SEPTEMBER 2023
Dean CalArts School of Theater
Educating the Future Leaders
Dearreaders,
Theeducationsectorin2023evolvedatarapidpace,shapedbyongoingtechnological advancements,evolvingstudentneeds,andaglobalizedlearninglandscape.Whilethe pandemic'simmediateimpacthassubsided,itsreverberationsarestillfeltintheincreased demandforonlinelearningoptionsandtheneedforflexible,personalizededucational experiences.
Technologyremainsapowerfuldriverofchange,withartificialintelligence(AI)playinga pivotalroleinpersonalizinglearning,automatingadministrativetasks,andproviding valuableinsightstoeducators.Educatorsareembracingnewpedagogicalapproaches, incorporatingblendedlearningmodelsandgamificationtokeepstudentsengagedand motivated.However,concernsaroundequityofaccessandthepotentialnegativeimpact oftechnologyonsocialinteractionremainimportantconsiderations.
Toappreciatetheeffortsandtheworkingoftheseleaderswhoareshapingthefutureof education,weproudlypresentourlatestmagazineissue:“The10InspiringEducation Leaders,September2023.”Thisspecialeditionfeaturesindividualswhoarepushing boundaries,advocatingforchange,andmakingarealdifferenceinthelivesofstudents andeducatorsalike.Theseleadersoffervaluableinsightsandpracticalstrategiesthatcan benefitallstakeholdersintheeducationalecosystem
AttheforefrontofthismagazineisTravisPreston,DeanofCalArtsSchoolofTheater andExecutiveArtisticDirectorofCalArtsCenterforNewPerformance.Success, accordingtohim,reliesonembracingdiverseperspectivesandfosteringexperimentation. Knownforgroundbreakingproductionsglobally,Preston'sleadershipintegrateseducation withhands-onexperience,creatinganenvironmentforemergingartiststothrive.His journeyexemplifiesthetransformativepowerofbreakingmolds,underscoringthat innovationandcollaborationarepivotalinshapingthefutureofcreativity
TravisPrestonstealsthespotlightinourmagazine,joinedbynotablefiguressuchasDr. Dale-ElizabethPehrsson,VictorAluise,Dr.WinstonConradB.Padojinog,andDr.Eric Jones.Together,theycontributediverseexpertiseandasharedcommitmenttoadvancing inclusiveandtransformativeeducation,shapinganarrativeofprogressivechange. Happyreading!
Tejas Tahmankar Project Editor
From The Editor’s Desk
People Behind This Issue
Publisher: Archana Ghule
Editor–in–Chief: Vikram Suryawanshi
Managing Editor: Pankaj Gholap
Project Editor: Tejas Tahmankar
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Travis Preston
Travis Preston
Dean CalArts School of Theater
Fostering Future Creative Talent through a Dynamic Arts Community
COVERSTORY
Nurturingthenextgenerationofcreativetalents involvescreatingadiverse“communityofthe arts”thatdrawsfromthereal-lifeexperiences ofworkingartistsratherthanadheringto typicalacademicconventions.Thisforward-thinking approachtranscendstraditionalboundaries,fostering collaborationamongdifferentartisticdisciplinesandartists fromvariousfieldstoignitenovelideas.Centraltothis educationalventureisaleaderwithaclear,evolvingvision, stronglisteningskills,openness,andapenchantfor experimentation.
Successhingesonembracingandrespectingdiverse viewpoints,newideas,andinstincts,whileexperimentation offersaplatformforshapingnewconceptseveniftheir ultimateformisn’timmediatelyevident.Oneexemplary figureinthisregardisTravisPreston,anaccomplished Americandirectorandtheaterartistcelebratedfor innovativeproductionsofclassicandcontemporaryoperas andplays.
TravisPrestonistheDeanofCalArtsSchoolofTheater andtheExecutiveArtisticDirectorofCalArtsCenterfor NewPerformance.Hisdirectorialworkspanstheglobal stage,showcasinghisskillandcreativity
Inaninsightfulconversation,Travissharedhisleadership insightsandhowheisrevolutionizingtheartworld.His approachrevolvesaroundintegratingeducationwithhandsonexperiencetocreateanenvironmentconducivetothe growthofemergingartists.TravisPreston’sjourney exemplifieswhatunfoldswhenaleaderdarestobreak molds,affirmingthatinnovationandcollaborationholdthe keystoshapingthefutureofcreativity
TravisPreston’sJourney:AFusionofArtistryand Education
Travis’sjourneyblendsartandeducation,fueledbya profoundappreciationforthevitalityandcreativityof emergingtalent.Hestates, “I enjoy the energy and innovation of emerging artists. I am inspired by young artists discovering themselves and new ways of working.”
Travisdiscoveredhistruepassionfortheaterdirecting whilepursuingaPh.D.inPsychology.Aftercompletingan M.F.A.fromtheYaleSchoolofDrama,hetransitionedinto directingandteaching.Hisdirectorialaccoladesspanned theglobe,includingthepremiereof“Democracyin America”atYaleRepertoryTheaterand“BorisGodunov” atHamburgStateOpera.Additionally,hedirectedthe
COVERSTORY
“To be successful, the vision must be in a constant state of evolution – and that evolution is driven by embracing and honoring alternative perspectives, ideas, and impulses.”
inauguralpresentationof“Augustine Machine”inParisandstaged“Macbeth”and “TheMasterbuilder”attheAlmeidaTheatre inLondon.Hisinfluenceextendedto countrieslikeEngland,Norway,Denmark, Poland,France,Germany,andChina.
BeforejoiningCalArts,Travistaughtat institutionslikeYaleSchoolofDrama, ColumbiaSchooloftheArts,NewYork University,theNationalTheaterSchoolof Denmark,IndianaUniversity,andtheHong KongAcademyforthePerformingArts,and HarvardUniversity AtHarvard,he spearheadedtheSummerDramaProgramfor sixyears.
Throughouthisjourney,mentorsplayedan essentialrole.Earlyinspirationsincluded JerzyGrotowskiandexperimentalEuropean directors,wholeftanimprintonhisaesthetic sensibilities.However,itisHarryBelafonte whomTravisholdsinthehighestesteem.A decade-longcollaborationwithBelafonte facilitatedTravis’sgrowth,ashevalued Belafonte’sbrilliance,compassion,and politicalacumen.
CalArtsSchoolofTheater:Molding ArtistryintheHeartofInnovation
Travisguidesusthroughthecaptivating journeyofestablishingtheCalArtsSchoolof Theater,offeringinsightsintotheinstitution’s
COVERSTORY
distinctiveacademicprogramsand notablefeatures.Thefoundationof theinstitutewaslaidinthe1960sby WaltDisneyandhisbrotherRoy.By 1970,thecollegehadopenedits doorstoprovideprogramsinart, design,film,music,theater,and dance.
Uponbeinginvitedtoleadthe CalArtsSchoolofTheater,Travis embracedthePresident’schallengeto shapeatheatertrainingprogramthat woulddefinethe21stcentury This ambitiousendeavorfoundafitting homeinCalifornia,ahuboffilm, television,andcutting-edge technologies.Drawingtalentfrom aroundtheworld,theschoolattracted exceptionalinstructorswhobecame integraltoCalArts’cultureof innovation.
“We offer BFA and MFA programs in Performance, encompassing Acting and Directing. Our notable alumni include Don Cheadle, Ed Harris, and Katey Sagal, along with recent graduates Alison Bree, Condola Rashad, and Cecily Strong,” Travis highlights.Notably,thedesignrealm hasevolvedintoExperienceDesign andProduction,aligningwiththe demandforThemedEntertainment andImmersiveExperiences. Collaboratingwithindustryleaders likeWaltDisneyImagineering,RWS Global,andUniversalStudios,the CalArtsSchoolofTheatergives studentsstrongprofessional relationshipsforthestartoftheir careers.Additionally,throughthe groundbreakingpartnershipwith ReimagineWell,theschool contributestoinnovative advancementsinhealthandwellness.
