Created in 2012 as a function of the External Affairs Department, the Partnership and Community Affairs Department (PACD) has evolved and expanded into a far-reaching, collaborative force that connects academics, industry, and the community. The PACD has developed relationships with internal academic and external partners nationwide. 

External partners include busi-nesses, corporate and community leaders, state agencies, and the academic community — especially high schools and community colleges.

Internally, the PACD’s activities cross all areas of the University and align directly with the mission of providing a range of exemplary career-oriented undergraduate and graduate degree programs and certificates, or customized offerings based on market needs, for a growing and diverse learner population.  

“This office strives to distinguish WilmU as an innovative academic institution that is responsive to students and the community, as well as industry and market needs,” says Dr. Kathy Kennedy-Ratajack, assistant vice president of Academic Affairs and Partnerships.

“We prioritize our agility and flexibility in responding to the evolving needs of both our community and industry leaders,” she says. “We also ensure that our training and professional development opportunities are designed to address a broad range of needs.”

The University maintains partner-ships with 28 community colleges in five states, according to Lindsay Rice, senior director of Academic Partnerships and Military Affairs. “Wilmington University is widely recognized as the premier transfer partner for community college students because of our transfer-friendly services, faculty, and policies that generously recognize students’ credits from their associate degrees,” Rice says.

The PACD office also manages 16 Transfer Credit Articulation partnerships with the Delaware Department of Education and school districts in disciplines like Computer Science, Teaching, Finance, Marketing, Criminal Justice, Broadcast Media, Gene Editing, and others. 

The PACD recently worked with the State Department of Labor to introduce the Construction Management Certificate, an 18- credit program that helps skilled laborers advance into management roles. Says Rice: “The certificate was developed in response to the workforce crisis in the construction trades, which have an aging population and a looming retirement cliff in management.” 

Meanwhile, Senior Director Jeff Martino works with industry leaders to enhance professional development and offer academic programs for employees. His team consults with various corporate departments, including Human Resources, Learning & Development, Talent Acquisition and Management, and Executive Leadership. 

“We begin by listening to the learners’ goals for skill development and growth areas,” says Martino. “Based on their needs, we identify relevant certificate or degree programs, customized course bundles, and develop needed professional development options. This approach positions WilmU as a leader in workplace development by providing targeted training solutions.”

Among the University’s regional and national partners are such companies as ChristianaCare, Valvoline, CSC, and BAYADA. “We also work closely with Delaware’s Departments of Labor and Education,” Martino says.

An example of this learner- and industry-focused approach is the new Master of Science in Management cohort with a concentration in Healthcare Administration for Acts Retirement-Life Communities. “It’s designed to develop future site operations directors, with course-work specifically contextualized for senior living,” Martino says. “We brought in a former executive from the industry as the instructor and used our technology to deliver the course live online, supplemented by asynchronous work.”

The PACD also serves the more than 1,550 military-connected students at WilmU. Under the direction of Dr. Jim Webb, the Military Affairs Office (MAO) guides those students, and any prospective military-connected students, through the enrollment and admissions processes and helps them navigate a variety of often complex education benefits, including VA and Tuition Assistance. The MAO conducts military-specific orientation webinars to inform students about benefits, degree options, and transfer processes. It fosters community through entities like the Military Veteran Student Organization.

Says Dr. Webb: “Unlike many institutions, we actively collaborate with various departments to streamline support and enhance communication. The establishment of Veterans Corners across campus creates welcoming spaces for military-connected students to engage and connect with peers.” 

Dr. Webb has extensive military experience, having served in the Air Force as a financial management and comptroller specialist stationed at Dover Air Force Base. He was also a trusted advisor and recruiter for the Delaware Air National Guard as a senior noncommissioned officer.

— Bob Yearick