Dr. Terry O’Banion, Director of Walden University’s Community College Leadership Program, to Give Keynote Speech at Innovations 2010 Conference

Minneapolis—March 26, 2010—Walden University’s Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership continues its commitment to the education community by sponsoring Innovations 2010, the 13th annual conference of the League for Innovation in the Community College. Nearly 3,000 higher education professionals from across the country will share their expertise and discover new approaches to enhancing the community college experience at the conference, held March 28–30 in Baltimore.

Dr. Terry O’Banion, president emeritus of the League for Innovation and director of Walden’s community college leadership program, will give the keynote address, “The Nature of Innovation in the Community College,” Tuesday, March 30, at 9 a.m. Dr. Laura Weidner, one of the first graduates in Walden’s PhD in Education program with a specialization in Community College Leadership, will be a co-presenter. Jonathan Kaplan, president of Walden University, will welcome conference participants to Baltimore on behalf of Walden and its growing commitment to the community college.

Drs. O’Banion and Weidner’s presentation will include a summary of research they were commissioned to conduct by the League for Innovation with support from MetLife Foundation. Their analysis and review of the nature of innovation in community colleges revealed that these institutions are the crucible of innovation and, perhaps, one of the most inspiring advancements in American society.

“We are proud to be a participant and sustaining partner of the League for Innovation for the past five years. As a leader of online higher education, Walden University has a legacy of creating programs to improve and expand student learning. With guidance from Dr. O’Banion, our continuing and supportive role to advance community colleges and provide opportunities for leadership development remains steadfast,” said Jonathan Kaplan, president of Walden University.

The Riley College of Education and Leadership at Walden University is helping to ensure the continued success of community colleges by offering the PhD in Education program with specializations in Community College Leadership, Adult Education Leadership and Higher Education, as well as the Doctor of Education (EdD) program with a specialization in Higher Education and Adult Learning.

Walden developed the first online PhD program with a specialization in Community College Leadership that was created by a coalition of national community college leaders, spearheaded by Dr. O’Banion.

“Faculty, staff and administrators have always been part of the innovations that make up the educational enterprise. The driving principle of the community college—the opportunity for higher education for everyone—is a philosophy that is also shared by Walden University,” Dr. O’Banion said.

Additional presentations by Walden faculty members, students and alumni will include:

• “Online Education: An Essential Innovation” led by Dr. Suzanne James, core faculty member from the Riley College of Education and Leadership, and David Binder, faculty member from Walden’s School of Management
• “Is a Doctorate Right for You?” led by Dr. O’Banion along with John Cech and Patricia Goodman, two Walden students who are both pursuing a PhD in Education with a specialization in Community College Leadership
• “Doctoral Programs that Spur Positive Social Change” led by Dr. O’Banion with Walden faculty members Dr. Karin Treiber and Dr. John Cooper

The League for Innovation in the Community College is an international organization dedicated to catalyzing the community college movement.

About Walden University
For 40 years, Walden University has supported working professionals in achieving their academic goals and making a greater impact in their professions and their communities. Today, more than 40,500 students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries are pursuing their bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degrees at Walden. The university provides students with an engaging educational experience that connects them with expert faculty and peers around the world. Walden is the flagship online university in the Laureate International Universities network—a global network of more than 50 online and campus-based universities in 21 countries.

Walden offers more than 40 degree programs with more than 180 specializations and concentrations. Areas of study include health sciences, counseling, human services, management, psychology, education, public health, nursing, public administration, technology and engineering. For more information, visit www.WaldenU.edu. Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, www.hlcommission.org.