David Morken, Co-Founder and CEO of rapidly growing mobile phone provider Bandwidth, discusses community colleges as the “unsung heroes” of higher education in North Carolina.
NC public universities offer 300 degrees, 2,000 courses online
21,000 students pursue degrees entirely online North Carolina’s public universities have become major players in the world of online education. In the last academic year, almost 4 in 10 public University students in North Carolina took at least one online class, and nine percent were enrolled entirely online. That’s nearly 21,000 students pursuing higher education… READ MORE
ROSS: The Future of Higher Education in the United States
Remarks of UNC President Thomas W. Ross The Future of Higher Education in the United States Raleigh City Club National Public Affairs Forum March 10, 2015 Thank you A.P. I really appreciate your kind introduction. I like to begin my speeches with a prayer. So, if you will indulge me, I would like to share… READ MORE
University Spinoffs Turn Research Into Revenue
North Carolina public universities brought in nearly $1.3 billion in outside research funding last year, and state policymakers want to see more of that research turned into job-creating companies.[1] “We’ve got the University network, and we’ve got the talent,” Governor Pat McCory said last month. “We’ve got to convert more of our research dollars into… READ MORE
Obama opens the Debate on Access to Higher Ed
Let’s have the debate. President Obama’s proposal to offer free community college to students with at least a 2.5 grade-point average has its skeptics – congressional leaders seem quite cool to the president’s proposal to raise taxes to pay for the $60 billion program over 10 years.[1] It’s also not clear where legislators in North… READ MORE
North Carolina Shifts the State’s Burden to Students
North Carolina’s public universities have always struck a careful balance between state support and student tuition, making sure that students and their families can afford a high-quality college education. But since 2007, that balance has slipped. Public universities have been hit with more than $500 million in state reductions. As the state invests less, students… READ MORE
AT RISK: NC budget shortfall threatens support for students
The economy is steadily improving, but North Carolina’s public universities could still face lean times when the legislature convenes in January. The Office of the State Controller estimates that state revenue for the first five months of the fiscal year is down $410 million from the same period last year — a drop of 5%. Almost half-way… READ MORE
Higher Ed Means North Carolina Jobs [INFOGRAPHIC]
A well-educated workforce is a prime consideration when companies make decisions around opening, relocating or expanding their operations. This sampling of headlines from around North Carolina highlights the powerful connection between higher education and the economic health of the State. Sign up for our mailing list to stay on top of all the issues surrounding public… READ MORE
Robert Ingram: NC Community College System “one of the best in the country.”
Former GlaxoSmithKline CEO and Chairman Robert Ingram feels that North Carolina Community College graduates are well-prepared for the state’s ever-growing pharmaceutical and biotechnology manufacturing job market. Ingram explains that this was an integral factor in Glaxo’s decision to site and grow their Zebulon, NC production facility. He notes that schools like Wake Technical Community College… READ MORE
How Important is a College Degree When Getting a Job? [INFOGRAPHIC]
How important is a college degree when getting a job? In 2012, the unemployment rate for people with a 4-year college degree is a whopping 7 points lower than the unemployment rate for those that have a high school diploma. Achieving a degree is one of the surest ways to set yourself up for success…. READ MORE