The concept of “micro-credentials/credentialing” is seared into my psyche and I believe we all realize that the continued evolution of skills and learning only accelerates. The delivery modalities continue to accelerate. The options to access and complete will continue to expand and accelerate. We, Motlow State Community College, have always provided accessible, nimble, compact, and customized pathways, right? We have simply used different descriptors - “short-courses, long-term certificates, weekend programs (ACE), accelerated programs, and multi-week certifications. Motlow currently offers a four-day certificate (micro-credential) in robotics. This realization has me pondering quite a bit this morning about the phrasing “constant communication” and its thematic articulated presence. If you don’t see it, you don’t know you can be it, right?
Micro-credentialing is an opportunity for Motlow to increase “market share” and community impact. Additionally, micro-credentialing introduces needed options that speak to the evolutionary aspects of digital divides (gaps), learn and earn, and small-town-rural-micro-metros (STRMM). The STRMMs, whose residents continue to survey best options for their time and money – our students and workforce partners, deserve options. Who do we need to get into a room? What does a showcase look like for Motlow? Should students walk up to static activity or action and motion, and what does that look like for those returning to campus – robotic grass cutting, research and development occurring continuously and tied to program outcomes of preparedness, autonomous and programmable delivery bots, interactive touch screens, directional finding, or “come here because we are here to help you go anywhere” flashing screens? I digress … we need all of that, but most importantly, do we believe our culture is ready to acquiesce to actionable developments or is the Socratic methodology and the comfort of stillness more inviting? As we further support job loss, with training and learning, and the new skills movement, close attention needs to be paid to “new credentials” too. We must press forward and provide access to rich applied training and learning options. It’s no fun to have access to the safe and not have the combination.
Skills are portable. The requisite skills that have been sought after for the last decade are tied to STEA3MB(e) (Science, Technology, Art, Aviation, & Agribusiness, Mathematics, and Business as Entrepreneurship) related fields. The additional programs at Motlow have been geared toward meeting the aforementioned intentionally. Our goal is not only to listen to our community partners but to also do our own research and development (R&D). Our faculty, staff, and administrative teams continually enhance our capabilities. Student Success and Workforce Development continues to be our mission. We are preparing the workforce. We are preparing transfers. We are preparing free and critical thinkers to utilize organic skills as entrepreneurs. Motlow State Community College is a source of productive disruption. As Andrew Carnegie once stated, “As I grow older, I pay less attention to what [people] say. I just watch what they do.” We invite you to keep “doing” with all the moxy you have. Remember, enthusiasm turns the tired into the energetic and the average into greatness. Thank you all for your support of our college and community.
Most cordially,
Dr. Torrence
Motlow State Community College
