Lubbers: Hoosier Employees Must Prepare for Higher Ed

Indiana’s Commission for Higher Education has released its State of Higher Education Address and its College Readiness Report. Commissioner Teresa Lubbers says the organization will use the information to develop a strategic plan for Indiana’s higher education system. In her recent State of Higher Education Address, Lubbers said higher learning must become more affordable and applicable for every kind of student, and employ multiple approaches rather than a one-size-fits-all model.

The commission says the plan will address issues including demographic and enrollment patterns, financial pressures, and workforce needs, while being mindful of a return on investment for students and the state. 

Lubbers says educational pathways are important for every student, whether they are a high school graduate or a returning learner.

In an interview on Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick, Lubbers says Hoosiers must be ready for more demanding higher education requirements from employers.

“We are in the process of changing the culture of a state where you could get a good job without education beyond high school. That is increasingly not the case. 99 percent of the new jobs that have been created since the recession require some sort of education beyond high school. That doesn’t mean a four year degree for everybody, but some sort of a quality credential or training beyond high school. We need to make sure that Hoosiers throughout the state understand that and are prepared.”

To read the full 2019 State of Higher Education Address, click here.