C-BEN is pleased to share that Dr. James Hedges has been announced as the next dean of Weber State University’s Division of Online & Continuing Education. Hedges has been a long-time C-BEN member, using his experience in managing workforce partnerships to contribute to many of C-BEN’s initiatives, including presenting at CBExchange as a plenary speaker, serving as a Quality Assurance reviewer, and coaching at C-BEN’s first Camp CBE. C-BEN is looking forward to continuing our collaboration in his transition to Weber.
Prior to joining Weber State University, Dr. Hedges worked at Westminster College in Salt Lake City as the director of professional and continuing education. In that role, Dr. Hedges was a pioneer for competency-based education (CBE), helping Weber introduce CBE programs in 2008. To date, Westminster College is the only institution in the state to offer Prior Learning Assessments to receive credit for skills already mastered, a core component of CBE.
Of CBE, Hedges stated: “[CBE] is going to accommodate the changing demographics in higher education. And if we want to be successful, we need to be adaptive to that landscape. I could not, moving forward, endorse anything more than this type of learning.”
In his new role, Dr. Hedges will continue efforts to move beyond traditional modes of education, helping Weber to provide high-quality, flexible education that serves the needs and goals of all students.
“We are ecstatic to see Dr. Hedges in this new role,” stated C-BEN President Dr. Charla Long. “With James’ experience and our continued collaboration, we are confident he will help elevate Weber’s flexible course offerings and continue the movement to make competency the currency of higher education.”
