ASU+GSV Summit Sessions Stepping into the Spotlight? Regional Colleges as the USA’s Critical Hubs for Innovation
Apr 18, 2025
Adela de la Torre, the President of San Diego State University, Michael Sorrell, President of Paul Quinn College, and Jacob Fraire, President of the ECMC Foundation, dive into the critical role of regional colleges in innovation and workforce development. They discuss how these institutions can uniquely adapt post-COVID, emphasizing student engagement and tailored programs. The conversation includes navigating workforce alignment in the age of AI and the importance of flexible credentialing to meet diverse learner needs, underscoring their potential to drive economic mobility.
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Regional Universities' Overlooked Impact
- Regional public universities are critical local partners often overlooked in national narratives dominated by elite institutions.
- They offer opportunities for innovation and reform at scale with research capacity and large student populations.
Modern Learners Value Regional Universities
- Students prefer regional universities when programs match their needs despite lower federal funding compared to elite schools.
- Regional universities must innovate around diverse modern learners and strengthen community and employer connections.
Serving Local Students' Education Needs
- Michael Sorrell shares that regional institutions often serve students within 50 miles who seek legitimate education opportunities.
- Students value educational experience and attentive faculty over research status like R1.