October 2020 Edition
Dr. Jennifer Greenier to Lead New Life Sciences Initiative
CPE is pleased to announce the hiring of Dr. Jen Greenier to lead the Life Sciences Workforce Training Collaborative—a proof-of-concept venture to devise and hone public-private partnerships for economic and talent development at Aggie Square. Phase I of this initiative is creation of a “middle skills” certificate in Cell and Gene Therapy in collaboration with the UC Davis Stem Cell Program, community college partners and industry partners. Dr. Greenier formerly served as associate director of Workforce Development at the Clinical and Translational Science Center and director of the FUTURE Program, a career exploration program for UC Davis Ph.D. students and postdocs. She holds a Ph.D. in Genetics from UC Davis, has postdoctoral experience in industry, and years of experience in academic administration and workforce development.
Pouring it Forward
A $50,000 endowment from North Coast Brewing Company of Fort Bragg launched the Mark E. Ruedrich North Coast Brewing Diversity Scholarship for the Master Brewers Certificate Program offered by CPE. “We’re always looking for opportunities to improve our community,” said Jeff Ottoboni, CEO of North Coast Brewing Company. “The tumultuous events of 2020 reinforced the need for us to make this significant commitment and lead efforts to promote diversity in the brewing industry. Twenty-four hours later, we were on the phone with UC Davis.” The scholarship provides support for entering students who are committed to diversity, have experience and/or understanding of the barriers traditionally faced by people of color and demonstrate a high potential for leadership in promoting cross-cultural understanding in the brewing industry.
Anti-Racism Series Draws Thousands
CPE’s Human Services team recently concluded a four-session webinar series on anti-racist practices, drawing more than 900 participants per session. Human services professionals serve some of the most vulnerable children, youth, adults and families. “Not being racist is not enough,” said Human Services chair Susan Brooks, MSW. “We must take a strong, sustained and active stance against racism in all its forms. Doing the work includes the internal work on our own biases and complicity with systems that create and sustain inequality, as well as the work at an agency and system level to understand and undo structures that have led to inequity and disparate impact for children, youth, families and adults who are people of color.”
UC Davis Nears Two Million Enrollments on Coursera
After achieving the one million mark in spring, enrollments in UC Davis online programs on Coursera have nearly doubled as the MOOC platform expanded access to those affected by COVID. “Helping so many adults reskill at a critical time for our economy is core to CPE’s purpose,” said Dean Susan Catron. In collaboration with the Office of the Provost, CPE also launched Coursera for Campus, which extended free access to all UC Davis programs on the platform to faculty, staff, students and alumni. Since May, more than 500 UC Davis community members have enrolled in at least one course. CPE agreed to forego revenue on these enrollments as a service to the campus.
New Online Ventures at Davis (NOV@D) Gears up to Advance Online Graduate Education
Provost Croughan recently announced the creation of NOV@D to evaluate the market and business potential of proposed online online graduate program offerings. Members include JP Deplanque, dean of Graduate Studies; Lisa Frace, chief finance and budget officer; Brian Martin, BIA analyst; Jennifer Sang, executive assistant dean, College of Biological Sciences; Lisa Badonivac, assistant dean of Education, Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing; and Susan Catron, dean, Continuing and Professional Education (non-voting). Importantly, this business evaluation process aligns with the existing SSDP approval process. Recognizing the authority and autonomy of the Academic Senate to approve academic programs, faculty leaders will benefit from additional support in determining market demand and feasibility, as well as optimal online delivery partners. NOV@D's role is to ensure rigorous evaluation of findings and to steer campus investment decisions.The team kicks off its work later this month with a presentation from the Education Advisory Board on the national market for online graduate education.
Post-Baccalaureate Health Professions Certificate to Launch January, 2021.
Developed in collaboration with the Health Professions Advising (HPA) program in the College of Biological Sciences, the new post-baccalaureate certificate provides a comprehensive academic program of study, high-touch advising and professional development opportunities. The partnership leverages HPA’s subject matter expertise and reputational strength along with CPE’s capacity for designing and supporting market-responsive certificate programs. The January cohort is expected to kick-off with 45 students.
International Partnerships Expand Pathways to UC Davis
Global Affairs, Graduate Studies, and CPE have formed a strategic partnership to expand the UC Davis 3+X Master’s Degree Pathway. The program provides a quarter-long bridge for promising students from select global universities. At the undergraduate level, the new Destination Davis program will provide a pathway to undergraduate admissions at UC Davis and other U.S. colleges and universities. These programs align with CPE’s expanded focus on academic and professional pathways in its international education portfolio.
Dr. Rosalyn Clark to Serve as Executive Advisor
The Dean’s office is pleased to welcome Dr. Rosalyn Clark as the newest member of the team. Rosalyn will serve as Executive Advisor to the Dean and Cabinet with responsibility for supporting the implementation of CPE’s strategic plan, and providing counsel and principal management support at the intersection of academic initiatives and administrative operations. Rosalyn holds a Ph.D. in School Organization and Educational Policy from UC Davis, and was most recently the director of the UC Davis MESA program.