TravisunderscoresCalArts’ distinctivestrength—integration withinanartschool.Unlikeother institutions,CalArtscultivatesartists
withinacomprehensivecreative environmentwheremusicians, dancers,designers,filmmakers,actors, andvariousartisticdisciplines converge.Theschoolempowers aspiringartistswithaholisticcreative educationunderoneroof,offeringan unparalleledplatformfornurturing creativityandinterdisciplinary collaboration.
“ ”
Experimentation is crucial in creating a laboratory for new impulses to find their ideal form, which might not be clear at the outset
Traviselucidates, “CalArts Center for New Performance is an expression of our commitment to training students who are immediately ready to engage in the field as professional artists.” CNPfacilitatesdirectinteraction betweenstudentsandestablished artistsonreal-worldprojects, equippingthemwithindustry-relevant skillsbeyondtheircurriculum.This initiativeunderscoresCalArts’ dedicationtonurturingartistswhoare notonlywell-trainedbutalsopoised forsuccessfulcareers.
Fostering
CollaborativeExcellence byEmpoweringArtisticGrowth
Takingthehelmattheinstitute,Travis holdscrucialresponsibilitiestoensure studentshavearewardingexperience andcanthrive.AstheDean,Travis consistentlyexploresinnovative methodstosupportstudentsboth duringtheireducationandasthey transitionintotheircareers.Healso overseestheCalArtsCenterforNew Performance,aplatformwherecurrent andformerstudentscollaboratewith renownedartiststoconceive groundbreakingcreations.Throughout CalArts,theentireteachingteam concentratesonpreparingstudentsfor successfulcareerpathsupon graduation.
Travis’seffortsyieldasignificant impact.Recognizingthattraditional top-downteachingmethodshave limitations,hehasinstigatedchange.
COVERSTORY
Inhiswords, “We believe in giving students immediate agency in their work and in surrounding them with a supportive community to fortify their wildest dreams and aspirations. It is more a question of liberating their genius and then supporting its path.” Bygranting studentsthefreedomtoinfluence theirlearningandchoices,hehas fosteredanenvironmentinwhicha robustcommunityempowersthem topursuetheirgrandestambitions.
Furthermore,Travishighlights issueswithinthecurrenteducation systemandoutlineshisproactive measurestoeffectpositivechange.
“Much of the current system is overly administered and bureaucratic. I do everything I can to reduce the administrative load for faculty and students alike. I want them to behave more like artists and less like lawyers and accountants.”
FindingEquilibriuminBalancing Art,Education,andLife
Maintainingequilibriumbetween workandpersonallifeposes challengesforTravisduetohisroles asbothaneducatorandanartist.He adds, “Whether I’m directing a performance or working on program design, I take pleasure in both. But
one thing that is very important to me is vigorous exercise; it’s how my mind releases. And the best forum for that is on the tennis court!” Theseroutines haveasignificantroleinhisschedule, helpinghimrelax,stayactive,andregain energy
AdviceforAspiringLeaders
Withdecadesofexperienceinthefield, Travissharesessentialadviceforyoung aspirants:
●Beopen,engaged,andcompassionate.
●Itisimportanttotakepleasureinwhat youdo.
TRANSFORMING BOTANY EDUCATION FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE
Dr
.EricJonesisaremarkableeducator transformingthelearningexperienceforbotany studentsandthecommunity AsanAssociate ProfessorofBotanyandFacultyPresidentatthe UniversityofMaineatMachias,Dr.Jonesiscommitted torevolutionizingeducation.Hisuniqueapproach empowersstudents,andtheeducationcommunityhighly regardshiscontributions.
With11yearsofexperienceasaprofessor,Dr.Joneshas gatheredknowledgefrominfluentialleadershehas encounteredthroughouthiscareer.Inhisview,educational leadersfaceachallengingtask:assistingstudentsin achievingtheirgoalswhilefosteringacultureofshared governancewiththefacultyresponsiblefordesigningand sustainingacademicprograms.
AccordingtoDr.Jones,influentialeducationalleaders possessessentialqualitiessuchashonesty,integrity, empathy,andawillingnesstoprioritizethegreatergood overpersonalinterests.Hefirmlybelievesthatleaders shouldapproachtheirroleasaserviceratherthana positionofpower.Withhispositiveoutlookonleadership, Dr.Jonesconfidentlyasserts, “I have been in leadership roles for most of my life and I’ve learned that a good leader sees their position as one of service rather than one of power.”
Let’sdelveintohisimpressivejourneyandexplorehis commitmenttotheeducationindustry.
EmbarkingonanEducationalJourney
FromhisearlydaysasamemberoftheBoyScoutsof America,Dr.Jonesdiscoveredhistruecalling:tomakea meaningfulimpactontheworld.Motivatedbyan unwaveringdetermination,hedevelopedanatural inclinationtopositivelyinfluencethelivesofothers throughactiveparticipationincommunityservice initiatives.Asafirst-generation,non-traditionalcollege studentatTallahasseeCommunityCollege(TCC),Dr Jones’scommitmenttoexcellencepropelledhimforward, ultimatelyleadingtohisbachelor’sandPh.D.inbiology fromtheprestigiousFloridaStateUniversity(FSU).
Whenitcametimetochooseaprofessionalpath,Dr Jones’sintuitiondrewhimtowardteaching,recognizingthe immensesatisfactionitbrings.Helpingindividualsand nurturingtheirintellectualgrowthbecamehissourceof profoundjoy,fueledbydeepcuriosity.Moreover,ashe delveddeeperintohisstudies,biologycapturedhis attentionwiththedeepcomplexityofDNAandthediverse ecosystemssurroundingus.
ShortlyaftercompletinghisPh.D.,Dr.Jonesembracedthe prominentroleofbotanyprofessorattheUniversityof MaineatMachias.Alongsidehisacademic accomplishments,heexcelledasateachingassistantacross disciplines,rangingfrommathematicstobiology,atboth TCCandFSU.Whilehisinitialresearchexploredplant matingsystems,hiscurrentpassionliesintransforming educationalpractices.
Motivatedtoengagestudentsactively,Dr.Jonesstandsat theforefrontofdevelopinggamifiedflippedclasses.This innovativeapproachignitesasenseofwonderinlearners insideandoutsidethetraditionalclassroomsetting. Simultaneously,heencouragesstudentinvolvementin conductingnaturalresourceinventoriesforaregionalland trust.Thiscollaborativeeffortspansvariouscourses,with studentsmeticulouslyplanningandexecutingthese inventories.Insupport,studentworkersintheherbarium diligentlycurateplantcollections,servingasaccompanying vouchersfortheproject.
EvolutionoftheUniversity
TheUniversityofMaineatMachias(UMM)hasarich historyrootedineducation.Initiallyestablishedin1952as theWashingtonStateTeachers’College,itevolvedfromthe WashingtonStateNormalSchool,foundedin1911.After joiningtheUniversityofMaineSystem(UMS)in1968,it becametheUniversityofMaineatMachiasin1970. Recognizingitsuniquelocationamongdiversenatural communitiesUMMexpandeditsfocustoincludescience andbiologyin1973.Today,UMMproudlyservesasthe regionalcampusoftheUniversityofMaine,collaborating withitscounterparttodefineamutuallybeneficial relationship.
DR. ERIC JONES
Associate Professor of Botany and Faculty President
University of Maine at Machias
PHOTOCREDITS - DR. ERIC H. JONES
ArrayofAcademicPrograms
TheUniversityofMaineatMachias (UMM)offersextensiveacademic programs,includingIntegrativeBiology, MarineBiology,Psychologyand CommunityStudies,Education,Small BusinessManagement,Recreationand OutdoorLeadership,andtheCreative Arts.Theseprogramsactivelycontribute tostudents’growthanddevelopment, equippingthemwithessentialskillsand fosteringadeepsenseofcommunity service.
Theinstitution’semphasisonservice learningdrivesstudentstoapplytheir classroomknowledgetopractical situations,establishinginvaluable connectionswithprospectiveemployers. Byengaginginhands-onexperiences, studentsgainaprofoundunderstandingof translatingtheoryintoaction,preparing themtoexcelintheirchosenfields.
