Dr. Richard Pattenaude, president emeritus at Ashford University, will partake in a panel discussion at the University Leadership Summit, to be held on October 20-21 at the Four Seasons Resort in Palm Beach, Fla. In addition to several other notable university presidents, chancellors, and provosts participating, Dr. Pattenaude will present on the topic “How Higher Education is Preparing Students to Take on the Jobs of Tomorrow” alongside Kaplan University President Dr. Betty Vandenbosch and Dr. Irma Becerra, provost and chief academic officer at St. Thomas University.  

“It is an honor for me to present to a gathering of notable men and women in higher education,” said Dr. Pattenaude.  “With online education evolving and taking on a more prominent role in higher education, it is important to discuss and understand how we, as educators, can elevate student learning and success in both the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors.”

Recent studies show that only one out of four employers believe that traditional universities are adequately preparing graduates for the workplace.  The result is changing the way the workforce is employing students and forcing corporations to change their hiring practice methods. As technology becomes more involved in careers across different markets, a change in career preparation is required for today’s students, compared to those of past generations. In his presentation, Dr. Pattenaude will explain the importance of collaboration and building relationships between institutions and employers, discuss the current skills gap and ways to look for opportunities within this gap, highlight future skills required to succeed in the workforce, discuss cost and responsibility, and ways to ensure students have the soft and hard skill set when transitioning into the workforce.

The University Leadership Summit is the premium forum bringing senior-level university executives and solution providers together. For more information on the Summit, visit universityleadership.marcusevans-summits.com.

About Ashford University

Where heritage meets innovation – that’s Ashford University. At Ashford, students discover relevant degree programs, innovative technology, and cherished tradition. Ashford offers associates, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs online, allowing students to balance life by providing the flexibility to do school work anywhere, anytime. For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu, www.facebook.com/ashforduniversity, www.twitter.com/AshfordU, or call Marianne Perez, Media Relations Manager, at 858.513.9240 x11636.