WSU Higher Education Academy

Register on Training Tracker - Course #350-01

The Higher Education Academy (HEA) is designed to explore the inner workings of higher education and ground participants in WSU’s unique values and traditions. Whether you’re new to higher education or a seasoned veteran, HEA offers insights into this complex and ever-changing system. All faculty and staff are invited to attend. Class size is limited to 25 and registration opens in mid-to-late July.

The Academy is held every fall starting in September and consists of 10 sessions. Sessions are held primarily in the Shepherd Union Building for the duration of the 10 weeks. There are two exceptions: October 22nd, where participants explore the Digital District in Lampros Hall; and November 5th, which will be held in the Shepherd Union Skyroom 404A.

The Academy ends with a graduation luncheon for the entire class to celebrate and recognize participants who complete all 10 classes.

REGISTRATION OPENS: JULY 1, 2024

Schedule of Topics 

Sept. 10 - History and Philosophy

  • L. Jackson Newell, PhD, Professor Emeritus, University of Utah 

Sept. 17 - What Constitutes an Educated Person?

  • Deborah Uman, PhD, Dean of College of Arts and Humanities
  • Wendy Holliday, PhD, Dean of the Stewart Library
  • Yasmen Simonian, PhD, Dean of Health Professions

Sept. 24 - Student Success

  • Jessica Oyler, PhD, Vice-President of Student Access & Success
  • Jeff Hurst, PhD, Associate Vice-President for Student Access & Success & Dean of Students

Oct. 1 - Accreditation & Assessment

  • Gail Niklason, EdD, Executive Director for Office of Institutional Effectiveness

Oct. 8 - Governance

  • Betsy Mennell, PhD, Vice-President for University Advancement

Oct. 15 - Finance for Higher Education

  • Norm Tarbox, PhD, Vice-President for Administrative Services

Oct. 22 - Information Technology

  • Ty Naylor, IT Marketing and Training Manager 
  • Nancy Jarvis, M.A., Senior IT Policy and Planning Administrator
  • Mark Halverson, Interim Vice-President of Information Technology

Oct. 29 - Ethics in Higher Education

  • Stephanie Hollist, Weber State University General Counsel

Nov. 5 - Leading Change in Higher Education

  • Brad Mortensen, PhD, President of Weber State University

Contact Tricia Aragon with the Office of Workplace Learning for more information.

"Upon the subject of education, I can only say that I view it as the most important subject which we as a people may be engaged in."
- President Abraham Lincoln