“When it came time to choose a career path, education made the most sense to me because I nd it a rewarding experience.
PHOTOCREDITS -
DR. ERIC H. JONES
Beyondtechnicalproficiency,UMM recognizestheimportanceof cultivatingsoftskillscrucialfor professionalsuccess.Effective communication,collaborative teamwork,andadaptabilityare nurtured;ensuringgraduatespossessa well-roundedskillsetthatempowers themtothriveindiversework environments.
AdvocacyforAcademic Empowerment
Dr.Jonesisaleaderforfacultyrights athisinstitutionandacrossthe universityaspresidentofthefaculty assembly.Hebridgesthegapbetween educatorsandadministratorsand diligentlyhearsallsides.Dr.Jonesalso promotesstudentempowermentby ensuringstudentparticipationat facultymeetingswheretheyarefreeto voicetheirownconcerns.
Inresponsetochangesinonlinecourse deliveryduringthepandemic,Dr.Jones hadtomodifyhisteachingmethods, notablytheflippedclassroomstrategy Heworkedtocreategamifiedcourse structuresthatutilizetheLearning ManagementSystem(LMS)topresent informationengagingly.Drawingfrom hisexperienceasalifelongplayerof role-playinggames,hecreatedafictional universewherestudentsutilizetheir knowledgetorespondtoinquiriesabout uniquespecies.Thisnarrative-based approachrecognizesandchallenges students’achievements.Theindividuals associatedwiththeCenterforInnovation inTeachingandLearningathis universityhavesupportedhimandhis colleaguesintheseefforts.
DiversityandInclusionontheCampus
Everysuccessfulinstitutefollowsa diversesystemofadministration.UMM’s visionofdiversityis “a resource that strengthens the learning process and energizes the campus community, being mindful that it can be a source of misunderstandings and wasted potential,” statesChristopherRichards, DirectorofEnrollment.Furthermore,Dr. Jonesaddsacouplemorestatements justifyingwhattheirperspective describesasdiversity
●Consideringthediversityandreflecting onandstrengtheningindividualand institutionalvaluesisessential.
●Researchhasshownthatdiversity initiativesaremoreeffectivein environmentswithsharedvalues suchasacademicexcellence,civic responsibility,self-respect,and goodwilltowardsthecampus community.
●UMMwarmlywelcomesinternational studentsandhighlyvaluestheir contributionstothecampus community.ExceptforCanadians,
“ Diversity is the tie that binds, linking together the curricular and the extracurricular, the individual and the collective, and one group to another.
– Christopher Richards, Director of Enrollment
whopayin-statetuitionfees, internationalstudentspaythesame tuitionasdomesticout-of-state students.
QuestforHolisticEducation
Achangeintheeducationsystemafter everyspecifiedtenureisessential. Whenaskedaboutpotentialchanges andintegration,Dr.Jonesresponded subtly
Heseekstoredefineeducationby bridgingcareerpreparednesswitha deepappreciationforliberalarts. Recognizingthevalueof interdisciplinarylearning,headvocates foraholisticframeworkthatfosters personalgrowthandenriches professionalendeavors.Drivenby genuineconcernoverthe commercializationofhighereducation, heaimstoshiftthefocusbacktoa comprehensiveeducationalmindset.
Withthepowertoeffecttransformative change,Dr.Jonesenvisionsafuture wherestudentspossesspracticalskills forsuccesswhileembracingabreadth ofdisciplinesthatnurturecritical thinkingandempathy.Throughhis visionaryleadership,hestrivesto
empowerstudentsasintellectually curious,sociallyaware,andadaptable individualsreadytonavigatea complexworld.Hence,hestates, “If I had the power to change one aspect of higher education, I would shift the focus to one of a deeper appreciation for a holistic educational mindset.”
WiseWordsofAdvice
Dr.Jonessuggeststhateducation leadersenactthefollowingpointsfor ahealthyeducationsystem.
●Iadvisethoseinacademiatopay closeattentiontoindividuals.We educateindividuals.Itisindividuals whocreateandmaintainprograms ofstudy.
●Appreciatingdiversitygoesbeyond justlookingatdemographicdata.It meansvaluingwhateachindividual contributestooursharedgoals.
●Tobeeffective,wemustcultivate empathy,humility,andcuriosity andbeopentolearningfromour students.
ACOMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO INDUSTRY
The Next Big Industrial Revolution
Youmighthaveheardofthe
FourthIndustrialRevolution,or Industry4.0,whichbroughta waveoftechnologyandautomationinto ourfactoriesanddailylives.Butholdonto yourhatsbecausethere’ssomethingnew onthehorizon:Industry5.0.Moreover, it’slikethenextlevelofthegame, buildinguponwhatIndustry4.0started. Thus,theworldistalkingaboutIndustry 5.0,andit’stimetodivedeepto understandtheimpactitwillhave.Ifyou arewonderinghowitstandsoutfromits predecessor,Industry4.0,thecool technologiesdrivingit,andwhich industriesmightgetamakeover,well, we’reabouttoexploreitall!
Industry5.0vs.Industry4.0:What’stheBuzz?
Industry-5.0-vs.-Industry-4.0-What’s-the-Buzz
RememberIndustry4.0,thetech-savvyrevolutionthatbrought automationandconnectivitytotheparty?Well,Industry5.0takesthat upanotch.WhileIndustry4.0wasallaboutrobotsandmachines workingefficiently,Industry5.0inviteshumansbackintothemix.Itis liketransformingaone-persondanceintoaduet,wherehumansand machineswaltztogethertocreatesomethingamazing.
What’sDifferentAboutIndustry5.0?
What’sthedealwithIndustry5.0?Well,imagineIndustry4.0asa super-smartrobotdoingalltheheavyliftinginafactory.Itisefficient andall,butitismissingalittlesomething–thehumantouch.Industry 5.0stepsintobringthattouchback.Itisallaboutputtinghumansfront andcenter,workingtogetherwiththosesmartmachines.
Picturethis:inanIndustry5.0setup,humansandrobots teamuplikesuperheroestocreateamazingstuff.People bringtheircreativity,problem-solvingskills,andthat warmfuzzythingwecallintuitiontothetable.Robots, ontheotherhand,bringprecision,speed,andtireless energy.Itislikeabuddy-copmoviewherethehuman detectiveandtherobotpartnersolvecrimestogether; theyeachhavetheirstrengths,andtogetherthey’re unstoppable.
WhyItMatters?
Now,youmightbewondering,whyshouldwecare aboutIndustry5.0.However,forstarters,it’sgotabig heartfortheplanet.RememberhowIndustry4.0made thingssuper-efficient?Similarly,Industry5.0takesita stepfurther.It’snotjustaboutmakingthingsfastand cheap;it’saboutdoingitinawaythatdoesn’thurtthe Earth.Thinkofitasafactorythatgrowsitsown vegetablesandusessolarpanelsforpower Therefore,it isnotjustmakingthings;it’sbeingagoodneighborto theenvironment.
Industry5.0isn’tjustaboutmakingfactoriesgreener.It isalsoaboutmakingsurethatwhentoughtimescome knocking(likeapandemicorasupplychainhiccup), theshowcanstillgoon.Itislikebuildingatreehouse thatcanswaywiththewindinsteadofcrumblingwhen abreezeblows.InIndustry5.0,factoriescanadaptand keepchurningoutproductsevenwhenthingsgetalittle rocky
HowcanIndustry5.0makeBusinessesandSociety Better?
So,wehavetalkedaboutthisfancyIndustry5.0thing andhowitisallabouthumansandrobotsteamingupto createcoolstuff.Butyoumightbewondering,what’sin itforbusinessesandtheworldaroundus?Well,the benefitsareprettysweet!
BenefitsforBusinesses
Youknowwhateverybusinesswants,right?Todo thingsbetter,faster,andwithoutbreakingthebank. That’swhereIndustry5.0comesinwithacapeanda superheroattitude.
