Advertisement

Advertisement

News, Views and Careers for All of Higher Education

Feb. 7, 2005

The Public Sector Is in the Race, Too

By Gerald A. Heeger

It always bothers me when the for-profit sector claims the adult education market as its own invention.

Related stories

Continuing education for adults and other non-traditional students has been around for a long time. In the United States, university extension grew out of a 50-year tradition of classes and lecture series for adults sponsored by libraries, town lyceums, and mechanics institutes starting in the early 19th century.

And continuing adult education found a permanent home in colleges and universities. The first umbrella organization for the extension effort was the National Society for the Extension of University Teaching, founded in 1890. Today, hundreds upon hundreds of degree-granting institutions provide educational programs and services to hundreds upon hundreds of thousands of non-traditional and adult students in the U.S. alone.

Gerald A. Heeger is president of the University of Maryland University College.

Comments

Heeger takes cheap shot at for-profits

Terri Bishop, Sr. VP of Public Affairs at University of Phoenix, at 3:08 pm EST on February 14, 2005

Public sector is not a leader

I have one of my master’s degree from the University of Phoenix. Presuming that it does not consider all stakeholder groups, just shareholders, does not correlate with the ever increasing enrollment at Phoenix. Public and private institutions alike expect their admissions staff to achieve goals since budgets depend on it. The bigger picture is missing though. Phoenix filled a niche that public schools ignored in proportion to the growing savvy and needs of adult learners. For sure, Phoenix is all about quality education and the business of providing it. This seems like the right track to be on. Phoenix provides no tenure track positions so students never have instruction from stale or dated faculty. Wisely, Phoenix utilizes practitioner faculty so there is a true balance between theory and reality. Phoenix is a tough school and not everyone should think of attending, especially the online programs, which are very intense. I suggest going to Peterson’s website and taking the test provided that helps a learner assess appropriateness for online instruction. There is a need for both bricks and mortar and online instruction and the good news now is “one shoe no longer fits all!”

HUSSAR, at 11:02 am EDT on August 29, 2005

Got something to say?

Advertisement

 Jobs Related to The Public Sector Is in the Race, Too

or search for jobs directly.

Adjunct Faculty — ESL
San Diego Community College District

Adjunct (part-time/hourly/substitute faculty) Deadline: Continuous Filing Location: Various Locations Applications: To obtain ... see job

Assistant to Associate Professor, Counseling
University of Guam

Location: College of Professional Studies/School of Education University Information: The University of Guam is a premier ... see job

Assistant Manager, Frist Campus Center
Princeton University

Position Summary: Working at the Frist Campus Center the position assists in the planning and management of ... see job

Interim Dean — Arts & Humanities
San Diego Community College District

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: In compliance with policies adopted by the Board of Trustees, applicants for this position must show ... see job

Part-Time Humanities Instructor
Eastern Kentucky University

Position Summary: Teaches Humanities classes part-time for undergraduate programs with Eastern Kentucky University ... see job

Director of Business (EXTENDED DEADLINE)
Truckee Meadows Community College

Truckee Meadows Community College located in Reno, Nevada is searching for a dynamic individual to provide leadership for the ... see job

Assistant or Associate Professor in Accounting
Eastern Kentucky University

Position Summary: Tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor in Accounting. The candidates ... see job

Open Rank — Reading/Language Arts
Eastern Connecticut State University

1. Department: Education Position: Open Rank — Reading/Language Arts Qualifications: Earned doctorate in reading/language ... see job

History Adjunct Faculty Pool
Howard Community College

TheSocial Science department at Howard Community College is seeking individuals to be included in a pool to hire adjunct ... see job

Assistant Professor Veterinary Pathology 54323
University of Georgia

Instructions SUBMIT LETTER OF APPLICATION,CV;& THE NAMES OF 4 REFERNECES TO: DR CHARLES BALDWIN,SEARCH COMMITTEE ... see job