Running head: DEAN COLLEGE TRANSFORMATION 1

Dean College Transformation

Kathy Walker

Post University

DEAN COLLEGE TRANSFORMATION 2

Dean College Transformation

Dean College, a small junior college located in Franklin, Massachusetts, is geared

towards students looking to obtain an Associate’s Degree, although students also have the option

to obtain their Bachelor’s Degrees as well. While still maintaining the criteria of a tertiary

educational structure, Dean College provides many students with the open, flexible, and

enjoyable characteristics of a secondary educational structure. It is this flexibility and

accommodation to the students that allows Dean College to flourish and retain students, year

after year.

Dean College has a diverse population, which is always changing year to year. “Minority

enrollment is 23% of the student body (majority black), which is less than the state average of

31%” (Community College Review, n.d.). Students are athletes and non-athletes, are from high-

income households and low income households. Students of various races and ethnicities and

religious affiliation, attend Dean College. This diversity benefits the learning of the students,

while also enhancing the educational structure of the organization.

Since Dr. Oliver Dean founded the junior college in 1865, many changes have been made

over the course of the history of the organization in order to better fit the changing demographic

of the college. Dean College transformed from an Academy to a Junior College to now Dean

College. When Dr. Paula M. Rooney was appointed president of the college, new partnerships

were formed between the college and local businesses as a way to generate more revenue and as

a tool to recruit new students. (Dean College, 2014b, para. 2) All of these changes, in addition to

the positive environment that the students bring to the educational organization, promote a

beneficial learning environment.

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Dean College has been, and still is, very successful in serving its population. The

programs, the teaching methods, and the future vision continue to motivate the college to be as

successful as possible. As of today, Dean College is an accredited private institution offering full

time and part time studies. Dean College’s focus is to prepare students for today’s workforce

after graduation. The vision for Dean College is for students “to attain the goals of knowledge,

integrity, self-confidence, and community responsibility, students must embrace education as a

total living and learning experience” (Dean College, 2014b, para. 2). The success of the students

is based on how they take the responsibility to be the driver and control their education. Students

are the advocates for their own success along with the professors and everyone that enhances

their education. Students can get the help that they need whether it is with classes or with

working on social skills. All of these things are made possible through academic affairs, which

can guide students in the right direction if they are struggling with classes or simply need help

with a paper. They get students the help they need because their success is everything to them

and they want each student to have an experience of a lifetime. Dean College has something

known as the “Dean Difference”, which “provides students with quality teaching, personalized

academic support, leadership opportunities and professional development promoting a lifetime of

learning and achievement” (Dean College, 2014b, para. 2).

The Horizon Report (2013) discusses “tablet learning”. Dean College classrooms have

recently been updated to more of a tech savvy classroom. Johnson et al., (2013) states that

“Tablets are proving to be powerful tools for learning inside and outside of the classroom” (p. 4).

By incorporating the use of tablets it allows students to connect with other students and allows

them to gather research effortlessly. With “tablet learning” a student is always connected to the

course, and

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“Tablet computing has carved its own niche in education as a portable and always-

connected family of devices that can be used in almost any setting” (Johnson et al., 2013, p. 4).

In his article, “Technology in the Classroom: The Benefits of Blended Learning,”

Timothy Huneycutt (2013) states that blended learning can keep students focused for a longer

period of time than traditional learning. This statement is true especially for college students;

adding a tablet can make the “same old information” seem more intriguing. Timothy Huneycutt

(2013) believes that “By learning to use technology in the classroom, both teachers and students

will develop skills essential for the 21st century” (Huneycutt, 2013, para. 7). Not only is Dean

College working tirelessly to engage their students, but it also preparing students for a future in

the technological era. Blended learning and tablet learning are both essential because they

combine so many different learning styles in to one.

Technology has become an essential part of societal norms and the education system is

no exception. Dean College reports that “Assistive technology refers to the technology used to

promote greater independence among students by helping them perform tasks that they were

previously unable to perform or that they had difficulty performing” (Dean College, 2014b, para.

1). Dean College has changed the way a normal classroom looks. They offer students smart pens

to interact with the professor and other students, as well as learning applications (Quizlet, audio

notes, iBrainstorm) to name a few. Dean College has incorporated the net book loaner program

where students are allowed to lease a netbook for their duration they are in school (Dean

College, 2014b, para.1). This helps them get papers done, take notes in class and essential have

answers at their fingertips.

