Annette Roberts Webb, Dean of University of California Merced’s Division of Professional and Continuing Education, joins MindMax CEO Lee Maxey to talk about launching a new division in one of California’s most underserved regions. With a mission grounded in access and equity, Webb is reshaping what it means for a research institution to serve its community.

“We bring the university to you,” Webb says, describing how her team created a downtown hub, designed custom programs, and built partnerships with school districts, public health agencies, and employers. Rather than waiting for learners to come to the campus, Webb’s division is showing up in community spaces and listening first.

Her approach centers on building from the ground up—starting with shared values, strategic planning, and community-informed design.

Watch the full conversation.

Participants:

– Lee Maxey, CEO, MindMax 
– Annette Roberts Webb, Dean of University of California Merced’s Division of Professional and Continuing Education

Core Themes:

– Expanding access through community-first programming

– Building inclusive infrastructure from the ground up

– Aligning educational offerings with local workforce needs

– Designing multilingual and mission-aligned programs

– Listening before pitching in employer partnerships

Key Concepts Covered:

– The significance of establishing UC Merced in an underserved area, emphasizing the need for educational resources to improve social mobility.

– The impact workshop that helped define their operating principles and how they aim to connect the community with the university through various educational offerings.

– The innovative culture at UC Merced, highlighting the importance of engaging with the community to address challenges through custom education initiatives.

– Insights from an impact workshop that helped establish shared accountability and set priorities for their new team.

– The significance of designing programs for multilingual populations from the outset rather than repurposing existing materials.

– The future direction for professional education, stressing the need for intentional industry partnerships and responsive curriculum design.