Higher Education Digest – December 2022 – 10 Must-Watch North American Colleges & Universities

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December 2022 Vol - 4 Issue - 16

Must-Watch North American Colleges & Universities in 2022

Head of Advisory Board

Dr. Manoj Varghese, Ph.D

Managing Editor

Sarath Shyam

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The US and UK dominate the northern hemisphere in the international higher education market. These countries have profiled themselves as magnets for international students at K-12 and higher education levels. Here, top schools and universities focus heavily on students and scholars from abroad, making them a part of their business model. Following suit is countries like English-speaking countries such as Australia, Canada, and New Zealand have also been actively looking to reach out to students across the globe; the numbers show that they have been fairly successful in achieving their target and giving the UK and US a run for their money. It is now a global talent war, with every developed country integrating strategies to attract and retain highly skilled labor migrants.

However, the pandemic has disrupted international student mobility like never before. The strategies needed to be relooked and

The Best of the Bests in the Northern Hemisphere

implemented quickly to stay afloat in the face of an unprecedented emergency. For instance, the number of international students in the US dramatically declined during the COVID-19 pandemic, with new student enrollment among international students falling a whopping 46%. Similarly, the volume of Canada study permits issued in 2020 was 36 percent lower than the number issued in 2019.

Now, the international higher education sector is in better shape. Countries like the US and Canada have regained their dominance by attracting a large number of international students. In this issue, we have identified 10 Must-Watch North American Colleges & Universities in 2022 that have been performing exceptionally well despite the hiccups. We hope our efforts will help the international students community to make informed decisions about their study destinations in the North American region. Enjoy Reading.

Sarath Shyam

Ex-M

Mr. Amulya Sah, PGD PM & IR, PG Diploma in PM&IR (XISS Ranchi)

Chief Human Resources Officer, Former Head HR group Samsung R&D Institute India,Transformative HR Leader, Change agent, Digitization facilitator, Engagement architect, Trainer and Diversity champion.

ADVISORY BOARD

Dr. Varughese K.John, PhD, MBA, MPhil, MCom, LLB.

Former Program Director, MS in Management Program, GSATM - AU

Dr. Ajay Shukla, Ph.D, MBA, BE. Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Higher Education UAE

Major General (Rtd.) Dr. Sunil Chandra, VSM (Vishishta Seva Medal), Ph.D, M. Phil, MA, M.Ed, PGBDA

D Army Welfare Education Society, ExCOO GEMS Education - India, Ex- Addl Dir Gen - Army Education, Mentor - Adventure-Pulse

Dr. Venus M. Alboruto, PhD, Master Teacher, Researcher, Innovator, Trainer.

Mamta Thakur Former CEO ( ASEAN), Arc Skills

Mr. Dean E. Hoke, M.S, B.A Co-Founder of Edu Alliance, LTD, UAE and Managing Partner of Edu Alliance Group, USA

Dr. Kuldeep Nagi, Ph.D, MBA, BSc.

Former Program Director of Ph.D, Recipient of Fulbright Fellowship Award & Dan Evans Award for Excellence and Writer columnist.

Shanthi Rajan (MSHRM, FHEA, AMCILT) Director, Institution Development, University of Stirling, RAK Campus, UAE.

Dr. Hans A. Andrews Ed.D. Distinguished Fellow in Community College Leadership, Olney Central College, Illinois,USA

Mr. Sreedhar Bevara, MBA, B.Com

CEO at BMR Innovations, Ex Senior General Manager at Panasonic, LG, The Hindu, TATA, Author: Moment of Signal & The Roaring Lambs, Motivational Speaker & Leadership Consultant.

Dr. Khyati Shetty Ph.D (Marketing)., SFHEA (UK), MBA (Marketing), PGHRM, BA (Marketing & Economics)

Dr. Manoj Varghese, Ph.D

Senior Director - Global Partnerships, Advisory & Consulting - Connecta® , Head of Advisory BoardHigher Education Digest® & K12 Digest® , Adjunct Faculty - Assumption University, Former CIO - Athena Education, Former Global Director TechnologyGEMS Education

ENTS

N T E N T S

NORTH AMERICAN COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES

ROLE OF FINANCIAL LITERACY IN EMPOWERING YOUTH

Marc Despallieres, Chief Strategy & Trading Officer, Vantage

ACADEMIC VIEW

PLAY IS UNIVERSAL, LONG LIVE PLAY

Dr. Darren Mundy, Interim Dean, Faculty of Arts, Cultures and Education, University of Hull, the U.K.

Umaimah Mendhro, Founder and President, One League

INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVE

HOW TO CONNECT THE WORLD’S MOST PROMISING TALENTS TO THE BEST-IN-CLASS EDUCATION AND OPPORTUNITIES

INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVE

THE IMPORTANCE OF MARKETING EDUCATION IN MARKETING AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Luma Batshoun, Sales Manager at Perfect Purity for the Middle East Region, Egypt & Turkey.

THE PATH TO BEING A DOCTOR IN THE USA (AND/OR CANADA)

Mamta Purbey, Executive Director, Manipal’s American University of Antigua

HOW TO SELL A BOOK?

Mike Stickler, Publisher, Leadership Books

Role of Financial Literacy in Empowering Youth

Marc Despallieres, Chief Strategy & Trading Officer, Vantage

For any country, its youth is the biggest asset for the growth and development of economy. Young minds are the future sailors of progress. Ergo, it’s crucial to encourage and uplift these minds so that they can explore and learn about the various value-generating sectors of a nation. The term financial literacy has gained

ample recognition during past some years. Yet, a massive part of our country is not financially literate. The prime reason is underestimating and failure to compute the real value of money which lies in our pockets.

Despite having a population of 1.3 billion, a 2019 survey by NCFE found that 76% of adults still need to develop their knowledge of

Financial education allows individuals to take command of their assets and make the best possible decisions related to their monetary activities

Marc Despallieres is the Chief Strategy & Trading Officer at Vantage - a global, multi-asset broker headquartered in Sydney, Australia. Vantage provides a state-of-the-art platform for trading Forex, Commodities, Indices, and Shares. In his role, Marc is instrumental in directing Vantage’s short and long-term strategic initiatives and guiding the business in its ambitious expansion goals in both emerging and developed markets. He also oversees and supports Vantage’s global trading teams.

basic financial concepts. India has the potential to rank among the nations with the highest financial literacy levels worldwide. Through financial education, 27.6% of participants in the 25–44 age range continue to participate in the financial inclusion programme. If the youth between the ages of 10 and 19 are also given sound financial awareness, this percentage can increase by more than 20% in the ensuing two decades.

Financial education allows individuals to take command of their assets and make the best possible decisions related to their monetary

activities. Savings are just not enough to buy a secure financial future. The gradual economic shifts and geo-political situations can have a lasting impact on your financial position.

Financial Freedom

Financial freedom implies not being dependent on any second party to cover your basic expenditures. You are responsible for your own earnings and monetary activities. An independent and responsible financial attitude enables you to pursue the many ambitions of

An independent and responsible financial attitude enables you to pursue the many ambitions of your life without having to think twice about your assets

your life without having to think twice about your assets. This further gives confidence and promotes the youth to invest in the future of their economy. Financial freedom is directly related to responsible decision-making which further helps an economy to achieve stability and trust of FIIs.

Financial diligence is directly proportional to the economic stability of an economy. This does not mean that national regulations and policies do not play a pivotal role in the growth of the economic sector. But financial awareness on the individual part encourages people to invest in the development and growth of their country. Awareness makes youth feel confident about their decisions and actions which improves all over average money habits of a country. This in turn helps an economy not fall into adverse recession-like situations. An investment in a confident and well-informed economy gives the best returns.

Ever-changing Technological Advancements

With the technological advancements and ever-changing digital scenarios, no doubt there is a rise in complexities in monetary systems around the world. Financial literacy helps in tackling various problems by presenting convenient and sustainable solutions. This empowers youth to experiment with new technologies without the fear of disruption.

The employment of technology in financial sector has great benefits as well, such as enhanced security, rapid and convenient services. These benefits encourage young minds to explore and learn about the financial industry. This further help youngsters in

building confidence by incorporating a sense of budgeting responsibility.

Preparing for the future

Times will never be in our control. It’s always best to be prepared for the worst and be financially sufficient during the crisis. As students, we always prepare for our future in the four walls of campus oblivious of the various challenges that the outer world poses. The fundamental and technical factors affecting the general market goes beyond the pages of school books.

Financial education helps you to perceive and predict the many factors that can affect the value of your assets. So that you can safeguard your hardearned money before the monetary plight knocks your door. Not only lack of money management skills can trigger your financial stability but expose your earnings to fraudsters as well. Keeping a keen eye on spending and saving habits is perhaps a very small part of money management. Financial literacy not just gives you a brief about the factors affecting the value of your fiat, but rather presents the many possibilities of increasing the value of your assets as a whole. It is a crucial subject to be studied not just for wealth generation but for the proper administration of your fiat to avoid losses during imminent economic scenarios that are not in your control.

Good money habits reflect the overall status of an individual. The earlier it is practiced, the better decision-making power you inculcate. Financially literacy is not a chapter to be learned, it is a habit that empowers you to safeguard your hard-earned money and enhance the growth levels of the same in terms of value, to attain a secured future.

