Experience to help with developing tools and resources for students in changing educational environment amid COVID-19 pandemic and beyond

By Maegan Murray, Ģ������Ƶ

RICHLAND, Wash. – Shifting economic pressures and changing technologies have caused universities and colleges to make extensive changes to their delivery of educational experiences, which has only been expedited amid the COVID-19 pandemic. That is why Washington State University Tri-Cities is participating in a new cohort of nine colleges and universities for a Learner Success Laboratory.

The , hosted by the , is a comprehensive change management process that facilitates continuous improvement through intentional transformation of institutional systems, processes, programs and culture around learner success.

Kate McAteer, Ģ������Ƶ vice chancellor for academic and student affairs, said the pandemic has exposed inequities and has created new challenges that demand that universities and colleges adapt and innovate.

“Ģ������Ƶ serves a high population of students who are the first in their families to attend college, but also a high population of students that have to work to support their families, in addition to other pressures, while they are going to school,” she said. “We are building on efforts during the pandemic to create a place where all students have a strong sense of belonging. The Learner Success Lab will help equip us with tools, important discussions with fellow institutions and research-driven practices that will help us shape the future of learning at Ģ������Ƶ.”

Ģ������Ƶ and fellow selected institutions are working over a period of 12-18 months to integrate evidence-based practices for persistence and completion, life design and career exploration and workforce skills development. Ģ������Ƶ began its work with the Learner Success Laboratory this fall.

Through the Learner Success Lab, Ģ������Ƶ will develop an inclusive student support model that provides multiple and relevant pathways for success through academic and co-curricular learning, student development and career and civic engagement. The learner success model will also engage faculty and staff in professional development, allowing them to pursue goals and achieve their potential in student-centered work.

“This is an opportunity for us to look at what is working and where changes need to be made in use of technology, addressing where students are financially and socioeconomically and updating educational experiences in the classroom to ensure well-prepared graduates who meet the demands of industry,” McAteer said.

The other institutions in the cohort are:

• CETYS University (Mexico)
• Clarke University
• Florida International University
• Lewis University
• New Jersey City University
• Rowan College at Burlington County
• Southern University at Shreveport
• Western Illinois University

Learn more about the Learner Success Lab on the .

By Maegan Murray, Ģ������Ƶ

RICHLAND, Wash. – Chris Meiers, vice chancellor for student affairs and deputy Title IX officer at Washington State University Tri-Cities, was recently selected as one of 38 fellows for the American Council on Education where he will have the opportunity to be temporarily placed at a university to learn and grow his executive leadership skillset.

Ģ������Ƶ ACE Fellowship

Since its inception in 1965, the ACE Fellows Program has prepared more than 2,000 faculty, staff, and administrators for senior positions in college and university leadership through its distinctive and intensive nominator-driven, cohort-based mentorship model. Of the fellows who have participated to date, more than 80 percent have gone on to serve as chief executive officers, chief academic officers, other cabinet-level positions, and deans following their fellowship.

The program combines retreats, interactive learning opportunities, visits to campuses and other higher education-related organizations, and placement at another higher education institution to condense years of on-the-job experience and skills development into a single year.

During the placement, fellows observe and work with the president and other senior officers at their host institution, attend decision-making meetings, and focus on issues of interest. Fellows also conduct projects of pressing concern for their home institution and seek to implement their findings upon completion of the fellowship placement.

Meiers’ goals with the fellowship

Meiers’ placement process begins this summer.

“It is truly a privilege and honor to be selected as an ACE Fellow,” Meiers said. “I am humbled to be able to participate in a program that includes many leaders in higher education that I admire.”

Meiers said his project will involve implementing cooperative education programs with practical work experiences with community partners. Additionally, he will visit universities with strong industry partners.

“This is a key component of the campus’ strategic planning efforts to meet the ongoing workforce demands of the mid-Columbia region,” he said.

At the conclusion of the fellowship year, Meiers will return to Ģ������Ƶ and work with the campus and WSU system leadership teams on implementing an academic cooperative program that integrates practical work experiences while attending school.

“I am most excited to soak in the opportunity to learn, be challenged and implement a project that could be transformational for students in our community, Ģ������Ƶ, and the WSU system,” he said. “Thank you for the support of Chancellor Sandra Haynes, a fellow ACE Fellow, my great staff and my colleagues across the WSU system for the support.”

Haynes said she nominated Meiers for the fellowship because of his potential to benefit from such an intensive professional development experience.

“I believe developing staff is vital to the type of high-functioning team Ģ������Ƶ needs and Chris is ready to take on this type of in-depth learning experience,” she said.

Ģ������Ƶ Meiers

Meiers has more than 20 years of experience working in higher education. His administrative roles have included more than 10 years at the University of Kansas Medical Center where he served in many capacities working his way up to the associate vice chancellor and clinical assistant professor level. He also has had administrative roles at Fort Hays State University (Kansas) and the University of Missouri-Kansas City. He joined Ģ������Ƶ as vice chancellor in 2014. Meiers also currently serves as a region director of NASPA: Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education association.

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