Program targets working
professionals seeking advanced training
MURFREESBORO,
Tenn. — The first cohort of 13 working professionals enrolled in MTSU’s
Applied Leadership Certificate Program were recognized Tuesday by interim Provost
Mark Byrnes for reaching the first milestone in their studies.
The 13 students completed
the first level of a four-certificate program designed by MTSU’s University
College to help women and men already in the workforce to enhance their skills
– and even earn a degree. Nine of them received their certificates at an event
held in MTSU’s Miller Education Center on Bell Street.
Eleven of the 13 students
work for Bridgestone Americas, the largest subsidiary of the world’s top
tire and rubber company, the first company that encouraged its employees to
enroll in the program.
Byrnes said 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.
“It perfectly illustrates
the kind of close collaborations this university embraces to fill the
educational needs of a dynamic workforce environment in the 21st century.”
Rick Sluder, dean of the
University College, said students in the program can earn individual
certificates in 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, Sluder said.
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 from MTSU with an Applied Leadership
concentration.
A diverse team of
educators led by University College Associate Dean David Gotcher, working with
Bridgestone officials, laid the groundwork for the program. Also aiding the
effort were retired Army Lt. Gen. Keith Huber, MTSU’s senior adviser for
veterans and leadership initiatives, and University College’s Peggy Carpenter,
assistant dean of academic outreach, and Cathy Delametter, prior learning assessment
director.
“What’s remarkable about
this program is that it is a cross-disciplinary effort, featuring instructors
from a range of academic areas, including business, organizational
communication, sociology and military science,” Byrnes said.
MTSU’s University College
provides programs and services to assist working adults, parents, active
military, veterans and others in pursuit of degrees and certifications. Its
Adult Degree Completion Program is the largest adult program in the state of
Tennessee. For more information, visit http://www.mtsu.edu/university-college/index.php.
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