How to Connect the World’s Most Promising Talents to the Best-in-Class Education and Opportunities

Umaimah Mendhro, Founder and President, One League

Umaimah Mendhro, Founder of One League, has a BachelorsinSciencewithHighDistinctionfromCornellUniversity and an MBA from Harvard Business School where she was a Baker Scholar (Top 5% of Class). Umaimah is also the CEO of VIDA & Co, formerly backed by Google Ventures and Y Combinator, currently a multimillion dollar public benefit corporation. Umaimah has previously worked at Microsoft, McKinsey, and West where she led projects with companies including Twitter, Dropbox, and Square. Umaimah is a Venture Partner with Halogen VC and HOF Capital and the author of select Harvard Business Review case studies and Forbes Op-Ed pieces.InaconversationwithHigherEducationDigest,Umaimahtalksabouttheimportance of democratizing access to education, One League’s mission, plans and many more.

Higher education has a high demand across all demographic sectors of society. How can we make higher education available to all who want to participate in it?

By the year 2025, it is expected that over 250 million people will expect to enroll in higher education across the world (Stamenka UvalićTrumbić, former Chief of UNESCO’s Higher Education Section as quoted in “In Defense of a Liberal Education” by Fareed Zakaria). And according to a recent study at RMIT University in Melbourne, that number will more than double to 600 million by 2040. Our current higher education industry does not come close to meeting this exponential global demand - according to Fareed Zakaria, we would need more than 4 major universities, with a student capacity of 30,000 per campus,

to open every week for the next 15 years, to meet the current global demand. Making higher education more accessible requires more than opening up universities, however. The cost of education has been rising exponentially. Higher education is a $700B industry today and the cost of education has increased 1,400% in the past 40 years - five times the Consumer Price Index and more than twice the cost of healthcare (Source: “Post Corona: From Crisis to Opportunity,” Scott Gallaway). Moreover, less than 3% of the population that attends top tier universities comes from the bottom income quartile, whereas 73% comes from the top income quartile, with the average family income of students attending Ivy League Plus institutions exceeding $700,000 per year (“What a Ground-breaking Study

To rethink the entire system, we must disaggregate the services higher education institutions provide, removing costs such as research and development or on-campus facilities that may not be core prerequisites for providing education, thus reducing the financial burden of pursuing higher education for many learners

Tells us About Access, Success, and Mobility in Higher Ed,” by Stephen Burd).

In order to make higher education truly accessible to all demographic sectors of society, we need to rethink the entire structure and system of how we deliver and impart education.

The current system assumes that education must take place in a given, fixed period of time in a learners’ life, that the learner must be physically present to receive the education, that that education may not necessarily have immediate, practical use, while it may cost several multiples of the expected earning the learner may or may not receive.

To rethink the entire system, we must disaggregate the services higher education institutions provide, removing costs such as research and development or on-campus facilities that may not be core prerequisites for providing education, thus reducing the financial burden of pursuing higher education for many learners. The global pandemic showed us how even top-ranking, Ivy League institutions can deliver world-class education online. We witnessed top educational institutions utilizing digital platforms to render services and facilitate teaching and learning, bringing together talent from across the globe on commonly shared platforms, clearing the geographic, social, and financial barriers of accessing higher education. To make education truly accessible to a global population, barriers of geographies must be removed. Finally, education is a lifelong endeavor; our institutions must adjust to provide access to education in a way that fits the learners’ lives, rather than requiring learners to put their life on halt amidst many

important demands including earning a living, raising a family, caring for a loved one, or serving our communities.

What is missing from the regional universities across the world that is restricting students to live and work in an increasingly globalized world?

We live in an increasingly complex and interconnected world today. With COVID-19, we witnessed the global spread of a deadly virus within a matter of days and dramatic supply chain disruptions originating in one region halting essential supplies across the globe. Whether one is leading a business, a non-profit, a community or a nation, we are operating in an increasingly interdependent, global society.

Regional universities tend to expect global learners to leave their respective countries and attend these institutions in-person in order to access education. These universities end up developing and teaching learning methodologies, policies, culture, and ways of doing business that are anchored in that specific region, thus taking a global learner and training them in a regional context only. Our regional educational institutions are thus not set up - at least not by default - to train future global leaders on how to operate in an increasingly complex, interdependent world. Additionally, as a global society, we lose out as the best minds from a given emerging country are no longer working on the most formidable problems of that country or region.

It is difficult, if not impractical, to address the needs of a truly global population in a highly regional context. Classes tend to be made up of largely local, homogenous population and learners miss out on the opportunity of collaborating with and learning from colleagues from all across the world with diverse sets of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives that more accurately represent our global context.

Tell us more about the establishment of One League and its vision and mission.

One League is a global education institution with the mission to connect the world’s highest potential underserved change-makers to worldclass education and opportunities to realize global impact. The organization offers an Ivy League quality graduate-level education, via globally accessible live, synchronous online classes that learners can join from their

As a global society, we lose out as the best minds from a given emerging country are no longer working on the most formidable problems of that country or region

respective countries. The program features curriculum curated and licensed from some of the best, top-ranking institutions of the world in business management, data science, and entrepreneurship and more in the future.

The institution was established with the mission to democratize access to privilege and opportunity. We believe what we are able to do in our lives should be a measure of what we seek and work hard for, not how much money we’re born into. And that high-quality, world-class education, which in theory should

be the biggest equalizer of opportunity, must be made more accessible.

We also believe that an education from a top-tier institution provides much more than knowledge and learning - it gives one a vote of confidence and credibility, it provides access to a valuable network of influence, it provides access to job opportunities, to funding, it gives one a seat at the table.

One League’s mission is to create a new, much larger sphere of influence and bring more voices to the table, especially voices

that have remained unheard and that better represent our global society, such that we, as a global society, can benefit from all the human capital and potential in our world.

One League fellows may complete the required curriculum curated and inspired by Harvard Business School, offered in collaboration with Harvard Business Publishing, and then choose between a Data Science track offered in collaboration with MIT IDSS or an Entrepreneurship track offered in collaboration with Stanford Online. Each program is offered

in a modular model, such that learners can take each program in any order that best fits their needs, without requiring continuous enrollment in the program.

Each One League fellow is championed by a One League Global Mentor, the organization’s extensive coalition of industry executives and leaders who are all alumni of top-ranking global institutions. Finally, One League endeavors to provide extensive support for job placement and access to opportunities to seek venture funding to propel world-changing ideas.

We believe that an education from a top-tier institution provides much more than knowledge and learning - it gives one a vote of confidence and credibility, it provides access to a valuable network of influence, it provides access to job opportunities, to funding, it gives one a seat at the table

What projects or goals are you working on or leading currently? & What are the immediate plans of One League? How is the institute preparing to operate in the post-pandemic world?

At One League, the pandemic has taught us that world-class education can be delivered in a globally accessible way. In a post-pandemic world, we will continue to provide the top talent

of the world access to a world-class education within their contextual settings.

Our goal and mission is to increase the sphere of influence and give a voice to new leaders who want to create a positive impact in their local regions and across the world. We are working to build the platform to develop the next heads of states, founders and CEOs of the next billiondollar companies, and global leaders who bring about positive change for our world.

We enrolled our Master of Business Administration (MBA) cohort in January 2022 and have most recently welcomed our newest cohort for the MicroMasters in Statistics & Data Science (SDS) offered in collaboration with MIT Institute for Data, Systems, and Society.

We are now getting ready to welcome our third cohort for our Innovation & Entrepreneurship program, offered in collaboration with Stanford Online, which will commence in early 2023 and for which admissions are now open. We are particularly looking forward to welcome this new cohort of founders, entrepreneurs, and innovators from a wide breadth of disciplines and all parts of the world who are looking to build and scale meaningful solutions that address large-scale local and global needs.

Additionally, we continue to grow our One League Global Mentorship Board of industry leaders and executives, all highly successful individuals in their industries, who are giving back to emerging global talent by way of support, advice, and championship. And we continue to grow our incredible team of faculty and staff at One League, welcoming some of the most brilliant, humble, and incredible minds of the world that are highly dedicated, action-oriented idealists, fighting to democratize access to power, promise, and privilege.

NORTH AMERICAN COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES

Alberta School of Business Harrisburg University

Website: Location: Alberta, Canada

Keyperson: Kyle Murray, Dean

Admission:

Website:

Location: Pennsylvania, USA

Keyperson: Dr. Eric Darr, President

Admission:

https://www.ualberta.ca/business/index.html https://www.harrisburgu.edu/ https://www.ualberta.ca/business/programs/bachelorof-commerce/degrees/bcom/admissions.html

https://www.harrisburgu.edu/admissions/

Oklahoma State University

Methodist University

Website: Location: North Carolina, USA

Keyperson: Minnu Paul, Director of Global Education Admission:

Website: Location: Oklahoma, USA

https://www.methodist.edu/ https://go.okstate.edu/ https://www.methodist.edu/admissions-aid/apply/ https://gradcollege.okstate.edu/applicationprocess/index.html

Keyperson: Karen Chen, Vice President of Enrollment Admission:

San Diego State University

Sheridan College

Website: Location: California, USA

Keyperson: Dr. Cristina Alfaro, Associate Vice President for International Affairs

Admission:

Website:

Location: Toronto, Canada

Keyperson: Carol Altilia, Provost Admission:

https://www.sdsu.edu/ https://www.sheridancollege.ca/ https://admissions.sdsu.edu/apply?_ ga=2.125089098.1530801794.16714471872079476218.1668595807

https://www.sheridancollege.ca/admissions

University of Florida

Website: Location: Calgary, Canada

University of Calgary Vanier College Woodbury University

Keyperson: Ed McCauley, President and Vice-Chancellor Admission: Website: Location: Quebec, Canada

https://www.ucalgary.ca/future-students/ undergraduate/apply

Keyperson: Annie-Claude Banville, Academic Dean Admission:

https://www.vaniercollege.qc.ca/admissions/

Website: Location: Florida, USA Keyperson: W. Kent Fuchs, President Admission:

https://www.ufl.edu/

https://www.ufl.edu/admissions/

https://www.ucalgary.ca/ https://www.vaniercollege.qc.ca/ https://woodbury.edu/

Website: Location: California, USA

Keyperson: Dr. Barry Ryan, President Admission:

https://woodbury.edu/admissions/ undergraduate-admission/how-to-apply/

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Blackboard brings together the technologies and services you need to lead your institution through this digital transformation.

