Carroll University President Cindy Gnadinger Named Chair of HERA

Honor puts Gnadinger in position to lead regional collaboration in higher education

The Higher Education Regional Alliance of Wisconsin (HERA) named Carroll University President Cindy Gnadinger the new Chair of the organization which continues its mission to foster higher education and workforce development in southeastern Wisconsin. This leadership transition marks a pivotal moment for HERA as Gnadinger has focused on the same values at Carroll, seeking to increase student success, narrow achievement gaps and strengthen connections between higher education institutions and Wisconsin employers.
 
HERA is a collaborative network comprising 17 public and private two- and four-year colleges and universities across southeastern Wisconsin. Launched in 2019, the alliance also includes diverse partner organizations and employer consortiums such as ElevAsian, Employ Milwaukee, the Greater Milwaukee Committee, Higher Expectations of Racine, the Milwaukee Hispanic Collaborative and several others. HERA's overarching goal is to enhance institutional programs, support student retention, foster innovation and create a seamless pipeline from education to the workforce.
 
As the new Chair, Gnadinger brings her extensive experience and commitment to education to the forefront of HERA's initiatives. Under her leadership, the alliance should expect to enhance its efforts to address key challenges faced by students and educational institutions alike. Gnadinger’s appointment could be seen as a strategic move to further integrate Carroll University’s strengths in liberal arts education with HERA’s mission of workforce development.
 
HERA has launched several groundbreaking initiatives aimed at enhancing student success and workforce readiness:

• Online Fast-Track Courses: Development of an online portal as a one-stop-shop for individuals seeking to enhance their skills through fast-track courses. These offerings include microcredentials, badges, and other non-degree programs.


• Supporting Adult Learners: Recognizing the diverse needs of adult learners, HERA is implementing programs allowing students to transfer more credits, receive credit for prior learning in non-academic settings and access microgrants to help offset tuition and other costs.


• Transferology Tool: To streamline the educational journey, HERA implemented Transferology, a tool providing students with information on how previously earned college credits can be transferred across institutions. The initiative removes barriers to education continuation, making it easier for students to progress toward their degrees.


• Connecting Students with Employers: Handshake is a powerful platform that connects students with employers in the region. This tool helps students find internships, career fairs and job opportunities tailored to their majors and interests, bridging the gap between education and employment.

As Gnadinger steps into her role as Chair, HERA is poised to continue its trajectory of innovation and collaboration. The alliance’s efforts are not only vital for the success of students and institutions but also crucial for the economic development of southeastern Wisconsin. By aligning education with the workforce needs, HERA is helping to build a stronger, more resilient regional economy and ensuring that higher education in southeastern Wisconsin remains a powerful engine of social and economic progress.