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CHRIS GUYMON, Associate Dean of Administration,
The University of Chicago, Chair
A liberal education has never been more important than it
is today. To participate effectively in our highly dynamic
and competitive global economy, it is critical that people
have a knowledge of the history, cultures, and languages
of other societies.
Today, employers are seeking persons who have sophisticated
analytical, communication and teamwork skills, as well as creativity
and higher order reasoning. They want employees who
are able to integrate knowledge from a variety of disciplines
and apply it to real-world settings. Employers have discovered
that proficiency in a narrow field is not enough. To be
successful, individuals need to balance knowledge and skills
in a specific field with a broad liberal education. It is not a
question of either/or. Rather, today it is essential to have
both professional competencies and a liberal education in
order to function productively and effectively in an interdependent
world. Persons with these qualities are of high value
to their organizations.
Continuing higher education is uniquely placed to help employees
function effectively in a rapidly changing global economy.
Often certificate and degree programs within continuing higher
education provide working professionals with the most practical
and up-to-date methods and skill sets.
Increasingly, certificate and degree programs are incorporating
liberal education into their curricula to promote development of
the desired higher order reasoning skills.
This pre-conference workshop will explore connections between
global understanding and professional success, examine some
of the ethical issues confronted by business in a global environment,
offer an industry perspective on the value of liberal
education, and discuss how a rapidly changing global economy
is shaping continuing higher education curricula.
Panel: DANIEL W. SHANNON, Dean, Graham School of General
Studies, The University of Chicago (Moderator); JOYCE FEUCHTHAVIAR,
Dean, Tseng College of Extended Learning, California
State University, Northridge; GORDON H. “NICK” MUELLER,
President and CEO, The National World War II Museum; EDNA F.
WILSON, Dean, University College, Fairfield University |
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