To learn more, visit blackboard.com

NORTH AMERICAN COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES

HARRISBURG UNIVERSITY

PREPARING TODAY’S MINDS FOR TOMORROW’S STEM CAREERS

Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is a private STEM-centered educational institute in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, founded in 2001. Commonly known as Harrisburg University (HU), the institute was started to address the need of Pennsylvania’s Capital Region for increased educational opportunities in applied science and technology-related fields. In 2005, HU was chartered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and later accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in 2009.

“Our vision at HU is to provide academic programs at undergraduate and graduate levels for a diversity of learners, using student-centered, technologically advanced, and experiential learning designs that emphasize student success, with a sharp focus on specific

Harrisburg University of Science and Technology was incorporated in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 2001, making it the first independent science and technology-focused, non-profit, university to be established in Pennsylvania in more than 100 years.

interdisciplinary competencies and strong linkages to career development,” reveals Dr. Eric Darr, President at HU.

What Makes HU the Preferred Destination for STEM Education?

HU provides an exceptional and affordable STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education for diverse student learners. By integrating experiential learning with business mentors and internships, HU educates career-minded individuals in nationally critical STEM careers, preparing them to succeed in the 21st-century knowledge-based economy.

With nearly 7,000 students from 102 countries, HU truly stands upon the pillars of progressiveness,

The goal of learning at HU is for students to obtain the relevant knowledge, competence, and experiences to best be prepared for an enriching career.

excellence, and diversity. Thanks to these attributes, HU was recently named the #1 STEM University in the U.S. for the fourth consecutive year by Corporate Live Wire.

A Talented Team of Professors & Corporate Faculty

HU has a team of expert professionals with a wealth of knowledge and skills in their respective fields. They are known for playing multifaceted roles of researchers, authors, inventors, and questioners of what’s known and what could be.

The HU faculty also actively find and construct meaningful academic and research programs in science and technology for their students that respond to local and global market needs. Students, in turn, develop critical thinking, analytical reasoning, creativity, strong communication skills, innovative mindset, and intellectual curiosity necessary for a successful STEM career.

Innovative & Experiential Learning Based Curriculum

A culture of inquiry and innovation being its mantra, HU’s experiential learning program and research give students the ability to contribute and help discover breakthroughs. This is because, unlike most schools, graduates and undergraduates at HU must tackle at least one experiential learning course and a hands-on applied project in their field before they graduate. Undergraduates must also complete an internship before earning their degrees.

As a result, HU’s graduates compete on a level playing field with seasoned jobapplicants

Dr. Eric Darr, President, HU

because they have hands-on experience and deep subject expertise that employers look for in their future employees.

Encouraging & Supporting Student Entrepreneurship

HU’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) allows students to innovate and flesh out their innovative business ideas and projects that touch and change lives. One of the most popular programs of the CIE is the launchU “Shark Tank” style competition that allows students and others to showcase and get their great business ideas off the ground.

Likewise, HU is home to numerous centers and institutes that allow its students to conduct ground-breaking research while providing experiential opportunities for students across a

broad range of interests, issues, and industries. Moreover, students and faculty work alongside government organizations and businesses to find solutions to real-world problems.

A Center For Ground-Breaking Research

Since the beginning, HU has been a center for powerful research where imagination and science merge to incubate ideas and perform life-changing breakthroughs. Whether it involves the development of an early-stage dementia detection tool, breaking down the cause of addictive behaviors, or the discovery of a previously unknown meteor strike and dinosaur species, HU encourages professors to harness their passions and team up with students to launch

HU offers a well-rounded education and significant careeroriented components so that students can graduate with experiences that make them more prepared and competitive in their career and life.

breakthrough research projects that are changing the world around us. Owing to this, research at HU leads to new technologies, commercial products, processes, intellectual properties, and a lot more.

Extensive Scholarship Programs

“At HU, we pride ourselves on providing students from historically underserved communities from around the world with an unmatched affordable private college education focused on the STEM fields,” shares HU’s President, Dr. Eric Darr. The University offers one of the lowest private university tuitions in the entire state of Pennsylvania. But offering an affordable price is only part of what HU does to make attending college financially attractive.

In addition, HU also offers merit scholarships up to full tuition and need-based grants up to full tuition, privately funded scholarships, low-interest loans, and workstudy opportunities that allow students to earn money while they attend college.

A Lively Campus Thriving with Opportunities

The HU campus is located in the heart of the beautiful capital city of Pennsylvania. From vast dining options to diverse and exciting entertainment venues, including theatres, museums, and

professional sports fields, the HU campus is thriving with numerous opportunities for internships, jobs, housing, and entertainment just waiting to be explored. The campus houses a state-of-the-art academic center, along with a second downtown education tower, which is expected to be completed by January of 2023.

Besides its culturally diverse and vibrant community, HU also provides high-quality, affordable undergraduate student housing and residence life services through its partners. Moreover, students are encouraged to get involved in organizations, clubs, interest groups, and sports groups to build skills that can be used in the long run. If students do not see anything of interest in the current groups on campus, they can take the initiative to start a new group on campus too. Concerning extra-curricular activities, HU hosts a wide variety of music concerts, lectures, workshops, summits, and more. As a result, students from around the globe come to HU to broaden their knowledge, expand their horizons, explore the unknown, nurture their ideas, and grow into leaders.

International Student Testimonials

Rishabh Agarwal from New Delhi, India, chose to pursue an M.S in Computer Information Sciences from HU because of its strong computer science graduate program designed per the current industry standards. The program gave him hands-on experience with various technologies that further helped him to grow in his job. He, therefore, highly recommends HU to those who want to learn and stand out from the crowd.

Another student, Manisha Anugu, said she chose to pursue her graduate degree at HU because of its wide range of programs and also

because HU offers online classes. Pushpinder Miglani from New Delhi, India, who graduated in December 2020, recommends HU because of the great faculty and very nice campus.

Overcoming the Pandemic Times

Since many courses in the STEM fields include lab or field classes, the professors converted experiential learning, a key component of HU education experience, to virtual experiences at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, HU was already delivering its graduate programs in a hybrid format, so the transition from classroom to online classes was smooth. Moreover, HU’s student services introduced a Virtual Student Union (VSU) portal where students could find resources and services and raise academic queries online.

As far as international student mobility is concerned, under the continuing but temporary federal guidelines, students still need to be monitored (e.g., attendance taken and verified), show academic progress (through their work), and maintain their full-time course load. An international student studying at HU will maintain their visa status and be allowed to remain in the US to study and work if the student continues to attend and fully participate in classes.

Forthcoming Plans

In the post-pandemic world, HU will continue to function as the best STEM university in the U.S. Right from harnessing the University’s 3D printers to conducting research, lending expertise, facilities, and more, HU will remain committed to its core educational mission and aspires to become a world-class university in the future.

Play is Universal, Long Live Play

Dr. Darren Mundy, Interim Dean, Faculty of Arts, Cultures and Education, University of Hull, the U.K.

Dr. Mundy’s research primarily focuses around information security (with a particular emphasis on privacy protecting technologies), e-government, and educational technologies. He has managed a 19 partner EU Lifelong Learning funded research project titled ‘Euroversity’ between 2011-2014 and has been involved in a number of externally funded innovation projects focused around the innovative use of information technologies and digital media to support business services. He has more than 45 published articles and has also supervised several postgraduate students through to successful completion of studies at the University of Hull.

The range of platforms available for game production invites companies in the game industry to create a range of innovative solutions, with different game genres working more effectively on particular devices

PWC expect the size of the global video games market to reach US$321.1bn by 2026 (‘Global Entertainment & Media Outlook Perspectives Report’, 2022). This growth in size being driven by the diffusion of video games across multiple platforms from mobile devices, through web-based gaming to traditional PC and video game console based products. In India, similar to global markets, the diversity of video

game players and individuals involved in the games market continues to be a key element of this change with an exponential growth in female games players (‘Women gamers’ community in India has grown exponentially during the pandemic’, 2021). Games industry organisations continue to value broadening the make-up of both their development teams and the locations of the world in which they place or source their products from, to better enable this strong growth to continue.

Traditional skills such as 2D and 3D visual design and animation are substantial key components needed to create games for the industry, but these can be found alongside creative writing, sound design and visual effects specialists

Understanding the Games Market

From a historical context it is difficult to conceive that this multi-billion dollar industry has routes in a battle between two spaceships and the batting of a virtual ball between sides of a piece of visual science equipment, an osciloscope. These historical routes though, coupled with the range of game genres introduced towards the end of the 20th century, form the basis from which many of our high performing games of today are constructed. Whilst the market remains strong for online multiplayer Battle Royale or equivalent games, there has also been growth in games designed to promote exploration, mindfulness and interactive storytelling purposes. The range of platforms available for game production invites companies in the game industry to create a range of innovative solutions, with different game genres working more effectively on particular devices. For example, games in the puzzle based genre now form a significant amount of the revenue generated in the mobile market. In addition, the diversity and expectations of players also differs dependent on the development platform. For example, with a younger game player market found on the Nintendo suite of products.

