Aiming to address a current education gap in business education, the University of Louisville’s College of Business recently launched the innovative Franchise Management Certificate—designed to prepare franchisees to own their future!
Targeted toward current and future franchise owners, this program delivers expertise in areas fundamental to franchisee success such as franchise team management, franchise law, human resources management, finance, strategic planning and more.
The University of Louisville is working closely with the International Franchising Association (IFA) to align the requirements for credits to apply toward the Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) certification.
“Understanding where the gaps in knowledge remain within the industry was crucial to developing a truly student-centered certificate program. Through close partnership with industry experts and experienced franchise managers, the Franchise Management Certificate emphasizes ‘real world’ application to best prepare graduates for a successful future in franchising.”
Todd Mooradian, Dean, UofL College of Business
Notably, the program offers 5-week terms, meaning students can complete the 6-course program one class at-a-time in a just over half a year.
The Franchise Management Certificate is the first in a series of specialized online certificate programs designed to support growth in key industries unique to Louisville.
“Online learning is an extremely important area of growth for the University of Louisville. We continuously strive to offer programs that deliver education at the standard of quality the University is known for while also meeting the needs of today’s adult learners. The online Franchise Management Certificate is just one example of our commitment to bring innovation to higher education.”
Kristen Brown, Associate Director, UofL Online
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Higher Ed Administration Spotlight: Research by Dr. Meghan Pifer
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.
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.
More than a Degree: Communication Graduate Testimonial
Maggie Cunningham earned more than a degree at UofL
By earning her Bachelor of Science in Communication with University of Louisville, Maggie gained a newfound confidence in herself, all thanks to a 100% online education that allowed her to play on her strengths and advance her future.
When Maggie decided to go back to school, a traditional classroom setting didn’t seem like the right fit for her. Previously attended and then withdrawn from an on-campus program at another university, she decided to explore online learning options with the University of Louisville–which turned out to be perfect for her and her situation.
With UofL’s online bachelor’s in Communication program, Maggie received the same education as any traditional student while maintaining the full-time job she was working to pay for classes. More notably, she found herself empowered by the online learning environment to overcome her social anxiety and more successfully interact with classmates and teachers.
“I felt like I needed [a degree] to be who I was.”
Through her education with UofL, Maggie embarked down not only an educational path but also a road to self-discovery. She learned more about herself, and emphasizes that earning her degree online with UofL helped her become the person she is today.
Since graduating, Maggie has gone on to land jobs in marketing and social media copywriting.
The Bachelor of Science in Communication degree at UofL is designed to build expertise around various communication strategies, cultures, channels and media types. Ultimately, the degree prepares students for careers in various fields including communications, marketing, advertising, broadcasting, journalism and public relations.
Covering many different industries and careers, UofL Online offers a wide variety of 100% online degree and certificate programs–all of which 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.
Maggie went back to school to fill a void and feel more confident about herself.
What’s YOUR why?
Check out our YouTube page to hear testimonials from other UofL Online programs and students or read more of real student stories here.
No Time Like the Present: Healthcare Leadership Graduate Testimonial
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.”
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.”
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.”
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 pageto 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.
