2016 Annual Conference

This session will examine best practices of an effective higher education leader based on current literature. Effective ideas to support meaningful social change and innovation for adult learners will be addressed. The relationship between the learning leader and the learning higher education organization to support the success of adult learners will be discussed.

This session will be of interest to adult educators, faculty members, program directors, and administrators as well as students who would like to have a positive influence on the leadership and management of adult education programs.

As more and more adults are returning to colleges and universities to obtain additional skills and knowledge to complete in the 21st century workplace, leaders are faced with revising and crafting the organizational culture to accommodate the influx of adult students. Academic leaders in community colleges, colleges, and universities are challenged with the task to adjust the degree programs, certificates, and technical education programs to better serve the adult student. The learning culture needs to shift to accommodate students who have life and work experiences that will enrich learning opportunities for all enrolled students. In addition, an effective learning culture must accommodate both nontraditional students and adult students. Effective learning leaders need to negotiate, problem solve, and develop creative solutions to accommodate adult students. As a leader, one must also serve as the center of influence to encourage and support others who affect necessary institutional change to adapt to the needs of adult students. This session will highlight techniques that may be used by adult education leader to meet the needs of the 21st century adult learner.