Category: Education & Human Development Programs
Higher Ed Administration Spotlight: Research by Dr. Meghan Pifer

Higher Ed Administration Spotlight: Research by Dr. Meghan Pifer

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At its core, higher education is primarily focused on the growth and development of students. However, students are not the only ones to learn or to grow—nor should they be.

Continuous faculty development is an integral part of any successful institution. In fact, in today’s higher education environment, developing and enhancing learning and teaching methods is more important than ever. To that end, studies are conducted and distributed regularly to help foster more effective instructors.

Published in November 2017 and written in part by University of Louisville professor Dr. Meghan Pifer, “Developing Faculty in Liberal Arts Colleges: Aligning Individual Needs and Organizational Goals,” is a great example of such a study.

Dr. Pifer’s research covers everything from finding mentors to how entry-level faculty make the transition from sitting in the classroom to standing in front of the class. The study is based on faculty career development data across 13 institutions and the result is a compelling proposal for the faculty development in liberal arts colleges—both for the benefit of the professors and the institutions, and also the students they serve.

Who is Dr. Meghan Pifer?

Currently a professor with the University of Louisville’s School of Education and Human Development, Dr. Pifer has an extensive research background immersed in studying how individuality and work partnerships intersect and impact outcomes for each member of the team as well as the trajectory of an organization as a whole.

The publication of this book is a notable step in Dr. Pifer’s research career, and we look forward to seeing her continued positive impact on higher education.

Dr. Pifer’s ongoing contribution to the field of higher education makes her a valued member of the UofL team. Not only has she been a faculty member for the online Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration (MAHEA) program since 2016, Dr. Pifer also teaches for the traditional program and serves as the Senior Assistant Director for the Department of Educational Leadership, Evaluation and Organizational Development.

About the Online MAHEA Program

The online Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration program is largely oriented toward addressing challenges of leadership and administration within contemporary higher education, with concentrations in Administration, Teaching & Learning, Policy and Equity or Sports Administration.

The MAHEA program is part of a growing portfolio of Online Learning degrees and certificate opportunities. As a nationally-recognized, metropolitan research university, with a commitment to the intellectual, cultural and economic development of our diverse community of learners, the Online Learning programs deliver a long tradition of excellence—epitomizing the University of Louisville’s dedication to lifelong learning for both students and faculty.

online learning, graduate, healthcare leadership, graduation, diploma
No Time Like the Present: Healthcare Leadership Graduate Testimonial

No Time Like the Present: Healthcare Leadership Graduate Testimonial

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Rachel McClain didn’t know what her life was missing—not until she almost lost her chance to find out.

After unexpectedly suffering a stroke, Rachel realized she wanted to live life to the fullest and achieve more. She found the perfect place to start at the University of Louisville. Earning a degree 100% online in Healthcare Leadership set Rachel up for career advancement and personal fulfillment.

Rachel started her education at a local community college right out of high school. When she got a full-time job in sales that didn’t require a college education, earning what she believed was decent income, she decided not to finish her degree.

Years later, she found herself passed up for jobs in lieu of others who had a bachelor’s degree. Despite having the necessary experience and intellect, her lack of a college diploma held her back from career progression.

Rachel’s mindset then was to live in the moment. As a result, she rarely found herself thinking much about the long-term and continuing her education wasn’t really on her mind.

However, when life intervened, her perspective changed. After recovering from a stroke, Rachel knew it was time to go back to school.

“I woke up one morning and it was really blurry. I ended up losing feeling in my face and ultimately, I had a stroke. I was debilitated for about six months. I went to occupational speech and physical therapy, where I learned to walk again, talk again and have motor skills again. And that’s when I really took the turn and said no time like the present. It’s time to go back to school.”

Rachel McClain

Start to Finish in Less Than a Year

Continuing her education and finishing the degree she previously started became her primary mission.

Rachel initially enrolled in a traditional four-year program, but it didn’t feel quite right. When she discovered the Healthcare Leadership (HCL) program, the first competency-based education degree delivered 100% online at UofL, she knew she’d found the perfect fit. Not only did the HCL program allow her to balance work and education, but it gave her the chance to capitalize on her decade-long professional experience and helped her reach the finish line much faster.

“[The Healthcare Leadership program] was everything I wanted. It instantly made me smile. It was perfect.”

Rachel McClain

Competency-based education (CBE) looks at prior education and/or working experience and rewards students with course credits for mastered competencies. In other words, students can test out of classes where they are knowledgeable and immediately start another class where they learn new concepts and skills. This method allows students to progress toward degree completion at a pace that fits their learning style.

For Rachel, this model allowed her to graduate with her bachelor’s degree in just about 10 months.

Since graduating from the healthcare leadership program, Rachel has been promoted within her organization and her life has changed for the better. Her experience as an online student and the degree she earned allows her to shine and gives her confidence to pursue even bigger dreams for her future.

Take The Leap

“To someone that is considering this degree: take the leap. There’s no time like the present and I think this program provides so much flexibility that it’s kind of a no brainer. Don’t put it off until tomorrow. I really think that this program has only given me benefits in my life and I would recommend it to anyone.”

Rachel McClain

Although Rachel worried about the commitment she had to make to finish her degree, as well as having another stroke during the process, she knew she couldn’t let anything hold her back. With the support and encouragement of her friends and family, Rachel took the leap to better her future—and it paid off.

This is Rachel’s story. Inspired by a shift in perspective, she went back to school to change her life and further her career. This is her why!

What’s YOUR why?

Check out our YouTube page to hear testimonials from other UofL Online programs and students, or read more student success stories here.

UofL Online

University of Louisville offers various degrees and certificate programs 100% online. These programs deliver quality online education to non-traditional students who are not able to come to a physical campus and want to earn a college degree or certificate to start or advance their career.