Training for the Games Market

As the Video Games market continues to grow the demand for specialists in different areas of game design production continues to increase. A key element of choosing a specific course in the area of Game Design is the development of skills within platforms such as Unity (unity.com) or The UNREAL engine (www.unrealengine.com).

The development of knowledge within these environments exposes students to the multiplicity of skills needed to create small scale independent through to AAA games. In general, courses designed to produce graduates for the video game industry align either to games programming or align to digital design related areas of focus – the inclusion of games development platformbased knowledge enables students to connect together their science and/or arts based skillsets to produce material for their individual portfolios.

From an arts perspective, there are a range of skills required within the video games market. Traditional skills such as 2D and 3D visual design and animation are substantial key components needed to create games for the industry, but these can be found alongside creative writing, sound design and visual effects specialists.

Students can move directly into the Games Industry on completion of their Bachelor’s degree. Alternatively, students can develop further specialised creative or technical skillsets by undertaking a Master’s programme, for example in an area such as immersive design (for a focus on the development of Virtual or Mixed reality games) or games programming.

Courses offering the potential for a placement year, live projects and/or short internship within games related employment, can help students to link study through to the professional context. In addition courses which offer a range of opportunities to develop a level of multidisciplinary understanding can also

help students to recognise and understand the wider value of colleagues in professional game design teams.

Career Opportunities

With the continuing rise in size of the video game market, career opportunities for skilled graduates continue to be substantial. Whilst the aim of many students entering Game Design educational courses is to work for a company such as Activison Blizzard (https://www.activisionblizzard.com/), Nintendo (www.nintendo.com) or Rockstar (www.rockstargames.com), opportunities for graduates with skills in this area are required across multiple industries.

The rise of games for serious purposes create the potential for students of games design degree programmes to utilise their skillsets to support the development of a plethora of products such as those for virtual reality training products, games for branding or marketing purposes, and architectural design visualisation.

Whichever route taken the level of satisfaction gained from creating materials which can be used to enrich lives and increase the enjoyment of others is a positive outcome. Becoming a specialist in the area of Game Design is an exciting career route for many students from all backgrounds, with it being increasingly important that companies employing individuals with game design skills embrace the need for greater diversity in the production environment to match the continuing diversification of the player base.

NORTH AMERICAN COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES

METHODIST UNIVERSITY

CREATING THE WORKFORCE OF TOMORROW

Today, education is one of the fundamental factors in an individual’s overall growth and development. Quality education delivery within a stimulating environment should be able to enrich one’s understanding of themselves and the community. Ultimately, the skill and knowledge acquired will propel the individual’s productivity, well-being, creativity, and employability, which will help their communities and the world thrive while embracing diversity.

Helping unleash the full potential of an individual’s mind is what Methodist University, incepted in 1956 by the community of Fayetteville, N.C., envisioned when it brought a private, liberal arts college to the city. “While historically supported by the United Methodist Church, the university is committed to an ecumenical spirit that respects diversity and recognizes the dignity and worth of all human beings. In fact, MU is ranked the most diverse university in the entire state of North Carolina and the Top 50s in the United States for

Methodist University’s more than 80 academic programs live under three different colleges: College of Arts, Humanities & Sciences, College of Business, Technology & Professional Studies, and College of Health Sciences & Human Services.

ABOUT

MINNU PAUL

DIRECTOR

OF GLOBAL EDUCATION AT METHODIST UNIVERSITY

Minnu Paul’s growth in education and career has taken her to India, the United States, and the United Kingdom while paving a unique path in change management and organizational development. Presently, Paul is the Director of Global Education at Methodist University, overseeing international student admissions, scholar services, and education abroad. In her current role since April 2021, Paul’s goal has been to develop effective solutions for any needs an international student may have. She has customized and applied project management techniques to drive efficiency and develop various projects in international admissions and retention. Paul’s vision is to grow an engaged campus where all students can develop to become global leaders while confidently pursuing their careers in the U.S. or anywhere in the world.

diversity,” says Minnu Paul, Director of Global Education at Methodist University. In addition, MU is located in a thriving urban city just 1.5 hours west of the beautiful beaches of the North Carolina coastline and just a few hours east of the Appalachian Mountain Range. A city atmosphere centered between mountains and the ocean is a perfect location that international students appreciate.

Methodist offers more than 80 types of undergraduate and graduate programs, from STEM fields to traditional majors. Other popular programs include business, chemistry, biology, and health care administration. The

university is also home to two unique programs, the Professional Golf Management and Tennis Management programs. These nationally recognized programs prepare students for careers in their respective fields. Lucrative internships and career opportunities abound for these students. Both fields have a nearly 100% job placement rate.

Striving to deliver quality education in tandem with inculcating values, Methodist University is currently home to students from more than 50 countries and six continents. In its entire tenure as one of the leading institutions in North Carolina, the university’s students

have represented well over 150 countries. Paul adds, “Of our 1,500 undergraduate students, we have more than 90 international students on campus. That is quite a high percentage of international students for a campus our size. Our current international students come from 54 different countries, and there is an outstanding balance of representation from all continents except Antarctica!”

Some of the common and/or multi-milliondollar facilities utilized by the students of MU include the Global Education Office (GEO), the McLean Health Sciences Building, the Reeves School of Business, the Berns Student Center, and the Matthews Ministry Center.

Providing a Comprehensive Suite of Offerings

Elaborating on the school’s offerings, Paul delves deeper into MU’s Global Education Office. This department has a dedicated staff comprising of former international students who possess the inner knowledge of the strengths and shortcomings that international students may encounter. The strategic plans are heavily customized to support international students’ unique social development needs. The President and the senior administration are very committed to global citizenship and believe in international education. This augments the support given to all departments to create a global culture. The

The University campus features over 50 buildings, 17 residence halls, state-of-the-art academic buildings, a renowned art gallery, an amphitheater, a new Green & Gold dining hall, Chick-Fil-A, Starbucks, 18-hole golf course, football/track/ lacrosse facility, baseball and softball fields, tennis courts, outdoor volleyball, and indoor and outdoor basketball court.

university has multiple staff and faculty from different countries. “Non-international staff and people in the Fayetteville community are welcoming and supportive of international students. They donate in kind, monetarily, they pick up students from the airport, and they provide a home away from home in various ways,” explains Paul. Additionally, the school campus is equipped with an award-winning Student Engagement Department. The role of this department’s staff members is to provide new, exciting, and meaningful social opportunities to the students. Activities begin before classes even commence and continue throughout the year. Events are led by both students and staff. “We have an active Student Government Association on campus, more than 100 clubs and organizations providing outlets for passion and creativity, and a Housing and Residence Life team offering additional programs to our students. All are very popular among international students,” reveals Paul. Interestingly, MU has 20 intercollegiate sports (and several on-campus intramural sports) for both men and women – including soccer, tennis, golf, American football, baseball, volleyball, track, and more. The college takes pride in having won nearly 40 national championships.

Helping Dreams Come to Realization

Moreover, the college boasts of a degree program specifically designed and developed for entrepreneurship on campus in the Reeves School of Business. These students often combine that degree with others from the School of Business, preparing them to pursue

The Global Education Office at Methodist University gathers students from around the world and provides them with the opportunity to receive an education at a private, liberal arts college in the United States.

and achieve their dreams of being business owners in the field that inspires them. Yet another novel offering is the college’s Academic & Career Advising Center. This campus department provides students with a ‘one stop’ shop experience where they can go to one place for all their academic advising, career/internship guidance, and financial aid information. Students pair with their academic advisor for the duration of their time at Methodist University, allowing for a deep understanding of the student’s needs and goals. All academic and career advisors are trained to support international students as they have unique needs and employment regulations during college and after graduation.

Nurturing Creativity and Productivity

Research is another essential component in ensuring student development and success. It helps students discuss and disseminate knowledge with an openness to accepting new ideas. Keeping this in mind, MU’s Research & Creativity Symposium is very popular, challenging and rewarding, and open to all majors and academic programs, which are student-initiated and facultysupervised. Many student-seminar projects are turned into publishable materials, or the university applies the research to the university operations. Several majors/areas of study have senior seminars that have independent projects. This is in addition to student art shows and projects.

Encouraging Students through Financial Aid

Methodist University is committed to empowering its students by helping them achieve their academic and career goals by eliminating the financial barrier. The university offers merit-based scholarships based on academic achievement. All international students are automatically considered for scholarships in their admission applications. In

conjunction with this, MU offers a competitive on-campus employment program that allows students to work meaningful jobs on campus without requiring immigration authorization. Paul proclaims, “Our international students have an 85% job placement rate within three months of graduation compared to 62% as the national average. A recent national study on more than 2000 colleges published by The New York Times showed that Methodist University

Methodist University is a diverse institution that prides itself on welcoming international students to expand their education.

ranked in the top 16% nationally for overall economic mobility. The index looks at the likelihood that graduates move up two or more income quintiles. This shows that students who attend MU will graduate with the highest levels of opportunity for personal and professional growth.”

