The AJCU Deans and Directors of Adult and Continuing Education (DACE) Network was established formally in 1995. In the decades since then, members have met in person for annual meetings and used a listserv to share and discuss best practices in adult education; new program initiatives and models for program delivery; current and future market demands regionally and nationally; ideas for collaboration among institutions; strategies for advocating for adult students and navigating traditional higher education structures; creative community collaborations and alternative revenue streams; and effective marketing strategies. DACE has effectively served as a collegial community of support and networking for members, both seasoned and new.
With the shifting demographics of learners in the United States, combined with employment and economic challenges, there is growing recognition across sectors of the need for professionally-oriented education across lifetimes, and for liberal education to be more affordable and accessible. Disruptive models and new entrants into this field include nonprofit institutions that are designed around the adult learner, entrepreneurial universities that build verticals to serve this population, and the for-profit corporate sector, which provides skills training specific to their industries. Thus, there is a great need for values-based adult education and re-careering. In the spirit of St. Ignatius of Loyola, himself an adult, veteran, and disabled student, DACE remains focused on representing the interests and needs of diverse adult student populations at Jesuit colleges and universities. Future aspirations include exploring further collaboration among member institutions and providing a voice to AJCU (and each other) as to the importance and value of adult and continuing and online education colleges and programs.
Leadership
Contact: Kelly Otter, Georgetown University
E-mail: otter@georgetown.edu
Next Meeting
Location: TBD
Dates: TBD