From Katherine Harrington, President & CEO | West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce
The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce recently hosted a sold-out luncheon, bringing together some of the most influential educational leaders in the region to discuss a critical topic: how to build a world-class talent pool in Iowa. The event was a resounding success, with key insights shared on the future of education and workforce development in the state.
The panel featured an extraordinary group of leaders who are shaping the future of education and workforce development in Iowa. Their collective experience, vision, and passion for preparing students for success in a rapidly changing world made the discussion both enlightening and inspiring.
Welcoming the Panelists
We were honored to have the following distinguished panelists with us:
- Rob Denson, President of Des Moines Area Community College
- Dr. Angela Walker Franklin, President of Des Moines University
- Dr. Adreain Henry, President of Mercy College of Health Sciences
- Alejandro Hernandez, Dean of the Zimpleman College of Business at Drake University
- David Spalding, Raisbeck Endowed Dean of the Iowa State Ivy College of Business
- Jay Byers, President of Simpson College
As they took the stage to a warm round of applause, it was clear that the discussion would provide invaluable insights into how our educational institutions are not just keeping pace with the changing demands but are also leading the way in innovation and excellence.
Workforce Trends and Future Skills in Iowa
Katherine Harrington kicked off the discussion by asking each panelist about the skills they foresee being most critical for future job markets in Iowa and how their institutions are integrating these into their curriculum.
- Rob Denson emphasized the importance of employability and soft skills, noting that using AI as a thought partner is becoming increasingly vital.
- Alejandro Hernandez highlighted the need to develop lifelong learners who can navigate changes and upskill as necessary.
- David Spalding shared that at Ivy College of Business, AI is infused into the curriculum, lifelong learning is critical, and they offer a custom education program where faculty bring their expertise directly to businesses.
- Jay Byers of Simpson College discussed the development of power skills and how learning to learn is crucial for career readiness.
- Dr. Angela Walker Franklin pointed out the significance of soft skills, civility, and compassion training in healthcare, stating that how we treat each other is paramount.
- Dr. Adreain Henry from Mercy College of Health Sciences stressed the importance of advanced technology, industry partnerships, and communication skills in creating an educated society.
Education-Industry Partnerships: Business & Community Support
The panelists were then asked about the role of partnerships between educational institutions and local businesses in preparing students for the workforce.
- Dr. Angela Walker Franklin shared how Des Moines University relies on community partnerships with hospitals across the region and country, ensuring that students gain hands-on experience, particularly in rural communities.
- Alejandro Hernandez discussed how Drake University partners with businesses to expose students to real-world problem-solving, citing initiatives like the Murphy Cup business challenge.
- David Spalding highlighted the experiential and immersive experiences at Iowa State University’s Ivy College of Business, where students engage in internships and practical business practices with corporate partners.
Innovative Programs and Initiatives
Innovation is key to staying ahead of workforce trends, and each panelist shared new programs or initiatives at their institutions designed to prepare students for future challenges.
- Dr. Adreain Henry talked about Mercy College of Health Sciences’ efforts to address the nursing shortage through innovative solutions.
- Jay Byers introduced Simpson College’s new director of workforce development, focused on building a talent pipeline for Iowa companies through numerous partnerships.
- Rob Denson highlighted DMACC’s registered apprenticeships and the Iowa Learns program, which help students secure jobs while they are still learning.
Leveraging Technology in Education
With technology transforming education at a rapid pace, the discussion turned to how each institution is leveraging it to enhance learning and skill development.
- Alejandro Hernandez spoke about Drake University’s focus on applied learning with AI, including a new degree program exploring AI’s legal implications.
- David Spalding from Ivy College of Business emphasized that AI presents tremendous opportunities for students at Iowa State University.
- Dr. Adreain Henry discussed how Mercy College of Health Sciences is incorporating online and virtual learning into their programs to prepare students for tomorrow’s workforce.
Social-Emotional Learning and Wellness
The final topic centered on the importance of social-emotional learning and wellness in preparing students for the workforce.
- Jay Byers highlighted the pressing issue of mental health and the multiple ways Simpson College supports students on campus.
- Rob Denson added that at DMACC, they emphasize the importance of simply asking students, “How are you doing?” and have implemented an early alert system to support student well-being.
Words to Live By
As the discussion drew to a close, Katherine Harrington asked each panelist to share the words that they or their institutions live by. Their responses encapsulated the drive and philosophy that guide their leadership:
- Rob Denson, President of Des Moines Area Community College: “GSD – Get Shit Done!”
- Dr. Angela Walker Franklin, President of Des Moines University: “Dream Big. Be Bold!”
- Dr. Adreain Henry, President of Mercy College of Health Sciences: “We are the Guardians. Here to protect and defend.”
- Alejandro Hernandez, Dean of the Zimpleman College of Business at Drake University: “Be a force for good.”
- David Spalding, Raisbeck Endowed Dean of the Iowa State Ivy College of Business: “On the Move.”
- Jay Byers, President of Simpson College: “Think big. Live Large. Be Nice.
Conclusion
The luncheon provided a platform for deep and meaningful discussions on the future of education and workforce development in Iowa. The insights shared by these leaders underscored the critical role that educational institutions play in preparing students for a rapidly evolving job market. Their commitment to innovation, partnerships, and student well-being is laying the foundation for a world-class talent pool in Iowa.
As we move forward, it is clear that collaboration between education, business, and community will be key to ensuring Iowa’s future workforce is not just prepared, but poised to lead in a global economy. The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce is proud to be a part of this vital conversation and looks forward to continuing to support these efforts in our community.