• IncreasedProductivity:Withhumansandrobots workinghandinhand,thingscangetdonequicker
andwithfewerhiccups.Forinstance,thinkaboutit: robotscanhandlerepetitivetaskswithoutgetting tiredorcranky,leavinghumanstofocusonthebrainy stuff.
• Efficiency:Industry5.0setsupateamworksituation whereeveryone’sstrengthsareputtogooduse. Robotshandlethenitty-gritty,andhumansbring creativity.Itislikeatag-teammatchwhereeveryone wins.
• CostReduction:Industry5.0isn’tjustfunand games;itisaboutsavingthosepreciouspennies. Moreover,robotscanhelpcutdownonwasteand mistakes,whichmeanslessmoneygoingdownthe drain.Inaddition,withtasksbeingdonefasterand smoother,businessescansaygoodbyetounnecessary costs.
• Safety:Robotscantakeonriskyjobslikehandling hazardousmaterialsorworkinginextreme conditions.Thatmeansfeweraccidentsandmore peaceofmindforeveryoneinvolved.
BenefitsforSociety
Industry5.0isn’tjustawinforbusinesses;societygetsa front-rowseattotheawesomenesstoo.
• JobCreation:Rememberthosenewopportunities wetalkedaboutearlier?Well,that’sbecauseIndustry 5.0needssomeskilledfolkstokeeptherobotparty going.Thinkofitasachanceforpeopletolearnnew tricksandstayvaluableinthejobmarket.
• Sustainability:WithIndustry5.0’sfocusonbeing kindtotheEarth,we’relookingatagreener economy.Lesswaste,lesspollution,andmorehappy trees–whowouldn’twantthat?
• Resilience:Industry5.0isn’tjustafair-weather friend.Whentoughtimeshit,likeaglobalpandemic orasupplychainshuffle,thesesmartfactoriescan rollwiththepunches.Itislikehavingabackupplan thatnevergivesup.
ChallengesAhead
Now,itisnotallrainbowsandbutterflies.Thereareafew bumpsontheroadtoIndustry5.0greatness.
Skills:Forbusinesses,Itisallaboutgettingtheir teamuptospeed.Thatmeansteachingemployees newskillsandhelpingthemadjusttotherobot revolution.Itislikeupgradingyourcharacter’sskills inavideogame–ittakestimeandeffort,butthe rewardsareworthit.
Investment:Newtechnologiesdon’tcomecheap, andbusinessesneedtobewillingtoputtheirmoney wheretheirrobotsare.Itisaninvestmentinthe future,butitrequiressomefinancialbravery
Ethics:Asrobotsbecomemoreintegratedintoour lives,therearequestionstoansweraboutthingslike privacy,fairness,andwho’sresponsibleifsomething goeswrong.Moreover,itislikethewildwestof Technology,andweneedsomedigitalsheriffsto keepthingsincheck.
HowisitEmbracingaPromisingFuture?
• TechnologiesoftheFuture:Artificial Intelligence(AI),theInternetofThings(IoT), and3DprintingaretheheroesbehindIndustry 5.0.Moreover,AIhelpsmachineslearnand makedecisionslikehumans(well,almost),IoT connectsgadgetsandgizmos,and3Dprinting letsusbringourwildestideastolife.Itislikea techdreamteam,andthey’reallworking togethertomakethefuturebrighter.
• IndustriesontheRadar:Thinkabout manufacturing–factoriesbuzzingwithrobots andhumansteaminguptomakeproductsfaster andbetter.Butitdoesn’tstopthere.Moreover, healthcaremightseesuper-smartrobots assistingdoctorsandnurses,makingsure patientsgettop-notchcare.Similarly, agriculturecouldbecomemoreefficient,with sensorsandAIhelpingfarmersgrowmorefood withlesswaste.Therefore,itislikegiving variousindustriesafancyupgrade.
• TheGovernment’sHelpingHand:Youmight wonder,what’sthegovernment’sroleinallthis? Well,governmentscanbelikecheerleaders, rootingforIndustry5.0tosucceed.Moreover, theycancreatepoliciesthatsupportthegrowth ofthesenewtechnologies,offerincentivesto businessesadoptingthem,andprovidetraining programstohelppeopleacquiretheskills
neededinthistech-poweredworld.Itislike havingamentortoguideyouthrougha challenginggamelevel.
• EthicalDilemmas:Ah,ethics–thetrickypart. AsIndustry5.0takescenterstage,itbringsalong afewmoralquestions.Like,who’sresponsibleif arobotmakesamistake?Howdoweensure robotstreateveryonefairly?Andwhatabout privacywhenmachinesknowsomuchaboutus? Thesearerealhead-scratchersthatneed thoughtfulanswers.Itislikeexploringuncharted territorywhereourvaluesandtechnology intersect.
TheImpact
Firstoff,itmightchangethewaywework.Moreover, imagineyourselfinafactoryoranofficewhererobots dotherepetitivestuff,andyougettouseyour brainpowertocomeupwithcoolideas.Similarly,it’s liketradingaboringchoreforanexcitingadventure. InAddition,Industry5.0couldcreatenewkindsof jobswehaven’teventhoughtofyet.Furthermore, somebody’sgottobuild,program,andfixthose robots,right?So,therecouldbeawholebunchof opportunitiesforfolkswholovetinkeringwith technology
Wrap-UpInaNutshell
Inanutshell,Industry5.0islikethetech-savvycousin ofIndustry4.0,andithassomefancynewmoves.Itis allaboutteamworkbetweenhumansandrobots, makingthingsinawaythat’skindtotheEarth,and beingtoughenoughtohandlewhatevercurveballsthe worldthrows.So,getreadyforafuturewhereyouand yourrobotsidekickmightjustchangetheworld–one awesomeinventionatatime!
Itisanamalgamationofhumansandmachines,driven byAI,IoT,andotherfancytech,promisingabrighter futureforvariousindustries.Governmentslendahand tomakeithappen,andwe’reallsetforanexciting ride.Butremember,aswestepintothisnewera,we alsoneedtoaddresssomeseriousquestionstoensure thatourdigitalpartnerbehavesethicallyand responsibly.Itisathrillingadventureintothefuture, wherehumansandtechnologywritethestorytogether
Learningtheoriesandmodels arealwaysevolving,especially withtheaccelerationofedtech innovation.Butastechnologyand approachesshift,particularlywithin highereducation,thereremainsone reliableandfixedelement:thestudent. Sure,themenandwomenwhopursue learningafterhighschoolmayrangein agefrom17to97,buteachpersonis takingastepontoapathofpersonal transformation.So,inadditionto forward-thinkingmethodsandcuttingedgetools,today’sgreateducation leadersfocusoninspiringconfidence, awakeningpotential,andfostering success.Andthisisthemissionof PennWestUniversity’sfounding president,Dr.Dale-Elizabeth Pehrsson
Priortosuccessfullyleadingthecharge tointegratethreestateuniversitiesto becomePennsylvaniaWestern University(PennWest),“Dr.Dale” servedaspresidentforeachState Systemschool–ClarionUniversity, EdinboroUniversity,andCalifornia UniversityofPennsylvania.Shewas integralincreatingsomething completelyuniquebutstillreflectiveof thethreedistinguishedlegaciesthat representmorethan480yearsof academicexcellenceandcommunity enrichment.PennWestwasestablished onafoundationofresilience, determination,andcourage–characteristicsthatmarkthe university’sregionanditschief executive.
Dr. Dale-Elizabeth Pehrsson
Dr. Dale-Elizabeth Pehrsson
An Advocate for Transformation
“Whentraditionmeetstrailblazing,yougettheadvantageof lessonslearnedandthestrengthofundauntedambition.”
~Dr.Dale-ElizabethPehrsson
SomethingOld,SomethingNew
Althoughtheuniversityisover14,500 studentsstrong,eachcampusand classroom(bothin-personandonline) provideauniqueandtailored experience.Withsuburbanstyleanda locationjustanhourfromPittsburgh’s thrivingculture,PennWestCalifornia deliversatraditionaluniversityfeel, includingathleticsprograms,best-inclassmodernhousing,andoneofthe healthiestcollegelifestylesinthe nation.AtPennWestClarion,small classsizesplussupportivefacultyand staffcreateapersonalizedlearning environmentidealforstudentswho wantanintimatesettingalongwithan expansiverangeofacademic programs.Forthosewhoprefer lakesidelivingwithwideopenspaces tosparkimaginationandcreativity, PennWestEdinborooffersawardwinningacademicprogramsto
cultivateleadersinthearts,technology, aviation,healthsciences,andother fields.