Building the Best Workforce and Business Leaders
Building the Best Workforce and Business Leaders

Building the Best Workforce and Business Leaders

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Building the Best Workforce and Business Leaders
Pursuing your online bachelor’s in organizational leadership (BSOLL) from University of Louisville is a strong first step to grow as a leader. As you look toward applying your knowledge to the workplace, don’t be taken by surprise. For many new business leaders, the workplace of tomorrow will look a little different.

Gone are the days of business suits, dedicated desks and rigid standards. Even brick-and-mortar offices are on the outs. Iconic companies like Google are pioneering a fresh approach to attract a new talent pool — Millennials and Gen Z.

Consider the signs of change you’re probably already seeing:

  • A young workforce. Millennials grew to become the majority of the national workforce in 2015, and Gen Z workers are close behind. That means major change is on the way. Your leadership tactics must anticipate change.
  • Shifting works styles and expectations. New workers have a greater desire to influence their work environment, often by defying corporate structure or defining work standards that embrace a more relaxed approach. Frankly, many younger workers have no patience for “the way it’s always been done.”
  • Early tech adoption. New tech tools are infiltrating the office, and not just in the IT department. You may already be using tech-based workflow solutions such as Slack and Trello. This will only continue.
  • New ways of thinking. Office culture is changing. Emphasis is shifting toward more transparency, more mobility and worker input in daily operations. Flexible hours, 360-degree training and the creation of mentors (not managers) are just a few examples.

The organizational leadership and learning curriculum crafted by UofL faculty anticipates these shifting workplace dynamics. Courses are developed around ways the business world is changing — the ways you’ll realistically apply the knowledge you gain through your online degree. Here are a few course highlights that emphasize proactive leadership in the workforce:

  • ELFH 300 Prior Learning Assessment (Portfolio Class)
    First of all, take credit for the experience you have already gained on the job. Based on your professional experience, you can earn up to 48 credits tuition free!
  • ELFH 412 Coaching and Talent Management
    Understand the knowledge, skills and dispositions for new leaders in talent management, career development and coaching. You’ll learn the best ways to maximize team performance and reach key goals for each individual and the organization overall.
  • ELFH 414 Diversity
    Explore the challenges and rewards of differences within your workplaces. You’ll focus on the application of cultural competence and diversity solutions within a changing office environment.
  • ELFH 420 Negotiation and Conflict Management
    Understand the nature of conflict (types, sources and processes) with special emphasis on organizational conflict and how it’s evolving. You’ll gain skills in negotiation, mediation and alternative dispute resolution options.
  • ELFH 442 Supporting Organizational Change
    Anticipate the course of change! You’ll discuss causes of change in your organization and the professional and personal competencies you can bring to the table to support healthy change.

Enroll at University of Louisville Today

Put your experience to work and start down the path to becoming a great business leader. Learn more about UofL’s online bachelor’s in organizational leadership and learning.

About UofL Online Learning

The University of Louisville currently offers online programs in various areas of study for adult learners who are not able to come to a physical campus, but want to earn a college degree or certificate and advance their career.

The University of Louisville is a nationally-recognized, metropolitan research university, with a commitment to the liberal arts and sciences, as well as the intellectual, cultural, and economic development of our diverse community of learners.

Exploring Competency-Based Education at University of Louisville
Exploring Competency-Based Education at University of Louisville

Exploring Competency-Based Education at University of Louisville

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Exploring Competency-Based Education at University of Louisville

Returning to school and earning your degree can open new doors in your career. For students balancing family, work and school, though, the time commitment can seem daunting. Fortunately, UofL’s Healthcare Leadership track of the Bachelor of Science in Organization Leadership and Learning degree program is offered 100% online, allowing students to fit the classroom into their own busy lives.

The healthcare track also incorporates a Competency-Based Education model (CBE) which can help speed your path to graduation in three important ways.

How Does Competency-Based Education Work?

The driving force behind the Competency-Based Education model is to award credit for what students have already learned inside and outside the classroom. The aim is to make finishing your bachelor’s degree as easy as 1-2-3.

1) CBE rewards your previous college work

Whether you have started or even completed your associate’s degree, or have earned credit at a four-year college, applicants to the Healthcare Leadership program are eligible to transfer over 36 credit hours towards the general education requirements of your degree.

2) CBE gives credit for on-the-job knowledge

The Healthcare Leadership track of the Bachelor’s in Organizational Leadership and Learning degree begins with a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) that allows students to demonstrate their professional knowledge and earn up to 48 credit hours tuition-free.

3) CBE allows you to set the pace

After transferring credits and completing the PLA, students may take the core curriculum of the Healthcare Leadership (36 credit hours) track in a competency-based model. There are also two enrollment paths available, offering varying degrees of flexibility:

  • Flex Pace: Students have 32 weeks to move through the program materials at their own pace, providing more flexibility and self-direction.
  • Set Pace: Students enroll in 8-week courses and complete each course within a pre-determined time frame, offering the benefits of accelerated courses within a more traditional university structure.

Your Degree is Nearer Than You Think

Between transfer credits, on-the-job knowledge and competency-based coursework, the Healthcare Leadership bachelor’s program is designed to bring your career and education goals within reach.

The Healthcare Leadership program at University of Louisville starts the first Tuesday of every month except December, so you can begin the next chapter of your career right away. Visit the online program’s homepage to learn more and apply today!

About UofL Online Learning

The University of Louisville currently offers online programs in various areas of study for adult learners who are not able to come to a physical campus, but want to earn a college degree or certificate and advance their career.

The University of Louisville is a nationally-recognized, metropolitan research university, with a commitment to the liberal arts and sciences, as well as the intellectual, cultural, and economic development of our diverse community of learners.

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