The Rev. Onwuham C. Akpa, O. Praem, assistant professor of Social Sciences and Economics, instructing class at St. Norbert College.

As higher education continues to evolve, St. Norbert College is investing in new ways to become even more mission-focused, student-centered, and financially sustainable through Rize Education’s College of the Future (COTF) initiative.

Since the partnership began in 2024, St. Norbert has launched majors in Applied Artificial Intelligence, Nutrition, Cybersecurity, Digital Marketing, Healthcare Administration, and Supply Chain Management. The college has also added minors in Digital Marketing and Project Management, as well as a concentration in Game Development. The partnership expanded in spring 2026 when St. Norbert was invited to join Rize’s inaugural COTF cohort.

During the first phase, St. Norbert gained access to academic, enrollment, and financial benchmarking, providing a more detailed understanding of program performance, student demand, and opportunities for future investment. The college is using those insights to inform decisions while remaining grounded in its Catholic, Norbertine, and liberal arts mission.

St. Norbert recently entered the initiative’s second phase through an expanded agreement. In addition to supporting the development of academic programs, the partnership now provides the college with additional expertise in instructional design, enrollment strategy, student success, retention, and career readiness. These resources will complement the work of faculty and staff as the college strengthens existing programs, evaluates new opportunities, and provides students with the academic and professional support they need to succeed.

The COTF initiative is also contributing to the college’s broader strategic planning. By combining institutional expertise with stronger data and external resources, St. Norbert is working to expand student opportunities, respond thoughtfully to a changing higher education environment, and invest responsibly in the college’s future.