Dean of Enterprise & Economic Development Successful Strategies for Developing Innovative Programs that Respond to Community Needs By Dr. Lisa Edwards, Dean of Enterprise & Economic Development COMBASE September 14, 2008

Tacoma, Washington Urban and rural service area Population of 701,000 4 community colleges within 5-10 miles 5 for-profit higher education providers 1 public university 2 private universities

Corporate & Continuing Education Purpose of Department: To offer classes, products and services to the community that generate revenue and contribute the operating budget of the college.

Creating a Culture of Innovation Get the right people in the right seats on the bus (Jim Collins, Good to Great): - Targeted Outreach to Identified Sectors - Sales Team - Project Management Identify and share examples of innovation with staff -Books: “Blue Ocean Strategy” -The Web: http://www.innovation.cnbc.com -Aspen Institute: www.aspeninstitute.org

Creating a Culture of Innovation 3. Create flat hierarchy to support staff innovation Identify and recruit innovative business leaders and form a executive advisory on Innovation Recognize and celebrate innovation among staff

Innovation Strategy #1: Corporate University Created a 14 college credit Tribal Enterprise & Gaming Management Certificate uniquely tailored to the culture and values of native tribes and their enterprise operations. Each course is offered on site for supervisors and managers within the casino.

Innovation Strategy #2: Fill Unique Gaps Focus on sectors that are growing in spite of the economy: Healthcare: Spanish for Healthcare, Customer Service, Lean, Career Ladder Classes for Entry Level Workers Law Enforcement: Performance Coaching, Polygraph, Succession Planning Government Agencies: Customer Service, IT help desk, Lean Mortgage and Loan: Compliance Classes for New Regulations Offer college credit, tailored delivery models, bundled classes, prior learning assessments for adult workers to transition back to higher education

Innovation Strategy #3: Go Green Solar Panel Technician, Wind Turbine Technician Assessments for reducing corporate waste and increasing sustainability Green building classes Consulting for federal regulatory compliance Host “Green” industry associations on campus

How does your college support innovation? Discussion How does your college support innovation? What emerging trend(s) are you tracking?

Corporate & Continuing Education Thank you! Lisa Edwards Tacoma Community College ledwards@tacomacc.edu / 253.566.5019