Flexibleandaffordableforaccessto educationanywhere,anytime, PennWestGlobalOnlineisdesigned forthosejugglinglife,work,and family.Dedicatedfacultyfromallthree campusesproviderichcontentand engaginginteractionforstudent success.Nomatterwherestudents land,awidebreadthofacademic programsfromdigitalmediaand engineeringtosocialsciencesand healthsciencesallowsthemtodive deeperintoknownpursuitsand uncoverunexpectedinterests.
Dr.Dale,alongwithstrongleadership fromherchancellor,faculty,andstaff, hashelpedPennWestevolveintoa nimble,adaptableinstitutionserving thisregionthatoffersapersonalized
educationwithexceptionalreturnsand immeasurablevaluethatlastsa lifetime.
Grounded,Equipped,Launched
TheidentityofwesternPAiscomplex, withmanyhardworking,down-to-earth familiesrootedhereforgenerations. Thisregionalpersonalitybeckonsnot onlystudentsbornandraisedtherebut alsothosewhorecognizeitsrich benefits.Thethreecampusesof PennWest,reachingfromthenorthto southborderofthestate,wereeach originallyfoundedtomeettheneedfor localteachers.Today,PennWestoffers morethan100diversedegree programs,allowingstudentstopursue anestablishedvisionorexplore possibilities.
Dr.Daleispassionateabouthelping herstudents–whohailfromall50 statesandmorethan60nations–becomegroundedinwhotheyareand confidentintheirdistinctiveskills, abilities,anddreams.Then,through therichlearningopportunitiesand supportivefacultyandstaff,students candefinewhothey’llbecome–
whetherit’sdiscoveringacareerpath, pursuingapromotion,orseekinga careerpivot.Everydepartmentonall threecampusesandonlineisdevoted todevelopingcritical-thinkingskills andtacklingreal-worldchallengesto prepareeachstudenttoflourish.
DefiningtheFuture
Withafocusthatextendsbeyond academicsuccesstoemployability, careeradvancement,andlong-term outcomes,PennWestcontinuestobuild onitssolidfoundation,andDr.Dale’s everydecisionisguidedbystudent needs.With35%offirst-year enrollmentbeingfirst-generation collegestudents,PennWestensures everystudentisequippedwiththe toolsandassistancetosupporttheir success.Theuniversitynotonly investsintheacademic,mental,and emotionaldevelopmentofstudents,but italsodemonstratescommitmentby offeringmorethan$14millioninfirstyearmeritawards.
Withaccreditationfrommorethan50 bodies,significantstudentsuccess support,consistenttoprankings,anda totalendowmentof$130.5million, PennWestispoisedtosteadilygrow andexpanditsreach.Theuniversityis alsodedicatedtoservinglocal communitiesandhelpingtosustainthe region’seconomy,evenastheresidents andbusinessespourintothestudents’ livestohelpthemthrive.
Yes,PennWestUniversityoffers cutting-edgeedtech,learningmethods, andreal-lifeskillstoatrulydistinctive studentbodywithinarichregional culture.ButwithDr.Daleatthehelm, thestudentswillalwaysbethedriver ofeveryuniversitydecisionandaction. It’shervisiontostrengthenher students’confidence,determination, andcourage…andthenwatchthem soar.
“I advise aspiring educational leaders to be more participative than regulative, more delegating than dominating.”
~ Dr. Dale-Elizabeth Pehrsson
JOURNEY TO PENNWEST
Taylor Swift
7 Unknown Facts About Do You Think You Know Everything
About The Pop Star?
TaylorSwiftstandsoutasoneofthe
world’smostpopularandsuccessful artists.Shehasachievedremarkable milestones,suchassellingover200million recordsgloballyandearningnumerousawards, including11GrammyAwards,28American MusicAwards,and23BillboardMusicAwards, amongmanyothers.
Whatsetsherapartisnotjusthermusicaltalent butalsoherrelatablelyrics,catchymelodies,and fearlessattitude.Throughhermusicand activism,shehasbecomeasourceofinspiration formillionsoffans.
Now,inthisblog,wewilldelveintosome intriguingfactsaboutTaylorSwiftthatyoumay notbeawareof.Areyoureadytoexplorethelife ofthisremarkablesingerinmoredetail?Let’s getstarted.
1.TaylorWishedToPursueACareerAsA Stockbroker
Today,TaylorSwiftiswidelyrecognizedasone ofthebiggestpopstars.However,inreality,the famoussingeronceaspiredtofollowinher father’sfootsteps.Ina2011YouTubeinterview, sherevealedherchildhooddreamofbecominga stockbroker,justlikeherfather
Sheexpressedheradmirationforherfather’s passionateand“gungho”approach.Asanadult, TaylorSwiftalsoheededherfather'sadviceby investingin'Utilities.’ThisisoneofthelesserknownfactsaboutTaylorSwift.
Reflectingonherearlyschooldays,she remembered, “On the first day of school, they’d ask, ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ Everyone else would respond with ambitions like ‘I want to be an astronaut’ or ‘I want to be a ballerina.’ I, on the other hand, would confidently declare, ‘I’m going to be a financial advisor.'”
Furthermore,shehumorouslyadded, “I didn’t actually know what a stockbroker was when I was eight, but I would enthusiastically tell everyone that’s what I was going to be. I can ‘broke’ stocks.”
2.GuitarLessonsFromAComputer Repairman
Attheageof12,TaylorSwift'sfamily’s computerrepairman,RonnieCremer, happenedtonoticeherguitarsittinginthe cornerofherroom.
Intrigued,heaskedherifsheplayed.When sherepliedinthenegative,hekindlyoffered toteachherafewchords.
Cremer,atalentedmusicianhimself,quickly recognizedSwift’snaturalaptitudeforthe instrument.
Consequently,hecommencedregular lessons,andsheswiftlyprogressedfrom strummingbasicchordstoplayingcomplex melodiesandevenwritingherownsongs.
Swift'spassionformusicwasignitedby Cremer’sguidance.Sheunequivocally creditshimwithhelpingherdevelopher skillsandherdeeploveforsongwriting.In fact,shehasopenlystatedthatshewouldnot betheartistsheistodaywithoutCremer’s earlyinstruction.
However,Cremer’slessonsweremorethan justaboutteachingSwifthowtoplaythe guitar Theyalsoaimedatinstillinginhera senseofconfidenceandbeliefinherown abilities.
Hepersistentlyencouragedhertoexpress herselfthroughhermusicandactively assistedherindiscoveringheruniquevoice.
Theculminationofthismentorshipcamein 2015whenSwiftpleasantlysurprised Cremerwithabrand-newguitarasa heartfelttokenofherappreciation.
Thisheartwarminggestureremainsoneof thetopthreelesser-knownfactsaboutTaylor Swift.
3.SwiftHasWorkedInMoviesAndTv Shows
Despiteherundyingpassionformusic,Taylorhas venturedintotheworldofacting,aspiringtobean actress.Fromherearlyyears,herprofoundlovefor actinghasbeenevident.
OneofSwift’smostnoteworthyactingrolesoccurredin theiconictelevisionseries“Law&Order:SVU”in 2009.Intheepisodetitled“Haunted,”Swiftportrayed HaleyJordan,atroubledteenagerentangledinamurder investigation.
Additionally,Taylorhasalsomadeappearancesin varioustelevisionshowssuchas“CSI:CrimeScene Investigation”and“NewGirl.”
Moreover,shehastakenonrolesinfilmslike“The Giver,”“Valentine'sDay,”and“Cats.”Herroleshave encompassedawidespectrumfromcomedytodrama, highlightingherversatilityacrossdifferentgenresand characters.
