Growth Initiatives
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Wilson seeks $2 million to support growth initiatives that will help solidify a more sustainable financial future.
Higher education is evolving, and students now have diverse expectations. Some still prefer the traditional four-year, on-campus experience, while others, especially adult learners, prefer asynchronous online education that fits around their work and life schedules. To serve everyone and sustain its mission for all, the College must strengthen and expand its recruitment and retention of students.
The College must continue the important work of bringing new degrees and curricula to the Wilson learning experience.
Students expect their college or university to have the degree programs needed to succeed professionally post-graduation, degrees that will provide the skills needed to pursue a successful career. Since 2020, the College has launched eight new undergraduate degree programs and one new graduate program. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the healthcare field is experiencing a tremendous amount of expansion and change, with 20% projected employment growth through 2026. This scenario creates an opportunity for Wilson to explore the addition of healthcare-related graduate-level degrees in physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech language pathology, ultimately helping to fill a critical need for healthcare professionals in our region and across the country.
Wilson also seeks new ways to grow the traditional undergraduate population.
In addition to new academic degrees, the College has launched co-curricular programming that appeals to today’s students. For example, athletic teams serve as a significant recruiting tool for students. Current students enjoy our new esports program, where they can compete in online gaming competitions with other college students across the region and the country. The College has also established a show choir program. This is a unique endeavor for higher education and will allow Wilson students to continue their creative pursuits in vocal performance while obtaining their degrees. And, building on the growing interest in our equestrian programs, the College has moved its Hunt Seat Team from club to Varsity level, hired a full-time coach with student recruitment responsibilities, and added Western as a discipline.
“It’s great to see how Wilson is incorporating new technology in the curriculum, especially with Wilson Online. It makes it really flexible and easy for students to attend.”
“These types of experiences really complement what’s happening in the classroom. It’s important to support the students not just in classroom efforts, but in co-curricular activities too.”