October, 2014 Luncheon
Tue, October 28 2014, 11:30am
Campus Club ABC
Dean Mary Nichols to address challenges of online learning at October 28 luncheon
Having spent 13 years as dean of the College of Continuing Education, Mary Nichols has been on the front line of nontraditional education. She has the responsibility for, and has helped create, a wide array of programs, many conducted in partnership with other colleges at the University, that respond to the needs of learners seeking individualized or applied undergraduate or graduate degrees, academic certificates, and education for career advancement or professional development.
She has been on the faculty of the University since 1975 and holds an appointment as professor in the Carlson School of Management. Her research and teaching specialties are in strategy implementation, leadership, and change in organizations. She earned degrees in mathematics and Ph.D. in organization studies from the University of Kansas.
Prior to becoming dean of the College of Continuing Education, Dr. Nichols served in leadership positions in the Carlson School. She was associate dean for academic programs for more than six years, leading curriculum redesign across all undergraduate and MBA programs. She helped deepen the linkages to the community through a range of education and research programs.
Since becoming CCE dean in 2001, Dr. Nichols has led her college through a period in which technology has enabled a great deal of change in the design and delivery of education. During those years, Dean Nichols has seen a number of “disruptors” that have come across the educational landscape—such as the recent appearance of MOOCs (massive open online courses).
It is important, as Dean Nichols reminds us, for some within the University to be monitoring, experimenting with, and evaluating emerging educational innovations. Under her leadership CCE has put that forward as one of its strategic priorities, aligning with the University’s strategic plan. Dr. Nichols represents the University on the national research University Continuing Education Deans group, the Governor’s Workforce Development Council, and the Minnesota Job Skills Partnership Board. She is a member of the Board of Trustees of Minnesota Public Radio.
We look forward to the opportunity to hear and talk with her on October 28.
— Hal Miller, UMRA President
Upcoming Events
Our July 15 "hike" is going to be a kayaking adventure on Bde Maka Ska (formerly Lake Calhoun) and Lake of the Isles! If you don't have a kayak (or paddleboard), Wheel Fun Rentals, located next to the new concession stand rents single kayaks at $15 an hour and double kayaks at $25. The second hour is free if we rent before noon. Life jackets are provided with the rental.
Laura Ericksen will lead the discussion of How Stella Learned to Talk by Christina Hunger, a true story by a speech-language pathologist who taught her dog, Stella, to communicate using buttons associated with different words.
Our August 5 hike will be a reprise of our hike last summer at William O'Brien State Park. This is a beautiful park with a winding trail and a great view of the countryside. The hike is about 5.5 to 6 miles and we'll go at a moderate pace with frequent water breaks. After the hike, we will eat lunch at Rustic Roots Winery, a half mile north of the park.
Kathy Cramer will lead the discussion of The Bookbinder by Pip Williams, a book set in 1914 Oxford chronicling the life of Peggy who works in the University bindery, but craves a life beyond binding books but to being a scholar herself.
Enjoy a two-hour cruise on the Jonathan Padelford, leaving from the Harriet Island dock in St. Paul, boarding time at 5:30 p.m. We will have a brief program on board by Patrick Nunnally from the River Life Program of the Institute on the Environment.
August 31 is the due date for annual reports and updates. Annual Reports, Toolkits, web page updates, operating document updates and archives collections are all due each year on this date.
Autumn is a wonderful season in Minnesota so plan to join UMRA at the Andersen Horticultural Library at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Kristen Mastel, head librarian and curator, will reveal its treasure trove of publications and artifacts relating to plant history, horticulture, and natural history. After the tour, those who are interested may stay to eat lunch together, sitting outside if the weather is nice. Later, you are invited to a one-hour tram tour of the entire Arboretum that includes natural areas of flowering shrubs, bogs, and forests, family garden and landscaping showpieces, and the red barn farm
After a summer break the UMRA Photo Club will next meet September 10, 2024 in the meeting room of the Hennepin County St. Anthony Branch Library. For those interested in lunch, meet at the Great Dragon at 11:30 am. For September the THEME will be Curves
We will continue to discuss the pros and cons of Medicare Advantage. You will also hear about notable non-health plan and non-broker resources.