This session unpacks the urgent need for collaboration in higher education, examining the significant hurdles students face today, from navigating complex transfer pathways and the demand for diverse skill sets to rising affordability concerns. No single institution can tackle these multifaceted challenges alone; therefore, collaboration isn’t just beneficial, it’s a strategic imperative for both student success and institutional vitality.
We’ll highlight the powerful partnership between Ivy Tech, Indiana’s community college system, and Purdue Global. This collaboration thrives due to shared student demographics, particularly their strong support for adult learners across Indiana. We’ll delve into the specific reasons this alliance was forged, demonstrating how each institution leverages the other’s strengths. This reciprocal learning has not only advanced both institutions but also positioned them as leaders in innovation and adult learner support statewide.
Intended Audience
This webinar is primarily intended for higher education professionals, administrators, and faculty, particularly those involved in student success, institutional leadership, and program design. Participants will benefit from learning insights into effective collaborations, understanding best practices for adult learners in online education, identifying solutions for common student challenges, leveraging institutional strengths, and fostering innovation and leadership.
Key Takeaways
At the end of the session, participants will be able to:
- Identify critical student challenges (e.g., transfer complexity, skill gaps, affordability) that necessitate inter-institutional collaboration in higher education.
- Articulate how leveraging complementary institutional strengths, particularly in serving shared student populations like adult learners, forms the foundation of successful higher education partnerships.
Please Note: While attending the webinar live is free for OLC members and non-members, on-demand recordings will be available post-webinar for Professional and Institutional Members only. Consider becoming an OLC member for access to these and many other great benefits!
Speaker Bio
Rebecca L. Rahschulte, Ph.D.
Vice President for Academic Affairs & Associate Provost – Ivy Tech Community College
Dr. Rebecca Rahschulte has served in various higher education leadership roles over the past 21 years embracing the majority of her tenure in academic affairs where she started as a Professor of Psychology, Program Chair, and Dean of Arts, Sciences, and Education at Ivy Tech Community College. Rahschulte currently serves as the Vice President for Academic Affairs & Associate Provost at the College where she supports the development of the College’s academic programs and policies, campus academic affairs teams, statewide accreditation and assessment practices, as well as all transfer/articulation and guaranteed admissions agreements. She’s responsible for leading strategy and ensuring student success and retention across instructional modalities with a focus on leading the College’s centralized IvyOnline asynchronous programming. Dr. Rahschulte holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Georgia, a Master of Education Degree and a Doctorate of Philosophy Degree in School Psychology from the University of Cincinnati.
Maricel Lawrence, Ed.D.
Innovation Catalyst – Purdue Global
Dr. Lawrence is a dynamic innovator and executive leader passionately dedicated to shaping the future of education and work. As the Innovation Catalyst at Purdue Global, she spearheads cutting-edge strategies, programs, and initiatives with global impact. Her expertise lies in fostering diverse teams to envision, craft, and execute forward-thinking solutions that address the evolving needs of learners and industries. Dr. Lawrence holds a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from Indiana University, a master’s degree in adult education and training from Colorado State University, and a Doctor of Education in Leadership & Innovation at Arizona State University. She has also completed futures training with the Institute for the Future and earned a Professional Certificate in Strategic Foresight from the University of Houston.