ASU+GSV Summit Sessions Stepping into the Spotlight? Regional Colleges as the USA’s Critical Hubs for Innovation
Apr 18, 2025
Adela de la Torre, the President of San Diego State University, Michael Sorrell, President of Paul Quinn College, and Jacob Fraire, President of the ECMC Foundation, dive into the critical role of regional colleges in innovation and workforce development. They discuss how these institutions can uniquely adapt post-COVID, emphasizing student engagement and tailored programs. The conversation includes navigating workforce alignment in the age of AI and the importance of flexible credentialing to meet diverse learner needs, underscoring their potential to drive economic mobility.
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Serving Local Students' Education Needs
- Michael Sorrell shares that regional institutions often serve students within 50 miles who seek legitimate education opportunities.
- Students value educational experience and attentive faculty over research status like R1.
R1 Status as Mission Fulfillment
- San Diego State University’s R1 status reflects mission fulfillment through longstanding community engagement and applied research.
- Regional institutions meet urgent workforce and student demand, especially in large populations like California.
Innovate to Improve Completion Rates
- Regional universities should innovate completion strategies focusing on community representation and equity.
- Rethink traditional 16-week terms to accelerate learning for part-time and first-generation students.