Celebrating 100 Years of Continuing and Lifelong Education at NC State
On Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2024, NC State University’s Continuing and Lifelong Education division proudly commemorated its 100th anniversary with a vibrant and inspiring full-day celebration at the Jane S. McKimmon Conference and Training Center. The event brought together faculty, staff, and community members for a series of enriching activities designed to highlight the transformative impact of continuing education.
The day kicked off with a range of professional development workshops, featuring insights from leading experts in continuing education. Topics addressed included:
- Panel Discussion: Impact on the NC Workforce and Community
- Stories to Strategies: Persuasive Storytelling in Action
- Harnessing Technology to Enhance Emotional Intelligence for Tomorrow’s Workforce
- Unlocking Opportunities: Building Career Pathways with Non-Degree Credentials
- Your Future After Work: Planning for Purpose in Life’s Second Act
These sessions offered valuable perspectives on pressing issues and emerging trends in the workforce, both locally and nationally.
The celebration continued with remarks from Chancellor Randy Woodson and Provost Warwick Arden. Chancellor Woodson emphasized the pivotal role of continuing and lifelong education, stating, “The importance of continuing and lifelong education cannot be overstated, as it encourages the expansion of our workforce, the development of professional skills, and broadens the horizons of so many of us who may be beyond the workforce but want to constantly stay in tune with the challenges we face as a society.”
The highlight of the day was the keynote address by Michelle R. Weise, Ph.D., a renowned author and thought leader in the future of work and education. Weise delivered a compelling presentation based on her acclaimed book, Long Life Learning: Preparing for Jobs That Don’t Even Exist Yet, and her work with Rise & Design, a consultancy focused on innovative education and workforce strategies.
Weise’s keynote explored the need for educational innovations to match the evolving landscape of work.
“The future of work and the future of education are one and the same,” said Weise. “Because no longer can we go into this movement of learning on the front end, earning a living, and then retiring on the back end. It’s going to look more like learn, earn, learn, earn, repeat.”
She outlined five key principles to support this cyclical approach:
- Mentorship and Career Navigation: Guidance to chart career paths effectively.
- Wraparound Support Services: Access to essentials like transportation, childcare, and professional resources.
- Targeted Education: Affordable non-degree programs offering specific skills.
- Integrated Learning and Earning: Greater opportunities for professional development and upskilling within the workplace.
- Transparent Hiring Practices: Inclusive assessment methods that emphasize skills over traditional qualifications.
“If we are to actually move forward this better future,” Weise concluded, “we need to build a learning ecosystem that is fundamentally more easily navigable, more supported, more targeted, more integrated and more transparent.”
The centennial celebration concluded with a special proclamation by Rep. Allison Dahle of the North Carolina House of Representatives. Representing Governor Roy Cooper, Rep. Dahle officially recognized Aug. 27, 2024, as a day to honor the remarkable 100-year legacy of NC State Continuing and Lifelong Education.
For more details on NC State Continuing and Lifelong Education’s offerings, visit our program and course catalog online.
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