Equipped for the Pandemic

Methodist University has always steered clear of conventional passive learning approaches and was highly equipped when the coronavirus pandemic hit. Most colleges were found to be poorly prepared to battle the COVID-19 outbreak. Since MU has its own dedicated Health Center and Health Services staff on campus, the team at MU was able to closely

monitor the disease daily and contain cases before the virus spread across campus. At no instance did MU have to cancel its coursework or close its doors to its students and faculty as opposed to the hundreds of campuses across the U.S. that had to. MU seamlessly moved to online learning for short periods as a precaution when necessary. Online learning even allowed international students to begin their studies from their home country and arrive at Methodist University once travel restrictions were lifted.

At the end of the semester, the university provided meals, housing, and employment for students who could not return home. “Unlike the vast majority of universities across the country, Methodist University maintained a

sense of normalcy on its campus during even the most difficult times during the COVID-19 pandemic,” elucidates Paul.

As the pandemic evolved, so did MU and its approach to this crisis. After COVID-19, attaining student visas was difficult and has been a focus for Methodist University. In such situations, the university’s Board of Trustees used their contacts to connect with U.S. senators who could plead the students’ case with the respective embassies. Paul signs off, “Thanks to the effective leadership on campus, Methodist University has maintained in-person classes throughout the pandemic. We have resumed and increased our normal operations, activities, events, and opportunities for students and faculty/staff.”

The Importance of Marketing Education in Marketing and Entrepreneurship

Luma Batshoun, Sales Manager at Perfect Purity for the Middle East Region, Egypt & Turkey.

LumaBatshounistheSalesManageratPerfectPurityfortheMiddle East Region, Egypt & Turkey. She has been in the US publishing industry for over 11 years on the sunny beach of California, Los Angeles, USA. Luma worked as a Business Development Manager, where she developed a professional path through managing clients, planning, and executing sales. She has worked extensively with leading global providers in the US and across other countries that give comprehensive services to publishers and other related sectors. Luma holds a degree and has a master’s degree in Business Strategic Management.

Marketing education involves learning about the various components of marketing, including the market and the customers, the product, the competition, and a host of other elements that can help a business thrive

It is essential for any business to have a strong marketing strategy in place. Without a solid marketing plan, it becomes nearly impossible for a business to grow and thrive. Marketing plays an important role in helping businesses succeed by getting their products in front of potential customers and increasing brand recognition. Thus, it is essential that future marketers understand the importance of marketing education at every stage of their career. Let’s take a look at why you need marketing education no matter what stage of your career you’re in as a marketer or an entrepreneur.

What does marketing education entail?

Marketing education involves learning about the various components of marketing, including the market and the customers, the product, the

competition, and a host of other elements that can help a business thrive. Marketing education can include classes, internships, and even self-study in order to acquire the necessary skills to become a successful marketer. Marketing education covers a wide range of topics, including economics, finance, statistics, data analysis, psychology, and sociology. Additionally, marketing education covers skills such as communication, strategic thinking, creativity, and business ethics. All in all, marketing education helps marketers gain the knowledge and skills they need to understand and create a marketing strategy for their business.

Why is Marketing Education Important?

Marketing education teaches marketers the skills they need to bring customers to their product or service. Marketing educations teaches

marketers how to understand their market, their customers, and the competition. Furthermore, marketing education provides marketers with the skills necessary to create and implement a marketing strategy. Marketing education also provides marketers with many of the soft skills they need to succeed in the workforce, such as critical thinking, creativity, and excellent communication skills. These skills are essential for marketers to thrive in their careers.

So, Why is Marketing Education Important for Entrepreneurs?

Marketing education is crucial for entrepreneurs because it allows them to understand the importance of marketing in their business. As an entrepreneur, you need to understand the importance of marketing for your business because without it, it becomes very difficult for you to bring your product to market and get it off the ground. In fact, without marketing, it becomes very difficult for you to generate revenue. This is why marketing education is so critical for entrepreneurs. Furthermore, marketing education teaches entrepreneurs the basics of marketing strategy. This knowledge is crucial for entrepreneurs to understand the importance of building a strong marketing strategy to help their business thrive. Without a strong marketing strategy, it becomes very difficult for entrepreneurs to reach their target market.

How Can Marketing Education Help Marketers?

Marketing education helps marketers in numerous ways. First, marketing education helps marketers understand their role in the marketing mix. The

marketing mix is made up of the four Ps, which are product, place, price, and promotion. These four Ps make up the essential components of any marketing strategy. Marketing education helps marketers understand their role in the marketing mix. Next, marketing education helps marketers understand the customers they are targeting. Marketers need to understand the customers that they are targeting and what their needs are in order for them to create a product or service that meets these needs. This way, marketers can create a product that customers want and need. Marketing education also helps marketers understand their competition. Marketers need to understand their competition in order to create a product that is different from their competitors and has a strategic advantage. This way, marketers can create a product that stands out from their competitors and appeals to the customers.

Conclusion

Marketing education is an essential part of any business strategy. It helps marketers gain an understanding of the various components of marketing, including the market and the customers, the product, the competition, and more. Marketing education provides marketers with the skills they need to create and implement a marketing strategy. Furthermore, marketing education helps marketers understand the importance of marketing for their business and helps entrepreneurs understand the basics of marketing strategy. All in all, marketing education is an important part of any business strategy.

NORTH AMERICAN COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES

OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY

CULTIVATING SUCCESSFUL LEADERS, RESEARCHERS AND PROFESSIONAL SCHOLARS

Oklahoma State University (OSU) is a modern land-grant system that cuts across disciplines to better prepare students for success. Known as America’s Brightest Orange, OSU is also the only university with a state-wide presence aimed at improving the lives of people in Oklahoma, the nation, and the world through integrated, high-quality teaching, research, and outreach. There are more than 36,000 students across its five-campus system and more than 24,000 on its Stillwater campus, with students from all 50 states and 118 nations.

OSU was founded in 1890 under the Morrill Act as Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College with a mission to make college education more accessible. OSU has since grown through its traditions and culture to become one of America’s premier landgrant universities. OSU has been rated as one of the top 100 public schools by U.S. New and World Report

Located in Stillwater, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University is a modern land-grant university dedicated to improving the lives of people in Oklahoma, the nation, and the world through integrated, high-quality teaching, research, and outreach.

OSU has more than 37,000 students across its five-campus system and more than 25,000 on its combined Stillwater and Tulsa campuses, with students from all 50 states and around 120 nations.

and awarded the 5-Star University rating by QS Stars. In 2021, Times Higher Education ranked OSU No. 3 in the U.S. and No. 63 globally for its contributions to the United Nations Sustainability Goals.

A Vibrant, Close-knit Community Welcoming International Students with Open Arms

From the moment students arrive on OSU’s campus, they are welcomed into the Cowboy family and supported inside and outside the classroom. Here, differences are celebrated, and

Chen, Vice President of Enrollment

everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Moreover, state-of-the-art facilities such as Endeavor Lab, which provides engineering and science students access to cutting-edge tools and unique interdisciplinary projects; the Unmanned Systems Research Institute (USRI), which provides students research opportunities with emerging drone technology and more;

the Ray and Linda Booker OSU Flight Center, which offers professional pilot students access to superior flight training and advanced simulator technology; and The McKnight Center for the Performing Arts and the Greenwood School of Music, which recently secured a three-year performance and masterclass agreement with the New York Philharmonic, are just a few of the facilities that attract students from across

Karen

the globe. Besides, Stillwater consistently ranks as one of the nation’s most beautiful campuses with a low cost of living and high quality of life, making it a desired higher educational destination among international students. Today, nearly 10% of OSU’s overall enrollment consists of international students.

Extensive Range of Academic Programs

At OSU, seven academic colleges, a veterinary school, and an osteopathic medical school offer

200 undergraduate majors and options, 79 master’s programs, and 45 doctoral programs. The most popular academic programs among international students are engineering, business, computer science, hospitality and tourism management, and robotics and mechatronics.

Leadership Making History

In April of 2021, Dr. Kayse Shrum was named the 19th president of OSU. She is the first woman to lead a public research institution in Oklahoma

OSU is a place where Olympic gold medalists and NCAA champions pass each other in the halls. From the basketball floor at historic GallagherIba Arena, which first opened in 1938, to the football field at Boone Pickens Stadium, OSU boasts an unrivaled atmosphere of Cowboy camaraderie.

and the first woman to lead the OSU system. Through its land-grant mission, OSU serves as an inclusive learning, teaching, and outreach institution at its campuses in Stillwater, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and Okmulgee, and its Extension offices across the state.

An Expert Team of Faculty

The faculty members at OSU are awardwinning instructors who are known for developing talented students into successful leaders, researchers, and professional scholars. They are at the forefront of research and remain fully committed to enhancing the student experience.

In turn, OSU provides numerous services and resources for its faculty and staff, which are integral to fulfilling its land-grant mission. By creating an environment that encourages wellness, community, diversity, and integrity, OSU’s faculty and staff can continually develop their skills — personally and professionally.

World-Class Research Aimed at Improving Lives & Strengthening Communities

Research at OSU, a Carnegie R1 research university, is relevant, accessible, and beneficial — whether it’s exploring basic scientific questions or applied concepts that directly impact lives. From storm-chasing drones to disease-fighting medicines, OSU connects students to a world of cutting-edge research with top-rated faculty, resources, and facilities. Moreover, OSU’s research addresses society’s most pressing challenges and improves the quality of life for all.