4.AChristmasTreeFarmChildhood
TaylorSwift'supbringingonherfamily’sChristmastree farminPennsylvaniaplayedasignificantroleinshaping hersongwritingstyleandnurturinghercreative sensibilities.
Immersedinthepicturesquelandscapesofsnowcoveredfieldsandtoweringevergreentrees,Swift's childhoodwasfilledwithwonder,nostalgia,andadeep appreciationforthenaturalworld.
Theseexperiencesdeeplyinfluencedhersongwriting, infusingherlyricswithvividimageryandaheartfelt connectiontothemesofhome,family,andthepassage oftime.
Furthermore,afterreleasinghernewsong,“Christmas TreeFarm,”TaylorSwiftopenlyacknowledgedher upbringingonaChristmastreefarm.
Shementioned, “I actually grew up on a Christmas tree farm, in a gingerbread house deep within the yummy gummy gumdrop forest. Funnily enough, this song is like their national anthem.”
Moreover,theChristmastreefarm’sstrongconnection tothenaturalworldnurturedSwift'sinnatesensitivity towardstheenvironment.
Thebalanceofnature,theintricatebeautyofeachtree, andtheseasonalcyclesofgrowthandrenewalinspired hertoincorporatethemesofnatureand environmentalismintohersongwriting.
Hersongsoftenconjureimagesofforests,meadows, andstarryskies,servingasaremindertolistenersofthe beautyandfragilityofthenaturalworld.
5.HerFamousPhilanthropicSpirit
●Thepopularsensationiswidelyrecognizedforher generosity.Hereisatimelinedetailingthevarious instancesinwhichshehasassistedpeople,especially herfans.
●InOctober2011,shecontributed$70,000toher hometownlibraryforthepurchaseofbooks.Duringher SpeakNowtour,thestardonated6,000brand-new bookstailoredforchildrenandteenagerstotheReading PublicLibraryinPennsylvania.
●InFebruary2015,Swiftallocated$50,000fromthe proceedsofhersongtoNewYorkCityschools.Atthat time,thesingerhadjustrelocatedtoNewYorkandhad recentlyreleasedthesong“WelcometoNewYork”asa tributetohernewhome.Giventhesuccessofthesong release,shedecidedtodonatebookstothecity's schools.
●InFebruary2016,TaylorSwiftdonated$250,000to KeshafollowingacourtrulingagainstKeshainacase whereshesoughttheabilitytorecordmusicwithouther producer,Dr.Luke.
●InAugust2017,afterprevailinginacaseagainsta formerDJwhohadallegedlygropedher,TaylorSwift madeasubstantialmonetarycontributiontotheJoyful HeartFoundation,anorganizationthatsupports survivorsofsexualassault.
●Inthesameyear,inSeptember,afterHurricane Harveycausedextensivedamageandlossoflife,Taylor SwiftmadeagenerousdonationtotheHoustonFood Bankinhonorofhermother,whoisagraduateofthe UniversityofHouston.Theorganizationexpressedits deepappreciationforhercontribution.
●In2019,shegave$15,500toa19-year-oldfanwhose motherhadbeeninacomaforthepastthreeyears.
6.She
HasWrittenSongsForOtherArtistsAsWellAs CollaboratedWithThem
DidyouknowthatTaylorSwifthasalsopennedsongsfor otherartists?
Sheisanexceptionallygiftedandprolificsongwriter,andher songwritingprowesshasbeensoughtafterbyvarious musiciansintheindustry
ThisisoneofthefactsaboutTaylorSwift,thatonlydedicated Swiftiesmaybeawareof.
Herearesomeofthesongswrittenbythesingerthatmight surpriseyou.First,let’stakealookatsomeofthesongsshe hascomposed:-
●“ThisIsWhatYouCameFor”-CalvinHarrisfeaturing Rihanna:TaylorSwiftco-wrotethischart-toppingsongwith CalvinHarris,usingthepseudonymNilsSjöberginthe songwritingcredits.
●“BetterMan”-LittleBigTown:TaylorSwiftauthoredthis song,whichwasperformedbythecountrygroupLittleBig Townandachievedsuccessonthecountrymusiccharts.
●“Babe”-SugarlandfeaturingTaylorSwift:TaylorSwiftnot onlywrote“Babe”butalsolenthervocalstothesongwhenit wasrecordedbythecountryduoSugarland.
●“You’llAlwaysFindYourWayBackHome”-Hannah Montana(MileyCyrus):TaylorSwiftco-wrotethissongfor thesoundtrackoftheHannahMontanamovie,starringMiley Cyrus.
Additionally,shehascollaboratedwithotherartistsonseveral successfultracks.Here'salistofsomeofthesecollaborations:-
●“Breathe”withColbieCaillat.
●“HalfofMyHeart”withJohnMayer
●“EverythingHasChanged,”“TheJokerandTheQueen,”and “EndGame”withEdSheeran.
●“BothofUs”withB.o.B.
●“TheLastTime”withGaryLightbody
●“HighwayDon'tCare”withTimMcGrawandKeithUrban.
●“BadBlood”withKendrickLamar
TaylorSwift'scontributionstothemusicworldextendfar beyondhersolocareer,makingherasignificantforceinthe industry.
7.TaylorSwiftDreamsOfBeingADirector
AlthoughTaylorSwifthasalwayshadaninterestin directing,shehasrecentlytakenstepstorealizeher ambitionbydirectingseveralmusicvideos,including “TheMan,”“Cardigan,”“Willow,”and“AllTooWell: TheShortFilm.”Moreover,shehasmadeitclearthat sheaspirestodirectfull-lengthmovies.
Ina2022interviewwithRollingStone,Swiftexpressed herdesiretoleadafull-lengthmovieproject,stating, “Creating music videos is teaching me a great deal about directing, and I’m thoroughly enjoying the experience.”
Sheemphasizedthatsheisdrawntodirectingbecauseit allowshertoconveystoriesvisually,incontrastto songwriting.
Furthermore,inadditiontohermusicvideoendeavors, Swifthasalsoexpressedherinterestindirectingfeature films.
DuringaconversationwithfilmmakerMikeMills,she disclosedherdesiretobothwriteanddirectafull-length movie,explaining, “I initially had impostor syndrome whispering in my head, telling me, ‘You shouldn’t do this.’ However, once I began directing music videos, I couldn’t resist the urge to continue.”
Conclusion
Inconclusion,herearesevenlesser-knownfactsabout TaylorSwift.WhileTaylorSwiftisundoubtedlya householdnameasanaward-winningsinger-songwriter withaglobalfanbase,thereexistnumerousintriguing detailsaboutherbeyondherchart-toppinghitsand captivatingstorytelling.
Thesefactsmaycomeasasurpriseeventohermost dedicatedfans.Rangingfromherearlycareer aspirationsinstockbrokingtoherenthusiasmfor directingmusicvideos,thesetidbitsofferaglimpseinto amorepersonalandrelatablefacetofthissuperstar.
Whetheryou’vebeenadevotedSwiftieforyearsorare justbeginningtoexplorehermusic,thesefactsprovide adeeperinsightintotheartistresponsibleforthose iconicsongs.
Dr. Winston Conrad B. Padojinog
President
|
University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P)
“The formation of UA&P students is facilitated by an environment conducive to learning, qualified and dedicated teachers, a superior faculty-to-student ratio, and well-maintained facilities.”
Setting new standards with innovative and trailblazing programs
Theabilitytosteeraneducational institutiontowardasafeshorewhenthe seasareturbulentiscrucialforan educationleader.Nothingisclearerthan thiswhenthecoronaviruspandemicshutdownschools andcollegesinsomepartsoftheworld.However,for Dr.WinstonConradB.Padojinog,presidentofthe Philippine-basedUniversityofAsiaandthePacific (UA&P),hiseconomicsbackgroundandbusiness acumen,coupledwithhisvastexperienceinthe academe,helpmaneuverthefluidconditionsthat surroundtheeducationsectoratpresent.
