President Eddinger on “What It Takes to Be a Student-Centered Institution”

Friday, September 11, 2020

On September 10, 2020, Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) President Pam Eddinger participated in The Chronicle of Higher Education’s virtual forum, “What it Takes to Be a Student-Centered Institution.”

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, students’ progress in college is more uncertain than ever and more important. Hosted by Sara Lipka, assistant managing editor at The Chronicle and author of the report “The Truth About Student Success: Myths, Realities, and 30 Practices That Are Working,” the forum brought together a panel of experts and leading practitioners to discuss how institutions can adapt their strategies to maintain or even raise retention rates and close equity gaps, regardless of whether serving students in person, remotely, or a mix of both.

“Our student body is extremely diverse. There is diversity within diversity. We knew self-identity that is affirmative would give us greater retention and persistence,” said President Eddinger.

The interactive livestream explored ways in which colleges can reimagine the student educational experience and holistically support student needs.

“Our Freshman experience is embedded in a Learning Committee model, so students are in a cohort situation, with peer mentors and advisors attached,” said President Eddinger.

Panelists included Allison Calhoun-Brown, vice president for student engagement and programs, Georgia State University; Sukhwant Jhaj, vice provost for academic innovation and student achievement, Arizona State University; and Ajay Nair, president, Arcadia University.