Eric W. Fulcomer WAICU President

Wisconsin’s private colleges are demonstrating innovative and creative approaches to meeting the needs of students and the state’s workforce. Through innovative curriculum changes, strategic collaborations, and proactive program adjustments, our institutions remain at the forefront of higher education, ensuring that graduates are prepared for the demands of an ever-changing job market.

One of the key strengths of Wisconsin’s private colleges is the ability to adapt curricula to meet emerging workforce needs. By responding quickly to shifts in marketplace demands, our institutions introduce new majors in high-need fields such as healthcare, artificial intelligence, and engineering. When industry trends indicate a growing need for educated professionals in a particular sector, campuses swiftly develop relevant academic programs. At the same time, when certain degree programs experience a decline in demand, institutions make the difficult decision to phase them out. This strategic approach ensures that resources are allocated efficiently and that students receive education that is directly aligned with current and future job opportunities.

The breadth of academic offerings at Wisconsin’s private colleges is another testament to institutional flexibility. With more than 400 majors and minors available, students have an array of options ranging from traditional fields like accounting to specialized areas such as construction management. Institutions are increasingly working together to expand educational opportunities in high-demand sectors. A prime example is the recent partnership between Edgewood College and Beloit College, which enables students to pursue nursing degrees at Beloit College, addressing a critical need in the healthcare industry.

In response to the ongoing nursing shortage, several institutions, including Alverno College, Concordia University Wisconsin, Edgewood College, and Herzing University have introduced accelerated nursing programs. These initiatives allow students to complete their degrees more quickly, expediting entry into the workforce in this high-demand profession. Similarly, Edgewood College has launched an innovative occupational therapy program that blends hybrid and accelerated learning, enabling students to stay in their communities while advancing their education.

Beyond degree programs, Wisconsin’s private colleges actively engage with businesses and community organizations to offer job training and experiential learning opportunities. Concordia University Wisconsin, for instance, is expanding youth apprenticeship programs for pharmacy technicians, creating valuable work-based learning experiences for high school students in Milwaukee. Such initiatives not only help students gain hands-on experience but also address urgent workforce shortages in key sectors.

In terms of experiential learning, Lakeland University stands out with its cooperative education program, which allows students to earn a full year of academic credit through work experience. This innovative approach ensures graduates enter the workforce with practical skills and industry exposure. Similarly, Carthage College’s Aspire Program provides personalized career development support, ensuring that every student is career-ready upon graduation.

To support these forward-thinking programs, Wisconsin’s private colleges are fundraising to enhance infrastructure and educational offerings. The Milwaukee School of Engineering, for example, recently launched a $125 million campaign, “Next Bold Step: The Campaign to Accelerate Innovation,” which aims to position the university as a national leader in applied artificial intelligence education.

Through these efforts (and many others), Wisconsin’s private colleges demonstrate an unwavering commitment to student success and workforce development. By evolving to meet societal needs, our institutions play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Wisconsin’s economy and ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to thrive in their chosen careers as we work collectively to meet the workforce needs of Wisconsin.