In this episode host Marc Goldberg interviews Clark State College nursing graduate Lemohang Mokhalinyane and then a follow up conversation with both Clark State College President Dr. Jo Blondin and Higher Learning Commission (HLC) President Dr. Barbara Gellman-Danley.

Lemoh describes her experience as a student in the nursing pathway at Clark State - first in the Licensed Practical Nursing program leading to employment and then the Registered Nursing program. She highlights the incredible support and guidance she received from college faculty and staff as a student and the culture of meeting students where they’re at. Lemoh also describes the benefit of enrolling in and completing a non-degree credential of value in her educational journey at Clark State.

Dr. Blondin and Dr. Gellman-Danley, both transformative, student-centered leaders with expertise advocating and shifting systems at the local, state and national level, share their reflections from the interview with Lemoh and elaborate on the topic of quality non-degree credentials.

Dr. Blondin describes how Clark State has established meaningful on-ramp and off-ramp credential programs to support student goals. Dr. Gellman-Danley offers expertise and insights from the lens of an accrediting board and how HLC has prioritized non-degree credential programs in their work with member institutions. Both Dr. Blondin and Dr. Gellman-Danley emphasize the importance of centering students and student intent when considering policies and practice at the institutional and national level.

The All In: Student Pathways Forward podcast is a part of Oregon’s participation in the National Skills Coalition SkillSPAN network and supported by the Lumina Foundation.