Spurring economic development through higher education

How well is New York doing in spurring economic development?

As the university’s top administrator in New York, I’ve made it a priority to meet with people involved in the state’s economic development. They have a reason to be excited about the big stuff – investments in semiconductor manufacturing, for example. Education is a topic that comes up in every conversation, which gives me a lot of confidence. When you’re talking about adding thousands of specialized jobs within a community, recruiting workers and their families to sustain a new industry, it creates demand for traditional careers such as teaching and nursing. We can’t lose sight of that. New York hasn’t.

What role do you play in economic development in New York?

WGU is one of the nation’s largest nonprofit, accredited universities. We have about 5,104 students and 6,940 alumni contributing to New York’s economy. But numbers tell just part of the story. WGU was founded by 19 governors who wanted to expand access to education. Our model – online and competency-based – has created opportunities for students who otherwise could not have pursued them due to work or family obligations, or the rising cost of tuition. These students are now on a better path, working as teachers, nurses and cybersecurity professionals, all jobs in which New York has been grappling with workforce shortages.

What policy issues are you focused on?

I’m always focused on policy that can increase funding for schools, ensure equitable access to resources and promote mental health support. Addressing systemic inequalities and supporting diverse learning needs are crucial to education policy, which, in my view, directly affects economic development. Reducing class sizes, providing professional development for teachers and expanding technology access are some of the ways New York lawmakers can support students and educators.