Coordinated
through MTSU’s University College, the new Applied Leadership certificate
program launches this fall, with Bridgestone employees expected among the
inaugural group of students. The program offers adult learners already on the
job a chance to earn additional job certifications — and even a bachelor’s
degree — through online courses and short, intensive on-campus instruction.
“This
new program perfectly illustrates the kind of close collaborations this
university embraces to fill the educational needs of a dynamic workforce
environment in the 21st century,” MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee
said Tuesday (June 7) in the MTSU Student Union Building announcing the new
program.
“I
applaud Bridgestone’s leadership for recognizing MTSU’s ability and willingness
to develop such a program.”
A
student enrolling in the program can earn individual certificates in the
following four areas: leadership theory; communication and problem solving;
leading teams; and leading people and managing change. Each certificate can be
earned following the completion of two, seven-week online courses and a
one-week intensive training on campus.
Students
who obtain all four certificates (10 credit hours each for a total of 40 credit
hours) and complete other general education and elective requirements can earn
a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies with an Applied Leadership
Concentration.
The
certificate program was founded as the result of conversation between McPhee
and Bridgestone, a company with two major manufacturing plants, its Americas
headquarters, a distribution center and many retail automotive service centers
in Middle Tennessee. Bridgestone Americas is the largest subsidiary of the
world’s number one tire and rubber company.
“Our company
is on a transformational journey, and leadership is paramount to achieving our
near and long-term goals,” said Christine Karbowiak, chief administrative
officer, chief risk officer and executive vice president of Bridgestone
Americas. “This new Applied Leadership program speaks to the needs of a
leadership development program focusing on the core foundations of leadership
(vs. career development) not just within Bridgestone, but also in all other
companies, across every industry.
“Bridgestone
Americas is proud of this work, as it will not only positively impact our
teammates, but the Middle Tennessee region and entire state.”
Studies
show that by 2020, 65 percent of all jobs in the economy will require
postsecondary education and training beyond high school and 35 percent of the
job openings will require at least a bachelor’s degree.
This new
program also complements Gov. Bill Haslam’s Drive to 55 initiative, which seeks
to equip 55 percent of Tennesseans with a college degree or certificate by 2025.
“Reconnecting
adult students with higher education is a crucial strategy as we pursue the
Drive to 55,” said Mike Krause, executive director of Drive to 55. “MTSU and
Bridgestone have created a model program for the rest of the state to emulate.”
“With
the largest adult degree program in the state and a focus on helping adult
learners through flexible academic programming, MTSU is uniquely positioned to
provide the education and training to its students that employers like
Bridgestone demand,” said David Gotcher, interim dean of MTSU’s University
College, which provides programs, advising and support for working, older
adults looking to continue their educations.
The
cross-disciplinary Applied Leadership Concentration will feature instructors
from a range of academic areas, including business, organizational
communication, sociology and military science.
Peggy
Carpenter, assistant dean of academic outreach in University College, noted
that the program was designed specifically for the university’s corporate
partners, who are facing the retirements of key leadership positions within the
baby boomer demographic.
“The
next real upswing in the economy could accelerate this exodus and companies are
looking to stave off a shortage of qualified workers,” Carpenter said.
The
program targets workers who may have no college experience, have taken some
college courses, but have yet to earn their degree, or those who already have a
college degree but are looking to enhance their skills.
As part
of University College’s adult-degree completion program, students may be able
to use transfer courses, military training, and prior-learning assessments to
earn credits toward a degree. Some companies also have training programs in
which they earn certifications that could qualify for college credits,
Carpenter added.
“The
role of higher education has been changing over the last few years to where
we’re now more directly involved with corporations and the workforce to help
identify what their needs are,” she said. “We have the experts and by
partnering with them, it benefits both of us.”
For more
information about MTSU’s University College and the Applied Leadership
concentration, call 615-494-7714 or visit http://www.mtsu.edu/university-college/.
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