2026 ACHE Webinar Series

June 17

"Reflecting on Personal Motivation Immediacy in Leadership for Well-Being"

Motivational Immediacy is an expansive construct that is connected to both teaching and leadership. Each of these categories has inward-focused and outward-focused concerns. This presentation will focus on the inward (personal) side of the leadership domain. Motivational Immediacy in the Leadership-Inward domain can be described as the process of thinking of long-term goals and forcing oneself, as a habit, to connect each short-term action to that long-term goal in a way that mentally 'fuses' the means (short-term action) to the end (long-term goal). This purposeful act of reaching for, is an alternative to other mental habits such as reacting to, running from, and repeating of. Attendees will engage in dialogue centered on personal reflection of experiences during which they have engaged in each of the 'Four R's" above and how those experiences could be used as helpful tools to develop future Ml 'reaching-for' habits that promote mental health and well-being.

Presenters: 

• Jonathan Taylor, PhD (Professor of Adult Education and Director of Doctoral Studies, College of Education, Auburn University)

• Steven Frye, PhD (Associate Professor/Director, School of Interdisciplinary Studies, Tennessee Technological University)

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July 8

"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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