The college utilizes online classes. By doing so, students from all over the world can

interact and virtually attend a learning environment through a simple application on their laptop

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or tablet. This method of retaining and recruiting students is very effective because it has many

benefits, such as being inexpensive and flexibility of their schedule. Dean College has been

looking to expand their online program as a way to boost revenue and build their bachelor degree

programs. Dean College offers a Bachelor’s in Business as an online degree. Dean College

ensures that students in the online program are getting the same type of education as on campus

students. Johnson et al., concludes that “While extremely promising, current MOOC models

still largely mirror traditional lecture formats” (p. 12). This statement indicates that on campus

classes and online classes are providing the same structure. By Dean College expanding to an

online based program, they are transforming their school from a two year college to a four-year

college that offers online bachelor’s degrees.

Demographic Trends

The importance of a college degree is becoming more and more important because the

value of a high school diploma is diminishing. In the past many, jobs required a minimum of a

high school diploma but now a high school diploma seems to be next to nothing. Taylor reports

that “While earnings of those with a college degree rose, the typical high school graduate’s

earnings fell by more than $3,000, from $31,384 in 1965 to $28,000 in 2013” (Taylor, 2014,

para. 20). This was because the cost needed to be offset for people who might be more qualified

because of their college degree. By obtaining a college degree, graduates are ensured that they

will meet the minimum standards of the workforce. They are better prepared because of the skill,

and training they received while in college. According to Santomero (2005), if the level of

education does not increase, the United States job market will decrease (p. 5). The job market

reflects the type of education one has and if it does not improve the economy will continually

struggle.

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Dean College emphasizes that “The Dean Curriculum is designed especially to help

students build their knowledge base with an eye on finding a job. Our courses involve hands-on

learning through case studies, problem-based assignments, guest speakers, excursions into the

field and laboratory” (Dean College, 2014, para. 5). At Dean College, the emphasis is on the

structure, because everything students are doing in their two years in college is preparing them

for life after college. Students are gaining the necessary tools to be able to work in the workforce

right after graduating from Dean College. By Dean College adding all of the different elements

such as tablets, remotes, and smart pens to its curriculum, it makes the entire process for finding

a job much easier. With this addition to the curriculum, students who graduate from Dean

College are more marketable in the job force. The Lawlor Group suggest that “The most

common response of first year students in 2011 when asked what reasons were very important

for going to college was ‘to be able to get a better job,’ cited by 85.9%; ‘to get training for a

specific career’ was cited by 77.6%.” (The Lawlor Group, 2013, p. 2). Students need to pursue a

college degree because it gives them a higher of percentage for success and finding a career.

“Students who start out with the right major choice can save significant time and money, which

is increasingly important given the rising cost of attending college,” said Erickson (as cited in

Blackmon, 2013, para. 10). Not choosing the right major when going to college can be costly so

students can be more successful throughout their college career. “Far too many colleges require

students to select a major without looking at how well the students’ interests fit with their

intended program of study” (Erickson as cited in Blackmon, 2013, para. 10). High school

guidance counselor and para professionals should better prepare students before they leave high

school. Students need to know the importance of taking the time and investing in what major

they want to pursue. Without students being educated on the different majors and seeing how

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these majors apply to them the students would continually choose the wrong majors, which can

set them up for failure because different majors cost different prices.

Benefits of Going to College

There are numerous reasons why in today’s society a high school student should go to

college. One going to college provides an economic benefit: “a college degree can be thought of

as the extra wages one can earn with a college degree relative to what one would earn without it”

(Abel & Deitz, 2014, p. 2). After graduating students want to be a model citizen in our society.

Students either go directly into college and/or start their careers. With a college degree students

have the potential of making much more money than students only with a high school diploma.

The Importance of Futuring Techniques

Sobrero (2004) believes that “Futuring is an anticipatory decision-making process that

leads to planning and program development. “It looks forward ten, twenty, or thirty years, while

planning looks ahead 1 to 4 years” (p. 4). Futuring is important for educational organizations

because it allows for the growth of the educational system. Without futuring, the American

educational system would be stagnant. Everything would be the same and educators would not

be able to properly teach students. Students cannot be ready for the future of education if

educators are not ready themselves.

