Reflections On A University Closure: My Academic Pursuit Completed Just in Time

My path to instructional design started with a strong passion for learning and a keen interest in technology. While working as an educational technology consultant promoting STEAM classroom solutions, I frequently created and delivered training courses to K-12 educators for over a decade. These projects ignited a curiosity to further explore the realm of education and investigate the fusion of technology and teaching methods.

In 2021 and still in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, I was fortunate to have the time to reflect on what I wanted and where I desired to go. I was inspired by my deep-rooted passion for both writing and the intricate design process. This led me to embark on a transformative academic journey by enrolling in the Master's degree program in Educational Program Design at the esteemed University of the Arts (UArts). The program had finally been offered online so I jumped on it because I could balance my full-time product advocate role at Wacom for Education with the master's program. On the weekends I would go to my study corner, an inner world of study and writing about the research. I also had online connection with my small cohort of educators that shared the same passion. I delved into a myriad of educational theories and went deep into the core principles of learning, and innovative instructional strategies. My perspective on education was reshaped and I was supercharged with creativity as I developed my thesis, the first of its kind in the program.

The program at UArts not only broadened my horizons but also provided me with a solid foundation in curriculum development, allowing me to craft engaging and effective learning experiences. By immersing myself in the intricacies of instructional design, I have acquired a diverse set of skills that have empowered me to create dynamic and interactive educational content that caters to the diverse needs of learners. Also, the program emphasized the importance of technology integration in education, equipping me with the knowledge and tools to leverage my years of experience with cutting-edge edtech classroom solutions. I now have that missing link between edtech with a deep breadth of pedagogy and instructional strategies. Through hands-on experience and practical application, I have gained invaluable insights into how technology can be seamlessly integrated into educational settings to foster creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking skills among students.

My experience in the Educational Program Design master's program at UArts was nothing short of transformative, shaping me into a versatile and innovative educator consultant with a deep understanding of effective instructional practices. I received individual attention to keep me motivated to create meaningful learning experiences. Shortly after graduation in May of 2023, the Dean contacted me to become a faculty member and was working with me to bring my idea to life for a new course for the program. I was thrilled!

But my excitement was met with both shock and sadness by the sudden closure of UArts this year. A university with a rich history spanning 148 years just gone? The news of its closure sent ripples of disbelief and sorrow through the academic community and beyond. UArts, with its legacy of excellence in the arts and creative fields, has been a beacon of inspiration for generations of students and faculty alike.

The abrupt end of such an esteemed institution raised questions about the challenges facing higher education today. The closure of UArts highlighted the financial struggles many universities are grappling with, as well as, the shifting landscape of academia in the modern world. It served as a stark reminder of the fragility of even the most established educational institutions in the face of economic uncertainty and evolving educational trends.

Students, alumni, and faculty members mourned the loss of UArts not only as a physical campus but also as a symbol of artistic expression and academic pursuit. The void left by its closure was not just a physical absence but a cultural and intellectual one, leaving a profound impact on the artistic community and the broader society.

While UArts may have closed its doors, its legacy will always be a part of me. I am proud to have been a student and I carry its spirit forward in my work as a sought-after learning designer. My goals remain constant in helping people learn.