This story is sponsored by Ashland University.
Ashland University has recently added two new programs that are more flexible for students to help them pursue their next steps in a leadership or organizational-focused role.
Adjusted for the college’s adult learners, the organizational leadership and organizational training and development programs were launched in 2021 and have already seen success.
“They are geared for adult learners and although traditional undergrads are welcome to take these classes, they are tailored for those who have had a little bit of life experience and realize they can’t move forward without a degree,” Yolonda Sanders, director of the two programs, said.
The organizational leadership program is for a student who is looking to pursue a career as a consultant, organizational leader, manager or director. The organizational training and development program is more specialized and suggested for students who wish to be a talent manager, according to Sanders.
Sanders has worked endlessly on growing these programs. She builds the curriculum, oversees development, teaches classes, hires professors and more.
Both degrees are made flexible by being 100% online, having weekly assignments with deadlines and not including existing or ongoing sessions. Although there are not any face-to-face meetings, Sanders always ensures students she is there for help and support whenever they need it.
“As an online instructor, that does not mean I am hands-off,” Sanders said. “I did not accept this role because I need to keep my lights on. This is a role I am passionate about. These students are getting all of my support.”
Josh Ranc, a student in the organizational leadership program, has plans to be a football coach at a college after he earns his diploma. He believes his degree will help him be successful in his future career.
“The knowledge and skills I am obtaining currently in the program [are] going to be able to help me better understand how to run a program in a professional and effective manner,” Ranc said.
The content being taught in the classes is relevant to work life experiences, according to Sanders. Students are receiving the foundation for their entrepreneurial endeavors and there are many opportunities for them after they finish the program.
There are currently seven students enrolled in the program, but numbers will be rising this summer and fall, according to Sanders.
“As the program continues to grow, it is going to be something beautiful,” Sanders said.
For more information about the programs or how to apply, contact Yolonda Sanders at ysander2@ashland.edu. Click here for the organizational leadership program or here for the organizational training and development program.
