
Recently, HERA leaders had a conversation with the Greater Milwaukee Committee’s membership about opportunities and headwinds they see in higher education. They emphasized the important role that listening to the needs of our region’s employers, and innovating to meet those needs, plays in the present and future of our institutions. Innovation makes our institutions even more relevant to students and employers in an increasingly competitive higher education landscape. And it is inherently a part of our purpose — who we are, and why we do what we do every day.
One important example: HERA and its member institutions are fully engaged in developing microcredentials – bite-sized, online, skills-based learning opportunities that will help us better serve even more members of our communities. We are moving quickly to put our resources and our energy to work. In this edition of the HERA Connect newsletter, you’ll learn more about these efforts from Melissa Smiley, HERA’s new microcredential coordinator.