James Hedges named Dean of Division of Online & Continuing Education

OGDEN, Utah – James Hedges has been named the new dean of Weber State University’s Division of Online & Continuing Education (DOCE). 

Hedges, who has a Ph.D. in communication from the University of Utah, currently serves as the director of professional and continuing education at Westminster College in Salt Lake City, overseeing all competency-based programs and serving as the primary relationship manager with corporate partnerships. Hedges said his passion is exploring future workforce needs and developing educational solutions to fulfill those needs.

“The people at Weber State have a unified commitment to student success which was a deciding factor in why I chose to take this position. In my mind, this culture is crucial to executing the institution’s commitment to equity and being a leader within the changing landscape of higher education,” Hedges said. “Weber State has a proven track record of doing great work in continuing education and digital learning, so I am extremely excited to build on that momentum.”

Weber State’s Board of Trustees approved the selection following a national search.

“Dr. Hedges brings a collaborative and entrepreneurial mindset in developing institutional and corporate partnerships,” WSU provost Ravi Krovi said. “He has extensive experience in the development of customized programs and flexible pathways to meet the educational needs of adult learners.”

As dean of DOCE, Hedges will further the division’s mission of extending lifelong learning opportunities beyond Weber State’s traditional course offerings. DOCE oversees professional development courses and certifications, community education courses, concurrent enrollment, and flexible, online degrees. 

Hedges has worked in both faculty and administrative roles at Westminster since 2008. From 2011-14, he served as the director of the arts administration program and held the director of leadership certificate program and director of innovative learning at the college from 2014-19. He also taught speech and communications classes, giving him firsthand knowledge of the changing landscape of higher education.

“I think that experience has positioned me well to understand the demands on students, how busy their lives are today and the type of programming that best meets their needs,” he said. “I am a strong advocate for adult learners and non-traditional students and I think I bring an innovative and entrepreneurial mindset to how Weber State can meet all students where they are at.”

Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University.

Author:

Jessica Kokesh, social media editor
801-626-7316 • jessicakokesh@weber.edu

Contact:

John Kowalewski, executive director, Marketing & Communications
801-626-7212 • jkowalewski@weber.edu