Planning for the future is essential because educators can see what works and what

doesn’t work. Without futuring, the education system might not change In order for students to

be better prepared “futuring” education is necessary because it can take what was in the past to

enhance the future. Ivan Scheier (1995) speaks of “futuring” in his journal, The Journal of

Volunteer Administration, and states that “futuring is an attempt to predict trends and events

which haven’t occurred yet” (p. 2). Scheier was trying to let readers know that “futuring” is

DEAN COLLEGE TRANSFORMATION 8

important because certain changes in the educational system have not occurred yet, and

educators have to prepare for those changes. Not being prepared for what the future holds only

puts a damper on progressing and moving forward. Scheier (1995) concludes that “Futuring is a

path to empowerment because it enables us to exercise at least some control over our destiny as

individuals or as an organization” (p. 2). Futuring is exactly what the educational system needs.

Before implementing change in the educational system, as part of the futuring process, there are

a lot of things to be considered and evaluated. In order for futuring to work effectively, planning

and thorough considerations have to be completed.

Scenarios

Scenarios are defined as “the future development of a trend, a strategy, or a wild-card

event may be outline form” (World Future Society [WFS], n.d. b, para. 1). Scenarios are used to

open an educator to a broader aspect of thinking. Educators are planning for the future, so just

limiting themselves to one scenario is difficult because things constantly change. Educators

would be hindering themselves because they were not exploring all possibilities and solutions

that could provide a change. There are two types of different scenarios: the first is scenario

planning. Scenario planning explained by Wilkinson “can prepare us in the same way that it

prepares corporate executives: it helps us understand the uncertainties that lie before us, and

what they might mean” (as cited in Mietzner & Reger, 2005, p. 235). If educators do not prepare

for the different types of scenarios they will be ill prepared for what could come next. Embracing

different scenarios allows educators to know things and change them.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Scenario Approaches

Pros Cons

Several futures placed side by side Time consuming

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Unimaginable possibilities Difficult to focus on black and white

scenarios

Recognize “weak signals” More of a qualitative approach

(Mietzner & Reger, 2005, p.234-236)

Scanning

Scanning is “the initial and continuing process of reviewing and analyzing current

literature, web sites, and other media to identify and describe noteworthy trends and their

possible development” (WFS, n.d.–a, para. 1). Scanning is used to better provide organizations

and institutions with what they can expect in the future. Sobrero (2004) believes that “Scanning

the environment and turning data into usable information gives the organization true data-driven

intelligence that can inform scenarios, forecast, and issue briefs” (p. 3). Scanning is about

building vast amounts of information and seeing how an educational system or organization can

use it to its advantage.

Scanning is important to any organization and educational institution because preparation

is vital. If educators see trends around the world through the scanning technique it can better

prepare their students. Educators need to keep pushing towards the future. This has to be done

because if it is not the whole process of futuring will not be able to work. The world changes on

a constant basis and keeping up is difficult but always analyzing what is going on in the

educational world is pivotal to the success of our educational system. It is all about adjusting,

adapting and being receptive to change. One challenge that scanning presents is that everything

is constantly changing and actually around us. For educators to keep up with the constant

changes would be challenging and next to impossible. Another challenge that scanning presents

is how time consuming it is. It takes a while to gather all of the information and actually process

it for one’ specific needs.

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Through scanning Dean College can see the different trends students are following when

applying to college. There are many reasons students pick a certain college or university.

Blackmon (2013) states that “Nearly 50% of students who selected a college major said that an

important factor for picking a college was determined if the major was offered there” (para.6).

Students are looking to see if the college has their major, what extracurricular activities they can

explore, sports and various other reason such as cost, location and retention rates.

Vision/Plan

In the next five years, Dean College will transform from a two year junior college to a

four year college that offers more majors and brings in a larger student body. Also, Dean College

will have better tech savvy classrooms and expand their online college degree programs for adult

learners. With Dean College making these changes it can continue the trend of the “Dean

Difference”. Dean College’s mission states that it better prepares students for the work force. In

order to do that Dean College needs a better system that will help students upon graduation.

Dean College will continually focus on the student’s success but now as a college they have

more time to do so. They can better prepare each student throughout their four years at school

rather than in two years. The focus shifts because students are actually in to their major courses

and as educators one can see if the student actually has a vested interest in what they are

learning.

Transitioning From a Two Year School to a Four Year College

Transitioning from a junior college to a four year college is not a task that is easy.

