Revolutionizing Higher Ed for Workforce Readiness

About the Episode:  ‍

In this episode of Visionary Voices: The College President's Playbook, host Bryan Gross dives into an inspiring conversation with Arizona Western College’s President Daniel Corr and Provost Reetika Dhawan. The discussion highlights AWC’s innovative approach to education, including their transformative entrepreneurial college initiative, which redefines workforce readiness and academic accessibility. Learn how AWC is navigating rapid change, forging partnerships, and empowering students with stackable micro-credentials that align with regional and national employment demands.

‍

‍Key Takeaways

• Embracing Change in Higher Education: AWC's entrepreneurial college focuses on agility and rapid adaptation to meet industry demands, such as launching a fiber optics program in just four weeks.
• Stackable Micro-Credentials: Short-term certificates designed to meet specific workforce needs allow students to quickly gain employable skills while providing pathways for continued education.
• Strategic Partnerships: Collaboration with institutions like Northern Arizona University and University of Arizona enables seamless transfer pathways and co-located bachelor's and master's degree programs.
• Community-Driven Initiatives: Programs in agriculture, renewable energy, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing reflect AWC’s commitment to aligning education with regional economic needs.
• Innovative Leadership and Faculty Buy-In: Success stems from visionary leadership, a strong faculty, and industry-driven curriculum design.

‍

Episode Summary
What makes Arizona Western College unique in serving the Yuma community?
President Daniel Corr outlines how AWC serves a diverse and underserved student population, including a majority of Hispanic, first-generation students, many of whom speak English as a second language. With 12,000 students across multiple locations, AWC is redefining what it means to be a community college, focusing on transforming lives through innovative educational pathways.
‍

What is the Entrepreneurial College, and why was it created?
Inspired by the book The Great Upheaval, the entrepreneurial college was designed as a “second pillar” to deliver flexible, workforce-ready education. With separate hiring qualifications, tuition models, and a focus on non-traditional formats, the entrepreneurial college bridges the gap between academia and real-world employment needs.
‍

How does AWC define and implement stackable micro-credentials?
Stackable micro-credentials are short-term, skill-specific certificates that allow students to quickly enter the workforce while providing opportunities for further education. For example, an HVAC program was restructured into a nine-credit-hour certificate based on industry demand, enabling faster career entry while retaining pathways for advanced skills.
‍

How does AWC collaborate with universities to enhance student opportunities?
AWC partners with Arizona’s three state universities, offering on-campus bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. This collaboration ensures students can progress seamlessly from associate to graduate degrees without leaving Yuma. This unique model exemplifies how partnerships can double baccalaureate attainment rates and provide comprehensive support for students.
‍

What innovative programs and initiatives fall under the entrepreneurial college?
Programs range from agriculture technology and renewable energy to advanced manufacturing and healthcare. Initiatives like the food incubator program and military-focused logistics training highlight AWC’s emphasis on regional workforce alignment. The entrepreneurial college also integrates cutting-edge technologies like AI and VR to enhance learning and engagement.
‍

How does AWC measure the success of its programs?
AWC evaluates success through rapid skill acquisition, workforce readiness, job placement rates, and collaborative industry relationships. Annual studies and data analysis guide resource allocation and identify gaps, ensuring continuous improvement and responsiveness to economic shifts.

‍

Connect With Our Host:

Dr. Bryan Gross

‍

About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Visionary Voices: The College President’s Playbook is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!  

Some of our favorites include Higher Ed Pulse and Generation AI. 

Enrollify is produced by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.

‍

Attend the 2025 Engage Summit!

The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education.

Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.

👉🏻 Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st.