In a discussion with MindMax CEO Lee Maxey, Nancy Coleman, Dean, Harvard Extension School and Continuing Studies at Harvard University, explores the changing landscape of higher education. She emphasizes the urgent need for flexible, stackable learning options that meet learners where they are—and evolve with the needs of both students and employers.

From earn-your-way-in admissions to microcertificates that stack into graduate degrees, Coleman outlines how Harvard Extension School broadens access and builds pathways for learners who may not fit the traditional mold. She also urges higher ed to stop relying on prestige alone and start proving real-world value: “We need to start talking about value creation and return on investment.”

Watch the full conversation.

Participants:

– Lee Maxey, CEO, MindMax 
– Nancy Coleman, Dean, Harvard Extension School and Continuing Studies at Harvard University

Core Themes:

– The evolving role of continuing and professional education

– Building stackable, flexible learning pathways

– Employer partnerships as drivers of relevance and impact

– Value creation and ROI as essential to higher ed’s future

– Breaking down access barriers through transparency and outreach

Key Concepts Covered:

– How the pandemic highlighted the importance of professional continuing education, emphasizing the need for modern credentials that meet industry demands.

– The necessity of collaboration between higher education and industry to prepare students for future job markets, highlighting the importance of T-shaped skills and human elements in education.

– A new microcertificate program that allows students to stack credentials, enabling them to create personalized educational pathways tailored to their career goals.

– The need for higher education institutions to communicate value creation and return on investment for students, especially in light of changing job market dynamics.

– The need for a lifelong learning model in higher education, emphasizing the need for agility and closer integration with the employer community.

– The shift toward individuals taking control of their educational journeys, highlighting the importance of integrating education with workplace experiences for continuous improvement.