REGISTER
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With 40-plus million U.S. adults having some college credit but no credential, targeting adult learner persistence aligns with institutions’ missions and their financial realities.
Anchored by data, case studies and expert insights, this webcast will explore practical, proactive approaches to supporting adult learner persistence and overall success—and how those approaches can benefit all students. The session will highlight strategies such as targeted outreach and streamlined academic pathways, offering adaptable frameworks for different institutional contexts.
Attendees will learn how even small, intentional changes in communication, academic structure and student supports can move the needle on persistence. Belonging and basic needs factor in, as well.
Can't attend the webcast? You should still register -- all registrants, including attendees and absentees, will receive a recording of the webcast and a copy of the presentation slides.
Wednesday, August 27 | 2 p.m. E.T.
The Persistence Imperative: Proactively Supporting Adult Learner Success
PANELISTS
Brad L. Mortensen
President of Weber State University
Brad L. Mortensen became the 13th president of Weber State University (WSU) in January 2019, after serving in several leadership positions at WSU since 2004. He began his tenure as president with a call to action for the Weber State family to become louder and prouder about the university. Since then, Brad has celebrated numerous accomplishments with campus partners, including establishing a new strategic plan, expanding community partnerships and economic engagement initiatives, and helping WSU maintain and achieve top rankings in multiple areas, including student affordability and return on investment. Brad guides Weber State’s efforts to be a leader in transforming lives by meeting all students where they are, challenging and guiding them to meet their goals both academically and in life. This includes expanding access as an open enrollment university, increasing retention and completion rates, providing personalized and innovative learning experiences and striving to become an Emerging Hispanic Serving Institution. He believes it is his primary role to unlock the creative potential within everyone in the Weber State community, and to guide the university in being an institution that is continually learning and improving. A first-generation college graduate, Brad holds several degrees, including a doctoral degree in educational leadership and policy from the University of Utah.
Colleen Flaherty
Senior Editor of Special Content at Inside Higher Ed
Colleen Flaherty, senior editor of special content, previously served as Student Voice editor for Inside Higher Ed. Prior to joining the publication in 2012, Colleen was military editor at the Killeen Daily Herald, outside Fort Hood, Texas. Before that, she covered government and land use issues for the Greenwich Time and Hersam Acorn Newspapers in her home state of Connecticut. After graduating from McGill University in Montreal with a degree in English literature, Colleen taught English and English as a second language in public schools in the Bronx, New York. She earned her M.S.Ed. from City University of New York Lehman College as part of the New York City Teaching Fellows program.
Sara Custer
Editor-in-Chief at Inside Higher Ed
Sara Custer became Inside Higher Ed's editor-in-chief in March 2024. Before joining Inside Higher Ed, she was editor of Times Higher Education's (THE) Campus, a collection of daily resources designed for higher education faculty and staff members to learn, share and connect with colleagues at universities and colleges worldwide. Prior to that, she shaped THE’s online presence as its digital editor, helping to launch THE’s newsletter strategy and overseeing daily, weekly and monthly publications. From 2012 to 2017, she served as editor and senior reporter at The PIE News, covering the international education industry. Sara grew up in Cushing, Okla., and earned a B.A. in English literature from Loyola University Chicago and an M.A. in international journalism from City, University of London.