Dean and Directors Institute

April 1, 2009

8:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

CE Leadership in Difficult Times: Strategies to Support Your Vision

The nation faces some of the most difficult economic realities in recent history. Universities and colleges across the country have experienced a sharp decline in their endowments, foresee less giving, and are straining to maintain financial aid levels. Most are doing this while refusing to force tuition increases upon struggling students and their families. Continuing higher education units are confronting the same economic challenges. Many are already experiencing declining enrollments and revenue, as business organizations reduce tuition and training benefits and some adult learners choose to defer their education until the economy improves.

In times of economic downturn continuing education leadership is tested in ways different than when times are generally good. This program explores both the general issues of leadership in economic downturns and specific actions that sound leadership can take.

The Institute divides into three sessions. The first session examines higher education leadership as compared to leadership in the business world. The second session examines varying strategies adopted by CE leaders, who through experience have learned the necessity of balancing the immediate fiscal needs of the greater institution with CE commitments for growth and innovation in the years to come. The final session focuses on the specific strategy of partnerships and how creative partnering at this time may both save resources and afford appropriate opportunities for programmatic expansion.

8:15 a.m.–8:30 a.m. Introductions
THOMAS F. GIBBONS, Dean, Northwestern University, School of Continuing Studies

8:30 a.m.–9:45 a.m.
What is Leadership in Higher Education?
• GARY W. MATKIN, Dean, Continuing Education, University of California-Irvine, University Extension
• JUDY C. ASHCROFT, Dean of Continuing and Innovative Education, The University of Texas at Austin
• JAY A. HALFOND, Dean, Boston University, Metropolitan College & Extended Education
• MICHAEL J. OFFERMAN, Vice Chairman, Capella University

10:00 a.m.–11:15 a.m.
Strategies for CE Fiscal and Organizational Management
• JAMES P. PAPPAS, Vice President for University Outreach, University of Oklahoma, College of Continuing Education
• DIANA WU, Dean, University of California-Berkeley Extension
• JOSEPH P. ZOLNER, Lecturer on Education, Director of Higher Education Programs, Programs in Professional Education, Harvard University Graduate School of Education

11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Thinking Creatively about Partnerships
• THOMAS F. GIBBONS, Dean, Northwestern University, School of Continuing Studies
• SHARON L. FROSS, Vice Provost, University Outreach, University of Massachusetts Amherst
• JUDITH PLESSIS, Executive Director, Continuing Studies, The University of British Columbia

12:30 p.m. Networking Lunch

For more information: contact Natalia Kats, UCEA Director of Conferences, at nkats@upcea.edu or 202.659.3130.