Students have to find the right school that fits their needs and can help them progress as a

student. Bennett & Metacalf (2013) believe that “Four-year colleges and universities help you

continue on the path of academic and career success” (para. 3). With Dean College transitioning

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to a four year college, the college can give the students the same opportunities they are given at

other universities. Typically when most students are transitioning from a junior college to a four

year college they are focusing on what there major is and what classes are offered and how much

the school might cost. Bennett & Metacalf (2013) implies that “Four-year schools tend to have

larger career centers with prospects for students” (para.11). Going to a four year school there are

more opportunities and more services that are available to the students. Four year colleges and

universities can cater to the students’ needs better and help direct them more for life after

college.

Challenges/Opportunities

Challenges Opportunities

Rising Tuition Bringing in more diverse students

(international)

Cost of upgrading campus Global

Retention More federal money

Space restrictions Better prepare students for job market

Meeting the academic standards of a

four year school

Expanding college athletics

Preparing for the Transition

If the college does not expand to a four year college, Dean College will be labeled as

being a great two year college, but the students are stuck. Even though Dean College emphasizes

on preparing students for the future after college, students are not exposed to enough to say they

can take the next step into the workforce. The exposure a four year college will give a student is

much greater than a two year school because four year schools have more resources than two

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year schools. After graduating from a two year college, it is in between the phase of going to

another school or starting your career. Without Dean College making the change it will become

stagnant and will not be able to keep up with the modern day era of education. Education is

constantly changing around us and this is one of the reasons for having an integrated classroom

with technology. Everyone in the university has to be on the same page that growth is necessary.

With the increase in the schools budget this can cover the cost of the structural change, the cost

of changing the online program, and the new technologies placed in the classrooms.

Plan for Change

The first step to making this change to Dean College becoming a four year college is

getting all of the staff and faculty into a meeting with the board of directors. This will allow the

board of directors to explain to the employees the importance of this change and why as a

college they see it is the best fit. Secondly, the board of directors would discuss with the

employees about creating a scanning committee to see if the college can pick up on any current

trends throughout more junior colleges and four year universities. Dean College has to see what

other college are doing to see if they can improve on it for the future. Thirdly, Dean College can

see what technologies the school does not have in the classrooms that would better help its

student population learn. It is the minor changes that can have a major effect on the way a

student learns. Fourthly, Dean College can see what programs are feasible for the adult learners

and scanning what other schools offer when it comes to majors for online degrees and shadow it.

Dean College first started with the online business degree but needs to expand more to reach a

larger student-body base. Dean College needs to diversify its online program so it is intriguing

and draws people in.

Call to Action

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The first step Dean College should take when making this transition from a two year

college to a four year college is scanning what technologies they can implement campus wide.

The change will not be a drastic change but it will ultimately help the students’ success. “With a

supportive community and teachers who are willing to be trained and embrace technology in

their classes, students of every age are sure to benefit from the many tools and skills technology

can offer” (Hendricks, 2013, para. 6). Technology in itself is a tool that can teach everyone. By

incorporating technology in the classroom it taps in to different student learning styles and

allows them to explore more learning options while having the structure from a college

professor. The students would also feel that they have some sort of control over their education.

Secondly Dean College needs to expand its online program. It has a successful online business

degree but they could maximize their potential with more degree programs. Lytle (2011)

contends that “Online education has become an integral part of many colleges and universities,

according to the study, with 65.5 percent in recent years” (para. 7). Expanding to an online

degree program base is what majority of colleges are doing they are changing the structure of the

college to be more appealing to all types of students. By expanding to more online programs it

brings in a second stream of revenue for the school. Online degree programs are much more

feasible than on campus programs for non-traditional students.

Conclusion

In conclusion Dean College is a successfully junior college. In order to maximize on it

potential for the future dean has to make some changes. The first change would be expanding

technology around the campus because it is proven to be a success in the educational system.

Futuring is a huge process in what the future educational system needs. If educators do not

incorporate futuring into the learning environment, it will hinder the students learning experience

DEAN COLLEGE TRANSFORMATION 14

because they are not using all the tools to their advantage. The educational system cannot be

stagnant because the world is always changing and the educational system has to change with it.

Dean College not transitioning into a four year school can hinder its success because schools all

around the country are offering bachelor’s degrees. It is important to take these changes into

consideration because it can better prepare our students in the coming years for the workforce.

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Appendix

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