PA Adult Learner Re-Engagement Virtual Convening – Nov 5

Posted by Pennsylvania Adult Learnerr Community of Practice on October 14, 2025

Over one million Pennsylvanians under the age of 65 have attended some college but not received a credential or degree. Over the past year, over 50 institutions in Pennsylvania have joined a community of practice to share promising practices, challenges, and actionable takeaways for institutions to re-enroll and support adult learners.

You’re invited to join us for the final virtual convening of the Pennsylvania Adult Learner Community of Practice on Tuesday, November 5, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM ET. This final session will offer an opportunity to reflect on the progress made, highlight promising practices and collaboratively envision the future of adult learner re-engagement efforts across the Commonwealth. Ithaka S+R has partnered with the Office of Postsecondary and Higher Education at the Pennsylvania Department of Education to facilitate the community of practice and convening.

• 9:30 AM – Convening begins
• Opening remarks
  • Ali Caccavella, Special Advisor, Office of Postsecondary and Higher Education, Pennsylvania Department of Education
• Session 1: Putting Ideas into Practice
  Featured participants will share updates on their work from the Enrolling Adult Learners playbook, followed by audience Q&A.
  • Matthew Bodenschatz, M.A., Director of Recruiting and Admissions, Admissions Office, Pennsylvania Highlands Community College
  • Megan McIlvaine, M.S. ELw., M. Ed.. Assistant Dean of Prior Learning Assessment, Office of Prior Learning/Academic Affairs, Northampton Community College
  • Alexis Macklin, PhD, Executive Director of the Center for Teaching, Research, and Learning,  Carlow University
• Session 2: Sharing accomplishments and brainstorming new ideas
  Three parallel breakout-group discussions where institutional representatives share a challenge related to adult learner engagement and a strategy they’ve implemented or are developing
  • Susan Kolb, M.Ed, Assistant Vice President of Graduate & Adult Education Enrollment,  Hillary Saylor Schulze, MPA, Director, Student Financial Services Counseling, Timothy Kast, Director of Student Success, Alvernia University
  • Kellyn Williams, PhD, Associate Vice President of Special Programs, Johnson College
  • Joseph Paris, Ed.D., Dean, School of Graduate & Professional Studies, Delaware Valley University
• Closing reflections
• 12:00 PM–  End of meeting