Aprofessorofindustrialeconomicsandstrategic management,Dr.Padojinogpossessesextensive experienceandresearchinthefieldasanindustry economist,businessstrategist,andbusiness sustainabilityeconomist.Asanimportantpersonality withintheuniversity,heensurestonurturethe academicvaluesofUA&Pandpivotittowardsgrowth anddevelopment.
Comprehensiveeducationalportfolio
Dr.Padojinoghasworkedwithavarietyofexpertsand organizations,namelyindustryassociations, policymakingbodies,andcompaniesfortheirindustry policy,corporatestrategy,andmanymore.Heholdsan impressiveportfolioasaneducationleaderandhas spokenonvariousinternationalandlocalforumsto discussimportantissuesandpolicies.Moreover,he hasalsobeenapartofseveralnon-government organizationsthatpromotegoodgovernanceand educationforthelessprivileged.
Dr.Winstonisalsoafounding memberoftheCenterforExcellence inGovernance,anumbrella organizationthatoverseesothernotfor-profitgoodgovernanceoutfits.He obtainedhisprimaryeducationin 1980fromtheColegiodelSagrado CorazondeJesusandsecondary educationin1984fromtheUniversity ofthePhilippines(UP)Visayas.
inBarcelona,Spain.
Atrustedleader
Beforebeingappointedasthe4th PresidentofUA&P,Dr.Padojinog servedinvariousposts,namely, SchoolSecretaryandViceDeanof theSchoolofEconomicsandDeanof theSchoolofManagement. AspresidentofUA&P,Dr
(UA&P)isaprivate,not-for-profit institutionofhighereducation.Its rootstracebacktotheCenterfor ResearchandCommunication(CRC), whichwasestablished54yearsago. TheCRCcommencedasathinktank conductingresearchandoffering graduatecoursesineconomicsand management.Itgraduallyexpanded itseducationalactivitiestoother fields.In1995,itwasgranted
In1989,heobtainedhisBachelorof Artsdegreedoublemajorsin EconomicsandManagementfromUP Visayasasastudentscholar.He earnedhismaster’sdegreein IndustrialEconomicsattheCenterfor ResearchandCommunication,and hisDoctorofBusinessAdministration degreein2009attheDeLaSalle UniversityGraduateSchoolof Business.Inthesameyear,he pursuedtheInternationalFaculty ProgramoftheIESEBusinessSchool
Padojinog’sprimaryrolesrevolve aroundseveralspheresofthe university.Theseincludethepursuit oftheuniversity’smandate,the preservationandpromotionofits spiritandidentity,theexecutionand monitoringofuniversitystrategies, andthedevelopmentofthenext generationofuniversityleaders.
Leadingayounguniversity
TheUniversityofAsiaandthePacific
universitystatusbytheCommission onHigherEducation(CHED)and sincethenhasbecomeknownasthe UniversityofAsiaandthePacific.In 2017,CHEDofficiallygranted autonomousstatustoUA&P
LocatedinMetroManila,UA&Phas apopulationof2,025undergraduate andgraduatestudents,with335fulltimeemployees.Todate,the Universityhasproducedmorethan 9,237alumni,includingthosewho
graduatedfromCRC.
Trailblazingeducationprograms
Presently,UA&Phasonecollegeand sixschools,namely,CollegeofArts andSciences(CAS),Schoolof Communication(SCM),Schoolof Economics(SEC),Schoolof EducationandHumanDevelopment (SED),SchoolofLawand Governance(SLG),Schoolof Management(SMN),andSchoolof SciencesandEngineering(SSE).
Amajorityoftheprogramsofferedby UA&Parefirst-of-its-kindinthe country.Forinstance,itsMasterof ScienceinIndustrialEconomics, whichhasgivenbirthtorenowned economistsatpresent,continuestobe theonlyeconomicsprogramofits kindinthePhilippines.ItsMasterof ArtsinCommunicationMajorin
IntegratedMarketing Communications(IMC)isthepioneer IMCgraduateprograminthecountry
Outstandingacademiccurriculums
Theuniversity’sacademicprograms arefoundedintheliberaleducation curriculumandaimtoprovidemuchneededprofessionalsschooledin humanistandethicalperspectives. UA&P'sacademicprogramsare coupledwithone-on-onementoring andspiritualdirectiontohelpguide studentsintheirformativeyears. Mentoringsessionsresultinthe integrationofknowledge,skills,and valuesdowntothepersonallevel.
UA&P'sacademiccurriculumsoffer thefollowingbenefitsoneducational forefronts:
● Toremainupdatedwiththe latesttechnological
advancements,UA&P continuallyseeksthelatest cutting-edgetrendsin teaching,technology,and knowledgetomake programsfirst-rateand relevant;
● Ensuresthatthestudents acquiretheskillsetsinorder toattaingrowth.UA&P encouragesthestudentsto reflectontheirown operationsandtoapplytools tocreatevalueineveryfacet oftheirorganization;and
● ItsBusiness-Academe partnershipsalsoaffordrealworldexperiencesto studentspriortotheir graduation.
Seekingopportunitiesamidstcrises
Dr.Padojinogassertsthatthe
pandemicprovidedaplethoraof opportunitiesfortheuniversityto improveitsteachingandlearning capabilitieswiththesupportofdigital technology.Moreover,italsoenabled theacademiccommunityto collaboratefurther,pursuealtruistic endeavors,andupgradetheefficiency ofitsprocessesandthequalityofits customerengagement.
UA&Pembracedvirtualaswellas digitaltechnologytoimprove teachingandlearningalongwithits processes.Itacquiredthecapacityto offerplatform-basedandcollaborative learninginnovationsalongwith hybrideducation.Moreover,online educationalsoopenednewhorizons forUA&P’steaching,research,and peopledevelopmentundertakingsnot onlyforitsstudentsbutalsoforthe newandexpandednon-geographicbasedmarkets.Concerningthe
congruentadoptions,Dr.Padojinog quotes, “Outcomes of decisions are now better monitored and evaluated by data captured by the digital system.”
Onapersonallevel,Dr.Padojinog seestheworldcrisisasatimeforselfreflection,foracquisitionofnew knowledgeandwisdomandof relevantskills,andforgrowthinthe capacitytoempathize.Hesays, “I acquired a new mindset and attitude to work, to life, and to relationships.”
Emphasizingproductivity,hestates thathegetsmoretimeatpresent whenwork-from-homearrangement isencouragedforplayinghisfavorite sports—lawntennis—andindulging inotherformsofphysicalexercise. Headds, “I also pursue new fields of knowledge—cultural, professional, academic, spiritual—and acquire
more skills (i.e., use of software in simulation, teaching, etc.). I have come to appreciate family and prayer life even more.”
Timeforcollaboration
Dr.Padojinogbelievesthatleadership intheeducationsectorhasdrastically changed.Hethinksthatinadditionto academicreputationand qualifications,theuniversityleader musthavetheexperienceand capabilitytomanageanenterprise, promoteclosercollaborationbetween theacademeanditsstakeholdersand otheruniversities,andmanymore.He continues, “Academic leaders must possess a multidisciplinary, collaborative, and global outlook in their planning and execution.”
VIC VIC
TOR
VICTOR
ALUISE
ALUISE ALUISE ALUISE TOR ALUISE
(Vice President and Dean, WGU’s College of Business)
A Customer Obsessed Executive Vitalizing Digital Learning
Greateducationalleadersarestudentandemployer-
obsessed.Theyfocusonwhatisbestfortheir studentssothattheycaneffectivelyadvancealong theircareerpathway.Moreover,withadataandinsightsdrivenapproach,theseeducationleaderscompletely understandtheirlearners,circumstances,andaspirations. Overcomingobstaclesinstudents’educationaljourneys, suchleadersamplifythestudentlearningexperience. VictorAluise(VicePresidentandDean,WGU’sCollege ofBusiness)isonesuchmindfulleaderenliveningthe educationallivesofmillionsofstudents.
