Post-secondary institutions are facing a moment of reckoning, according to an education expert who will speak at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) on Sept. 9.
Jon Rice
"The relevance of higher education is being questioned," says Jon Rice. "We're at this point where we're re-examining its value, role and purpose in society."
Rice works with the Research Advisory Services team at EAB, which is a best practices research firm specializing in education. EAB works to find solutions for the biggest challenges facing higher education, and Rice draws on that research to advise institutions across the globe.
Rice will be in conversation with KPU President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Alan Davis at the next President's Dialogue Series public event, "Reckoning with Relevance: 2024 Higher Ed State of the Sector."
With a focus on the most relevant topics in higher education at the moment, Rice plans to bring some of EAB's latest research insights to the table.
Each year, EAB hears from approximately 2,800 schools, universities and colleges to discover their biggest challenges and priorities. Those current issues are enrolment and demographics, artificial intelligence, the need for sustainable business models, student readiness and well-being, and the hybrid campus workforce.
"These topics are especially important because they can have some real and critical long-term impacts," says Rice. "We need to start looking at what tough decisions we need to make today to set up higher education for the years to come."
The President's Dialogue Series is an initiative started by Dr. Davis. This ongoing series welcomes speakers to KPU who are leaders in the private and public sectors, both locally and globally.
"Shedding light on the key priorities surrounding higher education is integral in ensuring institutions like KPU continue to foster the best environment for students to succeed," says Davis. "Jon Rice's extensive experience in the sector will bring valuable insights to this dialogue."
Rice has spent nearly a decade working in various enrolment-related roles at the University of San Francisco, including serving as Director of Admission. With a Master's in Strategic Communication, he's also worked in communications and marketing for a number of for-profit and non-profit organizations.
The President's Dialogue with Jon Rice will be held on Monday, Sept. 9, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Melville Centre for Dialogue at KPU Richmond, 8771 Lansdowne Rd. The event is free and open to the public, but guests are asked to register in advance.
