2026 ACHE Webinar Series

April 29

"Partnering for Impact: Continuing Ed, Workforce, and Wellness for High School Students"

Connecticut State Community College, in partnership with a local district, offers 11^th and 12th-grade students access to continuing education/personal enrichment courses and workforce development certifications. The innovative program introduces students to college-level learning while supporting wellness and career readiness and promoting lifelong learning. Courses provide practical skills and a break from the traditional high school curriculum, helping students explore interests and build confidence. 

Early exposure to the college environment fosters familiarity and encourages future enrollment, while the school district funds participation, creating a win-win model that strengthens student pathways, enhances workforce readiness, and builds lasting college-district partnerships. 

Presenter: 

• Jon Debenedictis, Director of Non-Credit Programs, CT State Community College - Norwalk

Moderator: Bryan Best, University of La Verne

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May 20

"Human Connections in a Digital Classroom"

In higher education’s increasingly digital landscape, genuine human connection is essential for student engagement and well-being. This webinar explores practical strategies for building meaningful faculty-student relationships in fully online environments. Drawing from leadership frameworks such as Schein’s Humble Inquiry and Northouse’s relationship-based leadership, attendees will learn how intentional communication and relational teaching practices can transform online classrooms into communities of connection. Examples from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Applied Leadership program highlight personalized communication, reflective feedback, and the structured, purposeful integration of AI tools that enhance, not replace, human interaction. Through this balanced approach, attendees will gain actionable insights to strengthen human connection, enhance learning outcomes, and promote holistic well-being beyond the books.

Presenter: 

• Mike Breakey, PhD, LEAD Associate Professor of Practice, University of Tennessee Chattanooga

Moderator: Billie McNamara, University of Tennessee

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May 27

"Beyond Enrollment: Flourishing in the Pipeline of Higher Education Communities"

Atlanta Technical College's Preparatory Academy (ATC-Prep) redefines college readiness by cultivating social, emotional, and spiritual well-being before students enter higher education. This session showcases ATC-Prep's innovative "whole learner" model, where high school students earn diplomas and workforce credentials within a technical college environment designed for belonging, resilience, and purpose. We will explore how early exposure to collegiate culture, wraparound supports, and intentional mentoring help transform disengaged learners into confident, connected scholars. Through this case study, attendees will gain practical strategies to integrate social and emotional learning (SEL), strengthen cross-sector partnerships, and create campus ecosystems that prioritize human flourishing over simple enrollment. "Beyond Enrollment" invites higher education professionals to reimagine readiness as more than academic preparation-it's the cultivation of emotionally grounded, community-minded students prepared to thrive in college and beyond.

Presenter: 

• Kennard Weever, Executive Director, Preparatory Academy, Atlanta Technical College

Moderator: Mark Murphy, Middle Tennessee State University

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June 24

"Beyond the Badge: Industry-engaged Microcredentials for Bridging Generations in the Workforce and Advancing Socioeconomic Mobility"

This session presents findings from a mixed-methods evaluation of workforce-focused microcredential programs at Southern Utah University. The study explores how short, industry-responsive credentials foster socioeconomic mobility, particularly for rural and non-traditional learners. Through survey and interview data, the research reveals how microcredentials empower learners with confidence, real-world skills, and career advancement opportunities. It also highlights how these programs engage multi-generational learners and support community-centered workforce development. Attendees will gain practical insights into designing flexible, equitable programs that bridge education and industry needs, and help bolster university enrollments and funding by expanding the recruitment conversation to include microcredential offerings. The session concludes with a framework for developing inclusive microcredentials that embody empathy (through learner-centered design), empowerment (via access and mobility), and innovation (through agile, workplace-ready delivery).

Presenter:

• Melynda Thorpe, Assistant Vice President Workforce and Educational Opportunity, Southern Utah University

Moderator: Janine Guerra, Drexel University

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