WSU Higher Education Academy
Register on Learn | Weber
The Higher Education Academy (HEA) is designed to explore the inner workings of higher education and ground participants in WSU’s unique values and traditions. Whether you’re new to higher education or a seasoned veteran, HEA offers insights into this complex and ever-changing system. All faculty and staff are invited to attend. Class size is limited to 25 and registration opens in mid-to-late July.
The Academy is held every fall starting in September and consists of nine sessions. Sessions are held primarily in the Shepherd Union Building for the duration of the 10 weeks.
The Academy ends with a graduation luncheon for the entire class to celebrate and recognize participants who complete all 10 classes.
REGISTRATION OPENS: AUGUST 1, 2025
Schedule of Topics
History and Philosophy
- L. Jackson Newell, PhD, Professor Emeritus, University of Utah
What Constitutes an Educated Person?
- Deborah Uman, PhD, Dean of College of Arts and Humanities
- Wendy Holliday, PhD, Dean of the Stewart Library
Student Success
- Jessica Oyler, PhD, Vice-President of Student Access & Success
Accreditation & Assessment
- Gail Niklason, EdD, Executive Director for Office of Institutional Effectiveness
Governance
- Betsy Mennell, PhD, Vice-President for University Advancement
Finance for Higher Education
- Norm Tarbox, PhD, Former Vice-President for Administrative Services
Information Technology
- Ty Naylor, IT Marketing and Training Manager
- Nancy Jarvis, M.A., Senior IT Policy and Planning Administrator
- Mark Halverson, Interim Vice-President of Information Technology
Ethics in Higher Education
- Stephanie Hollist, Weber State University General Counsel
Leading Change in Higher Education
- Brad Mortensen, PhD, President of Weber State University
Contact Employee Engagement for more information.
"Upon the subject of education, I can only say that I view it as the most important subject which we as a people may be engaged in."
- President Abraham Lincoln