Mitchell Bloomer ’24M

After an initial career as a probation officer, and later roles within the Illinois judicial and correctional systems, Mitchell Bloomer '24M transitioned to higher education. His unique background and experience led him to the role of director of continuing and professional education at UNCW.

Bloomer stumbled into academia in 1997, he said. Meeting a college leader opened new doors. The connection led to an invitation to join the institution, where Bloomer managed extension centers and correctional education programs, eventually becoming a dean.

“Fate played a role in my career change through that encounter with a college leader who took an interest in me. He became a great mentor, taking me under his wing. He helped me appreciate that aiding others in their learning journeys and helping them meet their goals was a form of compensation and a way to give back," said Bloomer, who received his doctorate in higher education leadership from Concordia University Chicago and recently completed a second master’s degree, earning a degree in instructional technology with UNCW.

Over the past two decades, Bloomer held positions with various organizations and higher education institutions. Bloomer joined UNCW in April 2020. His office is part of Graduate, Continuing, and Lifelong Education, which serves as a “hub” for the community’s continuing and professional education needs.

“This alignment is crucial as it allows us to collaborate with the various colleges and units to find synergies, guiding community members toward their noncredit learning and development opportunities,” he said. “While universities normally focus on more traditional credentials, we are also making strides to emphasize and utilize alternatives, including micro-credentials symbolized by (open) digital badges. We aim to help UNCW evolve as a provider of quality degrees and certificates, and as an institution that also offers quality stackable skills and alternative credentialing.”

The Office of Continuing and Professional Education at UNCW works closely with local businesses, industries, the military, and public service organizations. These partnerships leverage UNCW’s expert faculty to address regional workforce needs through specialized training programs. Additionally, the office collaborates with organizations like NC Works and the Cape Fear Workforce Development Board to ensure that the university’s offerings align with local demands.

“We serve as a training partner for those organizations that lack an internal learning and development team, those looking for university-branded training, or those who have gaps that need to be filled,” he said. “These organizations benefit from training delivered by our top-tier professors, the majority of whom hold doctoral degrees and are well-versed in current best practices and research. These endeavors include delivering training and related services and assessing needs to enhance our programs and more effectively address the area’s workforce requirements.”

Bloomer also engages with various noncredit-focused units across campus, integrating efforts with other community-serving departments. What excites him most about his job is the interaction with diverse populations.

“Whether its adult learners aiming to secure a new role or advance within their organization, serving military personnel, assisting organizations with talent development, assisting the unemployed, or preparing high school and college students for entrance exams, we witness countless success stories,” he said. “Their success truly feels like our success.”