Centenary College Launches New Center for Innovative Learning to Enhance Global Education and Workforce Development

Centenary College in Shreveport Launches New Center for Innovative Learning

Shreveport, Louisiana is buzzing with excitement as Centenary College announces the launch of its new Center for Innovative Learning (CIL)! Set to officially kick off on Thursday, October 17, this new initiative promises to offer a wealth of opportunities for continuing education, professional development, and various innovative programs. What’s even more fascinating is that these courses will be available online, opening the door for individuals from all around the globe, not just those who are currently students at Centenary.

Expanding Horizons with Global Education

The mission of Centenary College is to help students become global citizens, ready to lead lives filled with productivity and purpose. With the launch of the CIL, this mission is set to reach even further, providing a range of accessible and innovative programs to a broader community than ever before. As described by Centenary’s President, Dr. Christopher L. Holoman, the new center aims to tackle some of the most pressing needs in today’s economy, which spans healthcare professions, cybersecurity, and more.

Diverse Course Offerings

The CIL will not just focus on one area of study; instead, it will feature a wide array of courses and certificates. These will include programs centered around:

• Medical Health
• Business
• Cybersecurity and Information Technology
• Teacher Preparation and Continuing Education
• Wellness and Fitness
• Legal Studies

In particular, the healthcare industry stands out, identified as the fastest-growing sector in the coming decade. Scott Chirhart, dean of the School of Health Sciences, highlighted that there is a significant demand for committed healthcare professionals in northwest Louisiana, indicating that those who earn certificates in this field will be well-prepared, enhancing not just their job readiness but also their salary potential.

Community Partnerships and Growth

Centenary College is also focused on partnering with local businesses to help foster employee development through these courses. For example, Willis Knighton, a local health care provider, is committed to investing in its employees. Those who take courses and earn certificates through the CIL can receive reimbursement for their professional development costs. Dr. Karen Soul, the VP of Academic Affairs, mentioned that this kind of partnership is vital to creating a better-trained workforce.

Addressing Employment Gaps

One of the goals of the Center for Innovative Learning is to address the current labor market’s gaps. As mentioned by Dr. Barbara Davis, dean of the Frost School of Business, there has been an increasing trend of having more job openings than qualified candidates to fill them. This newly launched center aims to provide a solution by adding to the pool of qualified applicants, thereby strengthening local businesses and potentially reducing the need for outsourcing jobs.

Get Involved!

If you live in Shreveport or beyond and are interested in taking the next step in your education or career, mark your calendars for the CIL announcement event taking place at 8 a.m. on Centenary’s campus on October 17. This could be your opportunity to explore courses that align with your career goals!

With the Center for Innovative Learning, Centenary College is not just enriching its curriculum; it’s actively contributing to the development of a skilled, professional workforce ready to meet the demands of our ever-evolving economy. So whether you’re looking to advance your career, switch fields, or just learn something new, the CIL is where it all begins!