WSU Higher Education Academy

Register on Training Tracker - Course #350-01

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 10 sessions. Sessions are held in the Shepherd Union Building for the duration of the 10 weeks, except one week where participants explore the Digital District in Lampros Hall. The Academy ends with a graduation luncheon for the entire class to celebrate and recognize participants who complete all 10 classes.

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
  • Yasmen Simonian, PhD, Dean of College of Health Professions

Ethics in Higher Education

  • Laura Thompson, Executive Director Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity
  • Stephanie Hollist, Weber State University General Counsel

Finance for Higher Education

  • Norm Tarbox, PhD, Vice-President for Administrative Services

Information Technology

  • Bret Ellis, PhD, Vice-President for Information Technology
  • Nancy Jarvis, M.A., Senior IT Policy and Planning Administrator
  • Ty Naylor, IT Marketing and Training Manager 

Student Success

  • Jeff Hurst, PhD, Associate Vice-President for Student Affairs & Dean of Students

OGovernance

  • Betsy Mennell, PhD, Vice-President for University Advancement

Accreditation & Assessment

  • Eric Amsel, PhD, Associate Provost and Professor of Psychology
  • Gail Niklason, EdD, Executive Director for Office of Institutional Effectiveness

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

  • Adrienne Andrews, MS, MA, Vice-President of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

Leading Change in Higher Education

  • Brad Mortensen, PhD, President of Weber State University

Contact Cindy Reinhard with the Office of Workplace Learning 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