NLU Alumni Magazine
see the priorities of CPSA and work collaboratively and diligently to see these priorities through. The commitment of the NLU team to try new ideas that keep the university competitive in a rapidly changing and very saturated market ensures that the CPSA transition is embraced with enthusiasm and excitement. “We really have to make sure that we do our best to stay nimble, humble and to seriously consider every good idea and maybe every not so good idea that comes across,” he explains.
vision of success at NLU. So what does success look like? Growth, happiness and careers. Growing programs means continuing to build new, unique concentrations and degree options, as well as offering more advanced professional degrees. Not only does success mean internal growth, but it requires branching out through an integration of programs into successful, meaningful community partnerships as well as employer partnerships that bring the student from relevant experience into stable employment. But growth without
heart can be stifling, so program growth and partnerships need to foster genuine happiness and sense of fulfillment for all of those involved at NLU, whether faculty, staff or student. The final measure of success will be whether prospective students take notice. Students come to NLU to translate their academic experience into tangible value, want space to bring their passions and platforms into the classroom and want access to the resources that will allow them to transform their passions and commitments into stable, well-paying careers. The School of Social and Behavioral Sciences Professor Ray Legler, Ph.D., secured a seed grant for the Pathways to Success program, focused on connecting Martin Luther King College Prep High School and Dunbar Vocational High School with local universities, employers and community organizations. Wytress Richardson, Ed.D., involves NLU students in civic engagement projects through Girls of Grace Youth Center. Two NLU alumni, Bonnie Scherkenbach and Sue McNamara, who are staff members with the Barrington Area Council on Aging facilitate many NLU student internships and volunteer opportunities.
All the excitement and team spirit exist because of the shared
CPSA HAPPENINGS
The School of Health and Human Services Faculty members are preparing to enhance curriculum by bringing some courses either fully online or in a blended format. The Master of Health Services Administration (MHA) program is undergoing an enhancement of its curriculum to contemporize the subject matter and to add an online offering of its program. The Health Care Leadership (HCL) degree program is undergoing a curriculum revision that contemporizes its subject matter, career development and advancement materials to help prepare students for working or advancing in the health care sector.
The School of Business and Management CPSA representatives Steve Thompson, Ph.D., Barb Scheidt, Ed.D., Rich Schak and Stephanie Pozcos, along with other NLU representatives, have been developing a partnership with District 214 to conduct college level courses at the nearby Wheeling Campus as well as online. High school students will take these courses in tandem with various advanced placement courses to achieve the equivalent of up to one year of college credit while still in high school. Credit will transfer over to NLU where those students will only need three years to complete their undergraduate degree.
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