In a recent conversation, MindMax CEO Lee Maxey sat down with Melissa Maybury Lubin, Dean of the School of Continuing and Professional Studies at the University of Virginia, to discuss the evolving role of higher education in a rapidly changing world. Dr. Lubin’s passion for lifelong learning and her belief in the transformative power of education are evident throughout the discussion.

Dr. Lubin reflects on the challenges and opportunities higher education faces, emphasizing the importance of staying relevant to learners, employers, and communities. “Our mission is to make education more affordable, more accessible, and more achievable,” she says, stressing that learners need to be able to see the return on their investment—whether that’s a degree, a credential, or the skills to advance their careers.

Participants:

– Lee Maxey, CEO, MindMax 
– Melissa Maybury Lubin, Dean, School of Continuing and Professional Studies, University of Virginia

Core Themes:

– The changing role of continuing and professional education.

– Building partnerships to expand accessibility.

– Embracing technology and AI to enhance learning opportunities.

– Ensuring higher education remains relevant for diverse learners.

Key Concepts Covered:

– The role of continuing and professional education in providing guidance and solutions in the current educational landscape.

– The concept of “coopetition” between institutions, highlighting the benefits of collaboration over competition to better serve students.

– Concerns about the current stress in higher education and the potential impact of online education and AI on future opportunities for collaboration and growth.

– Making education more affordable and accessible while maintaining quality, stressing the need for inclusive pathways for students.

– The significance of making education achievable, addressing student debt issues, and ensuring that graduates have credentials that lead to career opportunities.

– The need for institutions to adapt and remain relevant by refining educational strategies and pathways.

– How partnerships with employers can help make education more affordable and impactful.