Penn State Outreach creates new unit to address growing adult learner population

Jordan to lead Adult Learner Enrollment Services

University Park, Pa. -- Penn State Outreach has created a unit dedicated to extend and enhance its services to adult learners. Adult Learner Enrollment Services, which integrates the efforts of Penn State's Adult Learner Advocacy Initiative, the Center for Adult Learner Services and Outreach Student Services, will be led by Martha Jordan, director of Adult Learner Advocacy at the University. Her new title will be director of Adult Learner Advocacy and Enrollment Services.

Penn State defines an adult learner as anyone 24 years of age or older, a veteran or returning to college after four or more years of employment or other activity. "In addition, if a student assumes multiple life roles such as parent, spouse/partner, employee and student, then Penn State considers them as an adult learner," said Jordan.

Currently, one in seven Penn State undergraduate students is an adult, and that number is expected to grow. "The adult learner is an important segment of our student population and it will become even more important in the future. We must be sure that the infrastructure is in place to support these students across the Commonwealth efforts systemwide," said Wayne Smutz, associate vice president for Academic Outreach and executive director, Continuing and Distance Education.

Jordan said having the departments consolidated under one unit will provide a central information source as well as more opportunities for collaboration and innovation, not only at the University Park campus but at all Penn State campuses. She said Outreach will continue to work closely with the University's Commission for Adult Learners as the Commission advances its advocacy on behalf of adult learners.

To ensure that adults are provided with convenient and complete student services in a one-stop environment, all of Adult Learner Enrollment Services, including the staff of the Center for Adult Learner Services, currently in Keller Building, will be consolidated in the Outreach Building, located in Innovation Park. "This will allow Outreach to have a full complement of staff in one location to serve the adult learner beginning with the fall 2007 semester," said Jordan.

Smutz said the need for a highly educated adult population is the driving force behind the growing numbers of adult learners nationally and at the University. "Adult learners are important not only to the University, but also to Pennsylvania's economy," he said. "Under Martha's leadership, Penn State will best be able to help adult learners increase our state's and nation's competitiveness. Her commitment to serving all adult learners with exceptional support will help Penn State become a leader in this area."

Prior to her positions in Outreach, Jordan spent the past year as an Administrative Fellow in Outreach; the fellowship program is an opportunity for faculty and staff to work with senior University officials. While a fellow, Jordan led the University's efforts to secure nearly $1 million in Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency grant funds for adults studying part time at Penn State. Jordan spent 15 years as the director of recruitment in the University's Undergraduate Admissions Office. Before joining Penn State, she gained admissions and alumni experience at the University of Miami and the University of Alabama.