With world-class research institutes, such as the Oklahoma Aerospace Institute for Research and Education, the Unmanned Systems Research Institute, the CounterUAS Center of Excellence, and the Hamm Institute for American Energy, OSU is uniquely positioned to advance critical research and gives students unrivaled research opportunities — even as freshmen.

Cowboy Innovations Connecting OSU with the Industry

OSU’s Cowboy Innovations acts as a liaison between industry and the university to form mutually beneficial research and development collaborations. Bright Orange Ventures offers end-to-end technology-based startup company incubation and business acceleration services to translate OSU and OSU-affiliated inventions

OSU offers many Living Learning Programs (LLPs) and special interest housing options on campus. LLPs provide a great opportunity to live with others who share your interests or your classes.

to a market that meets customer needs. This program assists OSU and OSU-affiliated invention-based teams to secure commercial grant funding, such as America’s Seed Funds, to help progress inventions to market. Brightest Orange Ventures also provides investment into commercially viable OSU and OSU-affiliated technology-based startups and OSU internal projects with strong commercial teams.

There is also a Cowboy Innovations Mentor Network which provides OSU innovators access to experienced technology-based business professionals to increase the successful commercialization of innovations and make a significant impact at various stages of research

and development from proof of concept through prototyping and market launch through existing company license or newly formed startup. A few recent Brightest Orange `Ventures: Plasma Bionics, LLC, Roll-2-Roll Technologies, LLC, and Weaver Labs, LLC.

Making Exceptional Education Affordable to Students through Scholarships

International student scholarships are a priority, and OSU offers scholarships in varying amounts — from $4,000 to $10,000 per academic year — to qualified international undergraduate students. International students are automatically considered for scholarships by submitting a completed application for admission. Moreover, international students who graduate from an Oklahoma high school are eligible for a full out-of-state tuition waiver to reduce their tuition and fees to in-state rates.

Student Life on Campus

Being a part of OSU is about more than receiving a world-class education. It’s also about the activities students get to be involved with, the traditions they partake in, the people they meet, and the memories they make for life. With over 500 student clubs and organizations, students have an extraordinary range of opportunities to engage and network at OSU. They can become a part of Greek life, diverse student associations, dozens of intramural sports, and hundreds of individual clubs.

Another significant part of the student experience is discovering the rich traditions and learning about the campus culture, celebrations, and fun that make OSU

unique, such as America’s greatest Homecoming Celebration and Athletics Game Day Experience.

Tackling the COVID-19 Pandemic Challenges

At the onset of the pandemic, OSU leadership quickly found innovative ways to ensure a seamless transition from an in-person to a fully online learning environment. The university formed a separate COVID-19 Pandemic Response Team, which met weekly to navigate the rapidly changing landscape of the pandemic. The team also monitored guidance from the CDC and state and local health authorities and used a variety of data points and metrics so that the OSU campus could remain nimble in its response. Speaking about international student mobility after the COVID-19 pandemic, Karen Chen, Vice President of Enrollment, said, “We have observed a significant increase in international students from the previous year. The Office of Undergraduate Admissions, the School of Global Studies and Partnerships, and many other areas at OSU are working to ensure international students have a smooth transition to campus and the support to succeed.”

Roadmap for the Future

OSU President Kayse Shrum recently unveiled a visionary new strategy to become the nation’s preeminent land-grant university through teaching, research, and service. This strategy focuses on ensuring more students have access to affordable education and enriched experience at OSU. Going forward, the entire OSU community will be working toward bringing this visionary strategy to life and taking OSU to new heights of academic and research excellence.

The Path to Being a Doctor in the USA (and/or Canada)

Mamta Purbey, Executive Director, Manipal’s American University of Antigua

Mamta Purbey, Bachelors in Education, MBA in Marketing & Human Resources, MBA in Healthcare, is the Executive Director of Enrolment Management, Manipal’s American University of Antigua College of Medicine (www.auamed.org). A seasoned professional with several decades of experience in higher education in India, US, UK, Canada and other countries, guiding prospective students to choose the right path to fulfil their dreams of becoming successful medical professionals.

When it comes to medicine, every country has its own regulations and guidelines. The health ecosystem in most countries is created and nurtured to ensure that the best health practices are followed in the country. All the aspects that are required to maintain a strong health index are taken into consideration by the respective bodies before laying out the regulations & guidelines for the medical ecosystem in that country.

Factors like physician supply, doctor-patient ratio, capacity building, patient centredness, quality control etc. prove to be very critical in creating a strong health-care system in a country. Right from the step of issuing selection guidelines to the medical schools to entrance & exit exams at multiple stages, the governing and regulatory bodies take steps at every stage of

medical education to ensure that only qualified, ethical and motivated individuals become doctors in their country.

In USA, a medical/MD degree is considered extremely prestigious and rightly so. A student needs to undergo multiple steps, pass rigorous curriculum and clear entrance test like MCAT and successfully pass licensure exams (USMLE Step 1 and Step 2) to be able to successfully achieve the MD degree.

To become a doctor in the USA/Canada, a student needs to first complete a 4 year undergraduate program post her/his 12th grade or high school. This stage is called pre-medical and usually, students can do this 4 year program in any discipline of choice. A student needs to complete this UG degree and clear the MCAT exam before s/he actually joins a medical school. The MCAT is

a multiple-choice examination that students must

A student needs to undergo multiple steps, pass rigorous curriculum and clear entrance test like MCAT and successfully pass licensure exams (USMLE Step 1 and Step 2) to be able to successfully achieve the MD degree

pass before they are admitted to medical school. Physical science, biology, critical thinking, and verbal skills are all tested in a computerized test. This test plays an important role in the selection of a medical school in the USA/Canada.

Once a student enters a medical school, they spend another 4-5 years in a medical school which would include their pre-clinicals and clinicals.

Once the student is done with clinical rotations and graduates from the medical school, s/he applies for residency. Students submit applications through the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP). During residency placement, the doctor learns the practice of medicine under the supervision and tutelage of a fully licensed doctor (commonly known as Attending Physician).

Depending on the specialisation they opt for, many doctors complete their residency programs in 3 to 7 years.

Alternately, to become a doctor in the US/ Canada, students can also take the Caribbean medical college route where they can choose a reputed and recognized medical school in the Caribbean and do their 2 year pre-med program,

the student 2 years and hence, they can complete their pre-med to MD program including clinical rotations in about 6.5 years.

However, while choosing a Caribbean medical school, it’s very important to check the recognitions and accreditations. Only schools that are recognized by CAAM-HP and accredited by US Dept of Education, New York State Education Department and other US & Canada medical education related departments/bodies should be chosen to ensure a smooth transition into USA / Canada.

Overall, a student spends about 7-12 years after the completion of the undergraduate (premedical) degree to finally become a practising doctor in the USA if he is able to successfully clear every step without any delays. The process to be a practising doctor in Canada is quite similar to that of USA. One of the differences is that the graduates go through CaRMS instead of NRMP.

study 2 years of pre-clinicals and then pursue their clinicals in the USA/Canada. Some prominent medical schools in Caribbean like Manipal’s American University of Antigua also include USMLE training in the curriculum and a separate semester is dedicated for the same. In this route the student undergoes a 2 year pre-med program before they enrol in the medical school. This saves

Some of the top career paths for doctors in the US include Internal Medicine, Family Practice, Psychiatry, Paediatrics, Gynaecologists, Anaesthesiologists, Surgeons, etc. As per the Bureau of Labour Statistics, the job of a doctor is among the highest paying professions in the US. In fact, the Bureau also reports that doctors account for 45 percent of the 20 highest-paying jobs in the country. Average salaries easily surpass six figures, with some surgeons and physicians able to command annual salaries greater than $400,000.

However, it is equally challenging and requires patience and determination. Overall, a student needs to be prepared for a long and sustained journey of about 10-15 years to be a practising doctor in the US/Canada. This is right from pre-med to the completion of residency and full licensure.

Some of the top career paths for doctors in the US include Internal Medicine, Family Practice, Psychiatry, Paediatrics, Gynaecologists, Anaesthesiologists, Surgeons, etc

NORTH AMERICAN COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES

SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY

HONING AND PROPAGATING EXEMPLARY RESEARCH SKILLS

ith a history of over 125 years, San Diego State University has grown to become a leading public research university. SDSU is a federally-designated Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI). Each year, SDSU provides its highly diverse population of more than 36,000 students opportunities to participate in an academic curriculum distinguished by direct contact with faculty, and an international emphasis that prepares them for a global future. SDSU’s mission is to provide researchoriented, high-quality education for undergraduate and graduate students and to contribute to solving problems through excellence and distinction in teaching, research and service. The university pursues its mission through its many diverse departments and interdisciplinary programs in the creative and performing arts, the humanities, the sciences, social and behavioral sciences as well as in disciplines such as business, nursing and public health.

Each year, SDSU provides more than 36,000 students with the opportunity to participate in an academic curriculum distinguished by direct contact with faculty and an international emphasis that prepares them for a global future.

“Education is our foundation, but culture is our difference. SDSU is fostering a space and experience as dynamic as our individuals. The diversity of our global community strengthens this university,” shares Dr. Cristina Alfaro, associate vice president for International Affairs at SDSU.

With more than 300 student organizations on campus, there is a unique space for every student with an unmatched liveliness that can’t be found anywhere else. There is a

Chrsitina Alfaro

palpable buzz of energy in and outside the classroom. Whether it’s going to a concert at one of the venues on campus or cheering on Division 1 athletic teams, SDSU is alive with possibilities.

