Angie Whitaker and Pam Bowen started by saying that they have both worked for UWRF for 20+ years. They defined continuing education at UWRF as the opportunity to learn beyond traditional degree programs, providing learning designed to fit into people’s lives. Programs are generally shorter than degree-oriented courses, they sometimes conclude with a certificate, and they can be in-person or online. Programs are practical and immediately useful, and they mainly serve working professionals, career changers, educators, local organizations and employers, and youth.
Continuing education supports workforce development, leadership capacity, and it helps to keep and attracts business. UWRF offers partnerships, both internal and external. Also program mgt to focus on developing specific skillsets. Click READ MORE to read the rest and to read more about Angie and Pam.
The impact of continuing education is the difference it makes by multiplying the learning as others carry it forward. Groups of high school students come to learn, interact, and take what they learn back to their communities. Angie gave the example of Rachel Mader’s experience through her undergrad/graduate/facilitator degrees and programs. The opportunity to teach during summers added to her experience; Rachel said that UWRF was instrumental in her becoming the educator she is today.
The other example provided was the program of the Humane Handling Institute, which provides hands-on meat industry training. The Continuing Education staff was key in taking the professor’s concept to a program used to train meat industry workers.
About the Speakers: Both UW–River Falls alumni and long‑time River Falls residents, Associate Director Pam Bowen and Program Manager Angie Whitaker began their careers at UW–River Falls in Continuing Education more than 20 years ago. Over the years, they have served in multiple roles, gaining extensive experience in building, launching, and managing impactful programs and partnerships.