BLA Program to Provide Education Opportunities for Adult Learners
The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (HEPC) has approved a new degree program at West Liberty University.
The Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership and Administration (BLA) Program is an accelerated degree completion program for adult learners (at least age 23) whose opportunities for securing employment will be enhanced by holding a bachelor’s degree.
The BLA Program emphasizes applied learning in leadership and administration within for-profit and non-profit organizations. Students will complete a 36 upper-level credit hour course sequence and will also be able to apply for Work/Life academic credit. They also have the option to participate in WLU’s laptop program.
WLU President Robin C. Capehart sees the BLA Program as a logical next step in the University’s mission to provide high-quality, affordable educational opportunities for all of the area’s residents. ” Our local area, our region and our state have an inordinately high rate of citizens who start but do not finish a college education. This initiative is a key tool that will aid students of all ages in obtaining a college education while establishing a solid foundation for a career,” Capehart said.
HEPC Chancellor Dr. Brian Noland commended WLU on its foresight and outreach to the community. “The new BLA program at West Liberty University will be an outstanding program that aligns well with the University’s strategic plan.”
Thomas A. Michaud, Ph.D., Dean of the WLU School of Professional Studies, said the new BLA program “offers an accelerated degree completion program for adult students in our area. The Program emphasizes applied learning, and all of its classes are held on Saturdays. Qualified students can complete the entire BLA program within 18 months, which includes summer classes. It is an educational option that is well suited to the needs and interests of our area’s adult students seeking to complete their degrees and advance themselves,” Michaud said.
The initial cohort for the program is planned to begin October 16th. For more information on the BLA Program, please contact Dr. Michaud or Mary Lou Conley at the WLU Highlands Center at (304) 217-2800, or by email, tmichaud@westliberty.edu.