NEACEFE Spring Collaborative Highlights Connection Between Career Development and Experiential Learning
June 1, 2016 -- Massachusetts College presidents and an Associate Vice Provost at Stanford University came together with 150 higher education faculty and staff for the annual New England Association for Cooperative Education and Field Experience (NEACEFE) Spring Collaborative event on May 18. NEACEFE promotes the development and expansion of experiential education programs within New England high schools, colleges, and universities and the employers of their students.
Hosted by Endicott College, the 2016 Spring Collaborative featured the theme "Transformational Trends in Career and Experiential Education" and attracted the largest turnout ever for a NEACEFE event, bringing together professionals from institutions of higher education from across the Northeast.
Dr. Farouk Dey, Associate Vice Provost and Dean of Career Education at Stanford University, served as keynote, delivering an inspirational and insightful presentation that mirrored the conference theme. Under Dr. Dey's leadership, Stanford launched a new "connections" model of career services that offers specialized career development support to students and connects them to internship and employment opportunities, mentoring and networking programs, and experiential learning opportunities, such as off-campus "career treks."
Following Dr. Dey's talk, Endicott College President Dr. Richard E. Wylie offered words of welcome and invited his colleagues in attendance – Dr. Donald J. Farish, President of Roger Williams University, Dr. D. Michael Lindsay, President of Gordon College and Dr. J. Keith Motley, Chancellor of the University of Massachusetts Boston system – to join him on stage for a Presidents' panel discussion. Moderated by Dr. Dey, the Presidents touched upon a variety of subjects including meaningful work, the role of career services and outcomes, and the future of career education. The conversation with the four influential thought-leaders was incredibly fascinating and affirming for all those who attended.
The day concluded with roundtable discussions around several of the themes and issues highlighted in Dr. Dey's keynote address and an opportunity for networking at a reception hosted by President Wylie. The event would not have been such a tremendous success without the generous support of President Wylie, Dr. Laura Rossi-Le – Vice President and Dean of the Undergraduate College at Endicott, the NEACEFE Board and the Endicott faculty and staff.