The San Diego location is unbeatable. America’s Finest City borders the Pacific Ocean and Mexico and is recognized globally as a dynamic international hub. Known for its ideal climate, San Diego has miles of sandy beaches and a wide range of things to see and do. SDSU’s

campus is within a 15-minute drive of downtown San Diego, the ocean and the mountains.

Looking Beyond the Cultural Wall

SDSU has a one-of-a-kind college-specific support model that ensures international students are advised and supported with their unique immigration requirements in mind through their academic program. International student advisors work closely with academic advisors in coordination to ensure international students are given the maximum amount of accessibility to options and experiences sometimes overlooked in other institutions. This support model promotes a sense of community and belonging for SDSU’s international students.

The International Student Center at SDSU, located in the International Affairs Complex in San Diego, offers walk-in and virtual office hours to support international student success, immigration compliance and belonging. The international student community is diverse, representing more than 98 countries. There are 1,201 undergraduates and 764 graduate international students. International students are celebrated in the annual International Peace Village, one of many programs highlighting the impact of international students at SDSU.

Pioneers in Research and Entrepreneurship

SDSU surpassed records for the most researchrelated funding secured in a year, reaching $164.5 million in 2021–2022. SDSU is the flagship research institution of the 23-campus California State University and one of the top 10 public research universities in the state.

SDSU scientists work with industry to make their ideas come to life, whether identifying oil

spills in the Pacific or leveraging lessons learned from tubeworms to further genetic modification.

“And our scholars take a particular interest in confronting injustice through projects that tackle health disparities and address inequities in education,” Alfaro says. SDSU currently offers

the Deborah M. Dexter Endowed Scholarship for International Students and the John J. Cleary Endowed Scholarship for SDSU International Affairs for International Students.

Roughly 1,740 undergraduates and 5,500 graduate students participate in research at

SDSU annually. They make an immeasurable impact on their work and get the chance to participate in unforgettable experiences — including considering climate change in the Arctic, helping NASA engineers test moon rovers and studying the psychological effects of disordered eating.

SDSU is collaborating with Techstars, one of the largest pre-seed investors in the world,

to create the only accelerator in San Diego with a worldwide footprint. Through Techstars San Diego Powered by SDSU, founders receive access to capital, one-on-one mentorship and programming. The ZIP Launchpad provides mentoring, funding, tools and support to students, faculty and staff to help them develop their ideas and work toward launching their companies. “Our artists’ ingenuity provides

invaluable support for the creative community through innovations like a competitive incubator program for early career playwrights and a novel audio engineering app that makes some of the world’s most storied venues available to musicians anywhere,” Alfaro explains.

Promoting Faculty Development

SDSU focuses on providing flexible, customizable, technology-enhanced learning opportunities that allow students to maintain access to high-quality instruction regardless

of modality (in-person, blended or fully online). Specifically, the pandemic prompted massive investment in faculty development and provided space to dive more deeply into how today’s students learn. “At SDSU, our focus was specifically on investing in faculty development to enable new course designs that promote active learning and more accessible [open and affordable] instructional materials,” shares Alfaro.

SDSU’s mission is to serve the region of San Diego. As it continues to do this, the university

has since grown into a leading public research university known for its faculty scholarship, campus diversity and value added to the lives of its graduating students. Each year, SDSU faculty members provide students with the opportunity to participate in an experiential academic curriculum distinguished by compassionate leaders and ethical innovators who will transform the world.

At SDSU, there is a balance of recreation and research, academics and athletics, and exploration and excellence. There are dynamic classes, great internships, unique study abroad programs and opportunities to research alongside faculty who are experts in the field.

Investing in Learning Spaces

In response to the pandemic, and just in time for fall 2021, SDSU dramatically increased the number of Connected Classrooms ( i.e., web

conferencing/stream-enabled rooms). These video-equipped rooms enable instructors to record and stream their class sessions and make them available to students for the course duration via the password-protected learning management system. The increased recording and streaming capabilities help to address equity concerns for students who may not be able to attend in person. They can help all learners, e.g., students for whom English is a second language.

The Connected Classrooms (Video Capture/ Streaming Capacity) allows students to review recorded course sessions after synchronous instruction or view the recordings if/when campus meetings are impossible. It provides transcripts (automatically generated and available in multiple languages) for recordings

from the video collaboration platform. If a student needs accommodation — for example, for students who are deaf or hard of hearing — SDSU will caption course content in alignment with current campus practice.

Connected Classrooms serve diverse populations, e.g., students responsible for childcare or elder care, students with transportation issues and students with work conflicts. It also reduces “transactional distance” or the psychological and communicative space between the teacher and learner. It encourages participation from learners who often withdraw from engaging in person (providing a broader, more diverse perspective). SDSU has taken education to the next level with futuristic thinking and a passion for research and innovation.

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NORTH AMERICAN COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES

WOODBURY UNIVERSITY

CREATING AN ENVIRONMENT FOR EDUCATIONAL TRANSFORMATION

Next to Hollywood and the heart of LA stands Woodbury University, a haven of higher learning and creativity. The institution began in 1884 when educator and entrepreneur F.C. Woodbury established Woodbury in response to the needs of Los Angeles’ growing business community. Woodbury is one of the oldest universities on the west coast of the United States. The university is a private, non-profit institution with its campus in Burbank, California, in the foothills of the Verdugo Mountains in the Los Angeles metropolitan area.

Initially known as Woodbury College, the university has changed with the times, developing cutting-edge technology and facilities for students from all over the world. Today, Woodbury University is on a mission to transform students into innovation professionals, contributing responsibly to global society. “We achieve academic excellence by focusing on purposeful student engagement, establishing external partnerships, and ensuring that all our processes, services, and environment

Located in one of the most exciting and vibrant communities in the world–in the heart of Southern California’s creative economy, Woodbury University offers a unique experience that is personal, communal and practice-based.

enrich the student experience,” says Barry Ryan, J.D., Ph.D., the President of Woodbury University.

Woodbury is located right in the middle of Southern California’s creative economy, one of the world’s most exciting and vibrant communities. The university offers a unique experience that is personal, communal, and practice-based. Every major requires an internship to graduate, giving students work experience and a competitive advantage after graduation. Woodbury’s Los Angeles/Burbank location provides a wealth of internship opportunities that allow students to gain practical work experience in their field of interest.

Woodbury’s student-to-faculty ratio is 8:1, and our average class size is just 13, enabling students to

Woodbury’s Los Angeles/ Burbank location provides a wealth of internship opportunities that allow students to gain practical work experience in their field of interest.

engage and learn in an intimate and engaging setting that is impossible at larger institutions. Woodbury’s size allows it to provide a more personalized approach to its educational and extracurricular offerings. Five of Woodbury’s majors ranked among the top programs in the nation: Animation, Architecture, Game Art & Design, and Graphic and Interior Design.

Keeping up with the times

The university is an amalgamation of traditional higher education values with new ideas. With a broad and inclusive perspective, Woodbury stands out among other universities in California. In 2019, the university was awarded a grant worth $3 million, which was used to build KUKA, a robotic arm, and a brand new computer science lab for students to increase their knowledge and skills in the future of tech. The Making Complex facilities are “Shaping the Future of Practice” with some of the most sophisticated fabrication technologies available across the architecture and interior design programs. It is the primary source of information for students looking to use Woodbury’s fabrication facilities, providing a complete list of offerings, reminders of our student use policies, a library of Woodbury University-specific machine use guides, the training workshop schedule, and access to our reservation portal.

After being awarded a grant from the US Department of Energy’s Solar Decathlon Build Challenge, the School of Architecture has begun literally groundbreaking work on the first permitted 3D printed dwelling in Los Angeles! It will be a low carbon, micro-living unit that will mark the beginning of an entire new era in architecture and design, and Woodbury is proud to be the first.

The Film Program Facilities boast a 4,000 square foot soundstage, a 45-seat state-ofthe-art screening room, and post-production facilities. Virtual reality facilities play a part in various majors at Woodbury.

International Student Community

Woodbury is a truly vibrant community located in one of the world’s most diverse and exciting regions. The student population of Woodbury closely reflects that diversity. Before the pandemic struck, the 2019 U.S. News and World Report College Rankings placed Woodbury first among Western Regional Universities in

Ryan, J.D., Ph.D., President

Barry

the percentage of international students for the second year in a row. Before the pandemic, Woodbury University had over 300 international students from over 40 countries. The current population is growing as the university is now re-opened for in person life and aiming to reestablish a robust global population.

Woodbury embraces its international student population, and international students who attend Woodbury become intricately connected with the campus community, the broader southern California community, and beyond. To assist our international students, the university offers a variety of specialized resources, including individual attention and advisement, academic support, and student life support.

Many international students choose Woodbury’s highly U.S.-ranked School of Architecture programs, especially the undergraduate and graduate STEM majors in

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. India recognizes Woodbury’s Architecture degree for licensure. In addition, many of Woodbury’s design majors are highly ranked in the US. The University has three schools and one college: the School of Architecture, the School of Business, the School of Media : Culture : Design, and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Encouraging Inclusivity

From the start, Woodbury University believed in gender equity, as its first class was made up nearly equally of males and females. This commitment to diversity was very unusual at the time and remains one of its core principles. Thus, the institution offers scholarships to help students access quality education and opportunities like no other. For undergraduate courses, Woodbury offers the Presidential

More than 89% of Woodbury’s students receive some form of financial aid, with the average student financial aid package during the 2020-2021 academic year totaling USD 21,738.

