ACHE 2018 Concurrent Sessions
Nurturing the Beacon of Opportunity: Using Innovation and Technology to Provide Accessible, Affordable High Quality Degrees
Session Description
Creating opportunities for accessible, affordable, high quality degrees is a top priority for many institutions around the country. Of special concern is the adult learner who often struggles to juggle the many roles of adulthood while obtaining a degree, as well as other populations with limited access to educational opportunity such as those from underserved, rural areas. This session will highlight the work of two universities who are nurturing the beacon of opportunity by utilizing innovation and technology as solutions to meet the diverse needs of adult students and other populations with limited educational opportunities. Come join us to hear our stories and share yours!
Primary Presenter
Dr. Susan A. Elkins, Ed.D, University of South Carolina - Palmetto College
Brief Bio
Dr. Susan Elkins currently serves as chancellor of the University of South Carolina Palmetto College, a USC system-wide innovation that includes four regional Palmetto Colleges along with online degree completion programs offered by the Research I institution and the three comprehensive universities in the system. Prior to being named chancellor of USC’s Palmetto College in 2013, she led Tennessee Technological University’s educational outreach and service efforts for over 20 years, serving initially as Director of Extended Education, then founding dean of the College of Interdisciplinary Studies and Extended Education, and finally vice president of Extended Programs and Regional Development. Susan earned her doctoral degree in Educational Leadership/Higher Education Administration from Vanderbilt University. Dr. Elkins has been active in numerous professional organizations, including a membership in ACHE for over two decades. She is a past chair of ACHE South and the recipient of the 2015 ACHE Leadership Award.
Presenter #2
Dr. Steven B Frye, Ph.D. , Tennessee Technological University
Brief Bio:
Dr. Steve Frye is Director of the School of Interdisciplinary Studies at Tennessee Technological University and an Associate Professor of Psychology. He earned the Ph.D. in Adult Education from the University of Tennessee. Dr. Frye has been very active in professional organizations in adult and continuing education. He is immediate past president of the American Association of Adult and Continuing Education and is currently serving as a member of the Board of ACHE South.