Veritas recently caught up with Dr. Burrus for a special edition of One-to-One.
When we last spoke, you had just been appointed Provost and Chief Academic Officer, and you were knee-deep in preparing for our HLC visit – talk about a baptism by fire! Now, as some time has passed, are there any additional insights on the HLC process that you’d like to share?
We are very proud of our team and the level of preparation and quality of work that everyone put into making our Reaffirmation for Accreditation Site Visit a success. I truly believe that our Self-Study Report demonstrates how Northcentral continues to meet and exceed the Commission’s requirements for reaffirmation and accreditation – and it also positions us for future success.
Again, I want to thank everyone who helped make this massive undertaking possible. I also know that everyone is anxious to know the results of our HLC evaluation, but we may not know for several months.
What I do know is that we believe the University has the appropriate structures and processes in place to continue to grow, govern itself responsibly, maintain financial strength, execute our strategies, accomplish goals, achieve our mission, and ultimately, realize our vision. I also look forward to learning what the HLC’s recommendations for improvement are, as we are always looking to improve the quality of our programs and services.
What’s new and exciting for 2013? Any news you can share on the Virtual Academic Center (VAC) and any other technology enhancements or programs in the works?
I’m really excited about a lot of the new things planned for NCU in 2013, but I think the following three areas will have the greatest impact on the quality of the NCU education experience:
1.
We have a new student portal in the works, as well as a new Course Room. These technological updates will enhance students’ learning experiences and will facilitate greater interaction among all team members, faculty, students and even alumni. Linked to the Course room will be the Virtual Academic Center (VAC)—NCU’s private academic network. The VAC will provide students and faculty with the opportunity to build and participate in online communities, share information through live LinkedIn-like interaction, and curate their academic identity and connections – while keeping these activities separate from their personal social networks.
2. We will continue to enhance our curriculum in order to incorporate the principles of Applied Experiential Learning.
3. We will look for opportunities to create new programs and improve our existing programs to support successful student learning outcomes.
This issue of Veritas centers on “Community Building through Engagement and Service” – please tell us your vision of NCU’s role in the community. Also, are there any personal stories of NCU Team Members in action that you’d like to share?
Northcentral is committed to serving the three communities where we operate – Prescott Valley, Scottsdale, and virtually – and team members will continue to have opportunities to get involved, participate and give back. Of course, many NCU folks do this already.
For example, Dr. Greg Bradley, dean of The Graduate School, supports his area through active involvement researching the impact of BP’s Gulf Oil Spill on his community in the Mississippi Gulf region. Through his efforts, he’s hoping to find ways to boost regional tourism in areas that were severely impacted. And Bill Reay, a full-time faculty member in the School of Behavioral and Health Sciences, is actively involved in studying mental health issues in Cuba.
Last, but not least, watch for community leaders who we will recognize with honorary degrees at our 2013 commencement ceremony for their outstanding contributions in our local communities.
I just read a quote from Eric Hoffer: “In a world of change, the learners shall inherit the earth, while the learned shall find themselves perfectly suited for a world that no longer exists.” It made me think of you – and NCU! What changes do you see coming in online learning – and how is NCU positioned to respond to those changes?
The big topic right now in education and among educators is the use of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). These online courses are aimed at large-scale participation and open access via the Web. It’s truly an interesting development because it shows that people have an immense desire to learn.
For our part, NCU understands the critical importance of ensuring that our students are learning and outcomes are being met. We’re aware of this emerging technology and are looking at ways to deliver broad offerings to communities who can come together to learn. We’re also implementing best practices, including a new learning outcomes assessment tool to confirm that our degree programs meet and exceed national standards of quality.
Okay, now for the questions everyone is dying to know about Dr. Burrus. What are you currently reading – or what book would you recommend reading in the New Year? Any pop cultural references you currently recommend (TV, music, movies)?
Hands down The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot should be on everyone’s reading list. It’s history that informs the present – as well as the future.
Regarding pop culture, the 2012 election was more fascinating than any reality show! Are we more divided or less divided as a country than we believe to be true? What does this say about who we are? And, why can we not seemingly get out of our own way to help make things better?