Avoiding Potholes Along the Microcredentials Superhighway

Tanya Joosten

Senior Scientist and Director, Digital Learning, Academic Affairs Research and Development, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

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Tanya Joosten is a senior scientist, the director of digital learning research and development, and advisor to the provost for innovation initiatives at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM). She is the principal investigator and director of the National Research Center for Distance Education and Technological Advancements (DETA) and has been recognized for her work as she guides strategic digital learning efforts across the globe. 
 
Currently, Tanya leads DETA working to support students’ success, access, and equity through identifying key practices through research that can be implemented and scaled across institutions. Previously, she led faculty development and engagement initiatives and pedagogical and technological innovation projects. 

Kacey Thorne

Senior Director, Skills Architecture, Western Governors University

Kacey Thorne is the senior director of skills architecture at Western Governors University. Kacey operates at the intersection of higher education and the future of work, where she is responsible for establishing a network of open skills that are aligned to workforce needs. To accomplish this transformative work at scale, Kacey has established an emergent ecosystem of partnerships, tools, and technologies that continues to evolve. Kacey is passionate about the urgent call to action for higher education to better meet the needs of students and employers. She is deeply invested in student success and creating higher education systems that support access, equity, and upward mobility. 

Janelle Elias

WCET Steering Committee, Vice President, Strategy & Advancement | Interim Vice President, Academic Affairs, Rio Salado College

janelle.elias@riosalado.edu

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Janelle Elias serves as the chief strategy officer for Rio Salado College. She provides leadership for strategic initiatives, institutional research and effectiveness, institutional advancement, and national partnerships. She serves as the design lead for Maricopa Community Colleges’ implementation of micropathways and digital badging and sits on the WCET Steering Committee micro-credentials work team.