The Watson College of Education was pleased to welcome regional leaders from the military, business, government and the broader community to campus on March 5 for a breakfast event to promote WCE’s new Bachelor of Science degree in Workforce Learning & Development. Bill Kawczynski, UNCW’s Director of Military Affairs, Brigadier General Scott O’Meara (U.S. Marine Corps, Retired), and John Downing, Vice President of Economic and Workforce Development at Cape Fear Community College were featured speakers at the event.
“To say I am excited about this new program is an understatement,” Kawczynski said. “I remember when we were scratching out the idea on a piece of paper and discussing the positive impact it could have on military recruiting and retention. UNCW has a proud history of supporting the military. It’s in our DNA here at UNCW and this program, which gives credit for prior military training and experience, is a game-changer that can benefit military personnel as they advance through the ranks and veterans as they transition to civilian jobs.”
BGen O’Meara served for 30 years in the U.S. Marine Corps. He currently teaches in UNCW’s Leadership Studies minor program and volunteers as a member of the Cameron Executive Network.
“Why invest in workforce learning and development? A strong economy needs a skilled workforce. It gives businesses a competitive advantage and helps the region attract firms,“ O’Meara said. “I hope this program will also help more companies recognize the value of military experience and hire a vet.”
Downing discussed the many programs CFCC offers that support local workforce needs, including a new flight school and an aircraft maintenance training program planned for Fall 2024 in partnership with Wilmington International Airport, Modern Aviation and Cape Fear Aviation Flight Training.
“Our region has a workforce shortage, but we have a plan. It involves partnerships with high schools, regional employers and trade groups,” he said. “UNCW’s program can serve as a pipeline for the instructors we need in technical programs. It can also benefit workers in many organizations that require a four-year degree to advance to management positions.”
Following their presentations, BGen O’Meara and Downing participated in a panel discussion with Dr. Lou Bon-Ami, NextGen Postdoctoral Fellow in UNCW’s Watson College of Education and Dr. David Wells, Program Lead for WCE’s new Workforce Learning & Development program. The discussion focused on changing workforce needs, the importance of partnerships and communication in building for the future, and ways technology is driving change and creating a need for ongoing and increasingly specialized training.
“We look forward to welcoming the first students to our Workforce Learning & Development program in the fall,” said Watson College Associate Dean Angela Housand. “We are grateful for strong support from our community college and military partners, and we look forward to building on these alliances as we work to grow a successful program in the future.”
UNCW’s new Bachelor of Science degree in Workforce Learning & Development is designed for military service members, veterans and mid-career professionals in the skilled trades. Courses are offered in instructional design, learning design, adult education, training & development and leadership studies.
The program is entirely online, features accelerated 7-week courses, and applied learning opportunities are a core part of the program. The WLD program translates military experience into academic credit so military personnel with at least two years in the Armed Forces can apply as transfer students. In addition, UNCW’s strong articulation agreements with North Carolina’s Community Colleges make it possible for many individuals with an associate’s degree to apply as transfer students. In total, applicants have an opportunity to earn up to 24 credit hours for work experience and prior professional learning in addition to up to 60 hours of community college transfer credit and/or military credit. Applications are open for classes that start in Fall 2024.
For more information, join us at an Information Session on May 9 or June 26 or visit the WLD website.
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