Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1541563
I t is an honor to introduce myself as the new president of Western Connecticut State University. I am both excited and honored to join an institution with such a strong tradition of excellence—and an equally strong commitment to the growth and success of our local business community. From my first day here, I've been focused on one goal: ensuring that our university is not just a place where students earn degrees, but also a powerful partner in developing the workforce of today and tomorrow. Through workforce-aligned programs, experiential learning opportunities, and robust networking connections, we are preparing students to enter the workforce ready to contribute on day one. That's why I am excited to highlight three key areas where we are deepening our collaboration with employers: 1. Employer-Sponsored Education We work directly with organizations to design and deliver education programs that help employees gain new skills while continuing to contribute on the job. These pathways are built to align with business needs and employee career goals—an investment that pays off for everyone involved. 2. Experiential Learning and Internships We connect students with businesses through internships, cooperative education, and real-world project collaborations. These experiences give students the hands-on skills and professional connections they need to succeed, while providing employers with early access to motivated, career-ready talent. 3. Non-Credit and Professional Development in Emerging Technologies Our flexible, non-credit programs offer targeted training in high-demand fields such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, and more. Through our growing innovation initiatives—including cutting-edge AI programming—we help employers stay ahead of rapid changes in technology and empower their teams to lead in an evolving landscape. I believe that the future of our region depends on a strong, ongoing partnership between higher education and industry. By working together, we can ensure that your workforce has the skills, confidence, and creativity to thrive in an ever-changing marketplace. I invite you to connect with me and my team, learn more about our programs, and explore how WCSU can support your talent development efforts. I look forward to working alongside you to shape a more innovative and prosperous future for our community. Sincerely, Dr. Jesse M. Bernal President Western Connecticut State University " W E S T C O N N I S W H E R E L E A R N I N G M E E T S O P P O R T U N I T Y — A N D WH E R E T O M O R R OW ' S WO R K F O R C E B E G I N S ." Dr. Jesse M. Bernal, President, Western Connecticut State University Learn more about: • Continuing Education Credits • Corporate Sponsor Programs • Non-Credit Courses and more 181 White Street, Danbury, CT 06810 (203) 837-9000 Visit our website to learn more, wcsu.edu Dear Business Leaders,