Worcester Business Journal

www.wbjournal.com • Worcester Business Journal • 2 020 Economic Forecast 31 People. Places. Product. Photographic images for advertising, public relations, graphic and corporate communications groups . See the difference. 165 Holly Lane • Holliston, MA 01746 Phone: 774.248.4050 • www.ronbouleyphoto.com R O N B O U L E Y P H O T O G R A P H Y >> Central Mass. colleges adjust to changing demands Becker College is working with a consultant to find ways it could take steps to stay ahead of changes in the higher education industry, with an open mind toward major shifts if necessary. Less than a month into the fall semester, the school has already taken one step: it laid off nine faculty and staff. The college, which has campuses in Leicester and Worcester, took the dif- ficult financial step to address a short- term budget deficit, President Nancy Crimmin said. "We're not going to just sit by and let higher education change around us," Crimmin said in a WBJ interview. The college is open to potentially major changes if they're recommended, she said, and small enough to be able to institute changes more quickly than a larger school might. The president said she's open-minded about making changes, including how courses are taught or what programs are offered. Assumption College administrators met at a retreat in the summer of 2017 to sketch out a course for the school in the coming years. Discussion quickly revolved around the Worcester school's academic pro- grams and how Assumption could make offerings both consistent with its liberal arts mission and applicable to where students are most likely going to find work today. The Catholic college in Worcester is branching out to capitalize on more in- demand majors. A neuroscience major started last fall. A nursing major is slat- ed to begin this upcoming fall, as is a cybersecurity major. In adding these new majors – along with other initiatives like seeking uni- versity status – Assumption is broaden- ing its appeal to applicants, as other col- leges close or are in danger of closing. Assumption leaders insist the school isn't abandoning its roots. The college, founded in 1904, still requires each stu- dent to study theology, and the college chapel is a central piece of the campus. "I'm not sure that I'd characterize it as an entirely new direction," Assumption Provost Louise Carroll Keeley said. Liberal arts colleges like Assumption are looking beyond liberal arts for a reason: so are their students. The number of liberal arts degrees given nationally was flat in the decade ending in 2016, according to the U.S. Department of Education. During the same time, the number of degrees in homeland security and law enforcement doubled, as did communications. Small liberal arts schools have closed like Atlantic Union College in Lancaster and Mount Ida College in Newton, and Hampshire College in Amherst, known for its non-traditional curriculum, has sought a merger. "The approach that Assumption is taking of bridging between the liberal arts and building on its liberal arts heri- tage and the career opportunities avail- able makes all the sense in the world," said Matthew Sigelman, CEO of Boston labor analytics firm Burning Glass. >> Assumption receives state approval to become a university Assumption College in Worcester has received the final state approval neces- sary to become a university, with plans for the transition to being Assumption University to take place next August. According to a memo distributed by Assumption President Francesco Cesareo, the Massachusetts Secretary of State has approved changes to the col- lege's charter. This marked the final step in the approval process, with the college having received approval for university status from the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education. "We are pleased the Commonwealth has affirmed our belief that Assumption is a comprehensive institution with exemplary undergraduate, graduate and continuing education programs," wrote Cesareo in the memo. To p c o l l e g e & u n i ve rs i t y s t o r i e s i n 2 0 1 9 Becker College in Worcester has increasingly touted its esports program. Michele Lemons, director of the Assumption College Center for Neuroscience P H O T O / B E C K E R C O L L E G E P H O T O / A S S U M P T I O N C O L L E G E W

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