Around the country, institutions of higher learning are grappling with how they move sustainably into the future. Declining enrollments, changing demographics and new college alternatives have stressed many universities and caused the closure of some.
When Laurie Joyner joined De Pere’s St. Norbert College as its ninth president in 2023, she accepted the challenge of guiding the 125-year-old university into a new era. Only a year into her tenure, it’s a proposition she feels the Catholic liberal arts college is poised to successfully accomplish. For example, this fall St. Norbert is introducing 12 new academic programs, including an engineering physics major and a minor in robotics.
In this month’s cover story, associate editor Kate Bruns profiles Joyner and explores how the college, based on 900-year-old Norbertine traditions, plans to address the evolving needs of the local community. Turn to page 22 to read more.
Adaptation is the name of the game for all types of educational institutions. In this month’s education feature on page 60, contributor MaryBeth Matzek explores how artificial intelligence is being incorporated into the classroom at UW‑Green Bay, Fox Valley Technical College and more. Turn to News & Noteworthy on page 13 for an update on Ripon College’s free tuition commitment for students whose families earn less than $75,000.
While class is back in session across the New North, here at Insight, September kicks off our busiest season of events — which is great news for readers who appreciate experiential connections and in-person gatherings. I hope you’re registered for InDevelopment Sept. 17, and are saving the dates for the Manufacturing First Expo & Conference Oct. 30 and a new awards event, Best Places to Work in Manufacturing, which will recognize Wisconsin’s top manufacturing workplaces Nov. 13. (Learn more at the link below.)
Our second annual CFO of the Year Awards will again take place in December. Help us honor financial leaders who play critical roles in the success of our regional businesses by nominating a CFO at insightonbusiness.com/cfo. Make sure to submit your nominations by Sept. 15 — and mark your calendar for the awards presentation at Lambeau Field in Green Bay on Dec. 3!