InspirationalJourney
HisjourneyofasanundergraduatestudentatCarnegie MellonUniversityinspiredVictortoembarkonapathway toleadership.Whilefocusingonhisseniorthesis,Victor workedwithlow-literateadultsintheMilitarywhoneeded toimprovetheirreadingcomprehensionskillsoftechnical material.There,hedesignedanddevelopedaninteractive onlinelearningprogramsolution.Theselearningmodules offeredlearnersreal-worldpracticeopportunitiesto improvereadingfluencythroughaseriesofproblems directlyrelatedtotheirwork.Seeinghowadultswere engagedwithreal-worldmaterialinfluencedVictor's decisiontodevotehiscareertothedevelopmentof customer-obsesseddigitallearningproducts.
Later,heenrolledinColumbiaUniversity'sdoctoral programinlearningscienceandeducationaltechnology whileworkingfull-timeinonlineproductdevelopmentwith institutionssuchasScholastic,McGraw-HillEducation, andETS.StartingasaproductmanageratScholastic,he eventuallyservedasVicePresidentandGeneralManager ofDigitalTeachingandLearningforK-12digitalproducts. HetransitionedintotheHigherEducationspaceand
workedincollegepublishing.Later,heservedasthe DivisionalVicePresidentofDigitalTeachingandLearning OperationsacrosstheUS,LatinAmerica,Europe,andAsia whenhejoinedLaureateInternationalUniversities.
BoostingOnlineLearning
Workingonvariouseducationalcampuseswithacademic andbusinessleaders,Victorandhisteamreached1.2 millionstudentsandsupportedover70,000faculty membersacrossmanyinternationalregions.Moreover, cateringtotheincreaseintheonlinelearningdemand,he grewonlineenrollmentsby25%within4years.This experiencehelpedhimseethediversityofstudentsand facultymembersacrosstheglobe,thestrugglingissuesof learners,andhowawell-designedstudent-centric experienceisessentialforstudentsuccess.
Additionally,Victorledproductmanagementandhigher educationprogramsatAmazon(AWS)education.Serving asHeadofLearningSystemsatAmazon,hereacheda globalaudience,partneringwithlargeK-12anduniversity systemsacrosstheUnitedStates,Europe,LATAM,and Asia.Withthegoaltoupskillandreskilllearnersofall ages—intentonpursuingcareersinCloud,digitalbusiness, andAI-drivensystems—hefocusedonpersonalized learningreachingmillionsofstudents.Forthat,he partneredwithIvyLeagueinstitution,publicstate universitysystems,communitycolleges,militaryeducation institutions,andemployerconsortia.
“Amplifying”Tenets
OneofVictor's professionalrolemodelswasthelateDick Robinson,formerCEOandChairmanofScholastic,the
world'slargestchildren'spublisher.Victorrecallsworking withDickonScholastic'sdigitalteachingandlearning strategy.Dicktaughthimtoalwaysthinkoftheneedsof studentsandteachersfirstandtooffertimesavingsolutions thathelpamplifygreatteachingandlearning.Dickalways remindedhisteamthatsolutionsshouldboth develop and delight studentsandinstructorsandultimatelybuildtrust withcustomers.Currently,VictorisservingastheVice PresidentandDeanwithintheCollegeofBusinessat WesternGovernorsAssociation(WGU).
TheInceptionofWGU
WesternGovernorsAssociation(WGU)isanon-profit, onlineorganizationfounded25yearsagoby19U.S. governorswiththebeliefineducation'stransformative powerandcommitmenttoimprovingitsquality, accessibility,andoutcomes.WGUischaracterizedby flexiblelearningarchitectureandmulti-dimensional delivery Thisallowsforbetter-personalizedlearning, adaptingtochangingworkforceneeds,andproviding relevantpathwaysforanindividual'sfirstandnext opportunity.Moreover,theorganizationpioneered competency-basededucationandcreatedamodelthatother collegesanduniversitieswishtoreplicate.The competency-basededucationmeasuresskillsandlearning ratherthantimespentinaclassroom.24/7accesstoonline learningaswellaspersonalized,one-on-onelearning supportfromfacultymembershelpstudentsembarkon theireducationaljourney.
ExcitingAcademicPrograms
WGUishometothelargestonlinecollegeof businesswithyearlyenrollmentsexceeding 40,000students.Thecollegeoffersaccredited undergraduateandgraduatedegreesin management,marketing,humanresource management,accounting,leadership,technology management,andhealthcareadministration. Moreover,itisplanningtolaunchnewexciting programsattheintersectionofbusiness,digital transformation,andsocialimpact.Allstudents arepairedwithmentorsandinstructorswho supportthemthroughouttheirlearning experience.Theflat-feelearningmodelallows studentstotakeasmanycoursesastheywantin oneterm;thattooforminimalfees.
ALeadercommittedtoExcellence
VictorservesasVicePresidentandDeanof WGU'sCollegeofBusiness.Beinganinnovative andvisionaryleader,heiscommittedto excellenceinonlinelearnersuccessand employability.Hisworkisfocusedoninnovating competency-baseddigitalprogramsandproducts withhighqualityandefficacy.Healsofocuseson
evolvingthefacultymodelandinstructional effectivenessforalllearners.Underhisguidance, histeamfocusesonhelpingstrandedlearners pivottohigh-resiliencycareers.Heworkswith themissiontohelpthesestudentsbyofferingthe bestprogramexperiencessothattheycan increasetheirearningpotentialandimprovetheir lives.Moreover,heistheowneroftheportfolio reviewteamforacademicdegrees,professional learning,certificates,andmicro-degreesthatdeal withoperationalsuccessandleadingstudents.
NewMindsetandApproach
Therapidintegrationoftechnologyinindustry boostedinnovationinbusiness,workflows,and processes.Moreover,employerandjobmarket skillsrequirementsarechangingrapidlyandthe pandemichasonlyacceleratedthesechanges.As aresult,peoplefindthattheyneedto acquire newskillsthroughouttheirprofessionalcareers. Withanewmindsetandapproachtolearning, WGUhelpsstudentsandemployeesnavigatethe changingworkforcelandscapeandquickly acquirethesenewmarketskills.
Additionally,WGUprovidesflexiblelearning solutionsthatdeliveranROI.Inthis,students demandtoseethepayoffinincreasedearning potentialasaresultoftheirdegreecompletion. WGUkeepsatrackrecordofstudentswho increasetheirearningsbyaconsiderableamount. The Wall Street Journal rankedtheWGUMBA programasthetopintermsofROIforstudents.
Competency-basedAssessment
AccordingtoVictor,thecurrenteducationsystem largelyembracesalearningmodelthattracksand reportsonlearningbasedon“seattime”which includesrewardingstudentsonthebasisofhours accrued.However,WGUtakesadifferent approachandawardsstudentscompetencyunits basedonstudentdemonstrationofproficiencyof competencythroughassessments.Thisis advantageousforstudentsasassessmentscanbe takenatanytimewhenstudentsfeelthatthey
havemasteredthelearning.
Victorappreciatesthelearningmodelandadds, “I am dedicated to the competency-based learning model and have further evolved learning experiences to include real-world industry application and connections within programs.” Withthismethod,studentsapplytheories, concepts,andmodelstoreal-workchallengesthat employersface.Victorhasco-createdacoaching modelthathelpsstudentsactualizetheir professionallearningplan.Coachesworkwith studentstospotbarrierstoachievingtheirgoals anddevelopaviableactionplantoputsolutions intheplace.Moreover,headdsthatthenew model, job-embedded leadership coaching,is basedonthereal-timeneedsoftheleaderaswell asdesignedtobuildashared,supportive,and interactiverelationshipbetweenleadersandtheir teams.
ChangingPerspective
AlongwiththerelentlessworkVictordoesfor WGU,hebelievesinwork-lifebalancetoo.For that,heprioritizesqualitytimewithfamilyand friendsinteractingwithhisspouse,siblings, friends,andworkcolleagues.Headmitsthatthis interactionrefresheshimandchangeshis perspectivestoacceptnewchallengesand opportunities.Victorisanavidtravelerand languagelearner.Heoftentravelsinternationally toexploreandappreciatesvariouscultures.
“Follow your passion and the rest will fall into place. I have found it useful to always go toward opportunities that “light your fire” and let go of things that don't.”
