Shifting Demographics: Today’s Adult Learner and the Disappearing “Traditional”  Student

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Kristen Betts  

Kristen Betts

Director of Online and Blended Learning

Armstrong Atlantic State University

 

Dr. Kristen Betts is Armstrong Atlantic State University's first Director of Online and Blended Learning. In this position, Dr. Betts is leading innovative initiatives to support student and faculty success in online and blended education. Dr. Betts has over 15 year of experience in online instruction and program development with private and public institutions. She is a recognized speaker and author as well as serves as a reviewer for several online journals. Prior to coming to Armstrong, Dr. Betts served as the Senior Director for eLearning at Drexel University.

At no time in history has there been a greater need for higher education. However, economic and demographic shifts are changing the higher education landscape. Colleges and universities continue to face budget cuts and student loan rates are nearing the $1 trillion mark. Additionally, recent projections by the National Center for Education Statistics indicate that the majority of enrollment growth for 2020 will be adults 25 to 34 years old (21%) and 35 years old and older (16%) with only a 9% increase for students 18 to 24 years old.

How can higher education institutions meet the needs of a growing adult learner population with the needs of the disappearing traditional student population? How can higher education preserve the liberal arts curriculum while balancing demands for online and blended education formats? With a growing percentage of the unemployed becoming unemployable, how can higher education play a pivotal role in career development?

The economic crisis continues to provide extensive challenges for higher education. However, with challenges come opportunities. Through innovation and collaboration, higher education leaders can develop and expand their programs and services to serve as catalysts to stimulate and sustain the emergent workforce while meeting the needs of today’s diverse student population.