International Merit Scholarship for $12,000 for students with a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.70 and above. It also provides the Dean International Merit Scholarship for $8,000 for learners with GPAs between 3.40-3.69. Two more scholarships are available: the Woodbury International Grant for $7,000 and $6,000 for students with GPAs between 2.95-3.39 and 2.50-2.94, respectively. This grant varies from program to program.

Applicants to Architecture graduate programs may qualify for institutional scholarships and/ or assistantships, which may be awarded by the School of Architecture Committee upon review of the completed application and supporting documents (3 letters of recommendation, resume, Statement of Intent, transcripts).

Architecture Institutional scholarships range from $8,000 to $20,000, and assistantships range from $3,000 to $6,000. MBA students who apply for admission may now qualify for a merit scholarship up to $18,000. The MBA

merit awards are based on undergraduate GPA (GPA is not cumulative and is based solely on the degree awarding college/university):

GPA of 3.7 to 4.0 earns $20,000

GPA of 3.40 to 3.69 earns $18,000

GPA of 2.95 to 3.39 earns $12,000

GPA of 2.50 to 2.94 earns $8,000

Woodbury University offers competitive scholarships and grants that make American higher education more affordable to international students in our niche majors.

Spreading Creativity

Woodbury believes that learning isn’t always happening inside the four walls of a classroom. So they created a new outdoor classroom, letting students explore their surroundings and minds to find creative solutions and ideas.

Woodbury has a space for each department to showcase learners’ creativity as they develop their skills and art. The Wedge Gallery, located on the university campus, is

exclusively for Architecture students who want to share their ideas with the world. It focuses on creating a nurturing environment within the architectural community and is committed to motivating contemporary architecture through distinguished exhibitions, installations, and workshops. This gallery operates as a venue for architects, designers, educators, students, and artists to present a critical work or project. There are many shows per semester, and they are usually open while classes are in session during the Fall and Spring semesters.

Woodbury’s Nan Rae Gallery is another unmistakably beautiful display of art and students’ capabilities. It exhibits artists from around the world in a multidisciplinary venue for contemporary art. This was created for the student organization with the programs of the School of Media: Culture: Design. It also houses the annual graphic design student awards show at the end of each spring semester. Similarly, the university also houses the Julius Shulman Institute (JSI) for urban landscape photography. The Institute hosts and curates critically acclaimed design and architecture exhibitions and an annual award exhibit.

The Making Complex is another architecture and interior design initiative that serves as a source of inspiration and information for students. Woodbury also hosts a yearly Fashion Show for Design students to showcase their innovative designs and techniques. WU Radio is another platform for students to explore their talents.

To encourage entrepreneurship, pulls out all the stops. At the Center for Entrepreneurship, students are motivated to explore their business capabilities. The Center for Leadership, Equity & Diversity, and the Agency for Civic Engagement are other bodies that help students foster leadership by interacting with leaders in the field and discussing important issues that inculcate thinking and reasoning.

Moving Forward

Since cost is a factor for international students after COVID-19, Woodbury provides competitive undergraduate scholarships and grants of up to $12,000 per year. Campus safety is also a factor for many students now in the U.S., and the university continues to rank as one of the safest campuses in California.

In Fall 2023, Woodbury is relaunching a program, which was suspended during the pandemic, where a new international student is assigned an International Peer Advisor (IPA). The IPA will be a currently enrolled international student that provides support, encouragement, and help to adjust to life at Woodbury and in the United States. Woodbury helps international students experience and enjoy the culture of Southern California and the United States by planning and providing fun and educational events, including bus tours, beach trips, and holiday parties.

How to Sell a Book?

Mike Stickler, Publisher, Leadership Books

Michael Stickler is a best-selling author and internationally sought-after speaker. Michael Stickler’s first book went from being “unsellable” (according to his publisher) to selling more than 300,000 copies using a new publishing methodology that Stickler himself helped create. Now, he shares this innovative business model with other authors through his company, Leadership Books, a specialty publisher and online book retailer that addresses the specific needs of nonfiction authors in the worlds of business, finance, and faith. In a conversation with Higher Education Digest, Mike Stickler talks about the print media industry, the publishing market, his writing career, and many more.

What is the status of the book publishing market with the surge of digital media? Is print dying and what is your take on it?

The truth is, –print is not dying. It’s holding steady and is in growth. It’s a misconception that print media is on the way out and electronic media is taking over. In fact, electronics, especially eBooks, have plateaued, according to various reports, to somewhere around 15% to 17% of the total book market. And it’s just stalled or plateaued there electronically. What is growing is audiobooks. They’re growing quite rapidly and because of that we need to pay a lot more attention to it.

But at this point, people still have chosen print. In other words, consumers want a paper book; a physical book they can hold, read, and

digest. There’s a tangible connection there that they much prefer. And, in my opinion, the market is showing that over and over again. So overall, while the current status of the book world remains strong, nevertheless, there always remains some threats ahead that we will need to focus on.

One of the secrets to being a successful book publisher is to recognize the many changes the industry has gone through over the last 20 years. Some attribute the changes to the rise of ebooks, but it’s not that. What’s really changed is the consumer has decided to buy books online. And that’s what’s really driving

How can book publishers stay competitive in this market? And what are your secrets to success?

While the current status of the book world remains strong, nevertheless, there always remains some threats ahead that we will need to focus on

the market away. Bookstores are closing and have been closing for several years now, for at least ten years. And COVID killed off a whole bunch more independent one.

As we all know, Barnes and Noble goes in and out of bankruptcy as their overall retail sales are low, but book sales remain high. So why is that? Well, it’s because people have

decided they are going to buy books online through online retailers, like Amazon. There’s no argument for that. And they buy books based on recommendations from friends and family and colleagues who say, ‘man, this was a really good book! You should read it!’ That’s how books are selling, to break it down in the most basic way.

Now, with marketing you can support and encourage the customer’s decision-making process by hitting target markets, which is something we really weren’t able to do until about five years ago, that is, –to really target and dig deep into a particular market to sell a book. But the overall secret to success in this business is to first recognize where and how people are buying books and then to market the books you’re selling. Those are the first keys to succeeding.

What innovative publishing and marketing methodologies have you created at leadership books? Are they helping the budding authors?

At Leadership Books publishers, we mostly publish nonfiction books and books that are generally in the areas of business, finance, thought leadership, and faith leadership. Most all those style books are typically driven by authors who have a larger business model. Maybe they’re a consultant or a speaker. Maybe they have a mastermind course or large consultancy business. So, they’re using their books to build up their other businesses and grow their brand name to impact their larger business model.

In fact, what we’ve done here is create a retargeting methodology of marketing to the book buyers. And, as far as I know, we’re the only publisher that is doing it like this. Which means, once somebody buys a book, we’re able to capture all the purchasing data from that book buyer and then retarget them with soft marketing invitations about additional offers, connecting the buyer/reader to the author’s other businesses, i.e., consulting business, speaking engagements, teaching classes, –whatever that

looks like, and then we actually arrange a meeting between that offer and a prospective client.

And the result is clear. It’s really helped drive growth to our author’s greater business model. And I think that’s probably the most unique thing that we do here at Leadership Books.

Your book went from being “unscalable” according to the publisher, to selling more than 300,000 copies. Tell us more about that incident. How did you make it?

It’s really just basic marketing. And I did it all online. And again, because of the methodology, the way we do things, it was an easy approach.

Let me explain. In this case, what we did is this. We found influencers of that market, or people who influenced the people who are the actual book buyers. And we gave them all a free book.

And then we put together a retargeting campaign through email and social media and whatnot that came back and said, –‘did you like the book?’ ‘Would you like to get some more of these books for your organization?’

And so, by giving away one book to a target market of consumer influencers, we were able to acquire an entire marketplace by grass roots, firsthand word of mouth.

How? Because the influencers enjoyed the book so much that they turned around and started buying books for their friends, organizations, and co-workers. So, all of a sudden, we had orders coming in for 100-1000 books at a time. And that’s how you sell 300,000 copies of your book. It’s all about working an approach using that methodology.

What projects or goals are you working on or leading currently?

Although most of the team doesn’t know it yet, in 2023 my wife Faith and I are going to work on supporting literacy programs because we’re concerned about the future of America, North America, because the fact is that statistics are very clear stating adults 29 or younger have never read a book, or very seldom read. And next year they’re going to be 30. The year after that, they’re going to be 31. Pretty soon they’re going to be 50.

And something I’ve thought a lot about is that we have not, as a culture, instilled in our children the love of reading. It probably started with my generation, and we didn’t pass it on. What’s made me think a lot about this is that I have grandchildren now, and my grandchildren love to read.

The reason they love to read is because their parents built a culture of reading. How? My children limit their children’s screen time, including their television, and those other kinds of entertainment, and purposely push a book in front of them and say, ‘read this as much as you want to read.’ You can do that. And it’s created three little grandchildren of mine who are passionate about reading and love to read books.

My oldest grandson has, by far, read more books than most adults today, and he’s only 14 years old. I think that passion for reading books needs to be reinstalled back into our children of this modern generation. Not only literacy in the sense of teaching children to read, although that’s necessary, but developing a passion to love to read is something else altogether. And that’s what Faith and I are going to focus on in our philanthropy going forward.

One of the secrets to being a successful book publisher is to recognize the many changes the industry has gone through over the last 20 years