Guest post by Key Takeaways

• AI adoption succeeds when the human element—culture, engagement, learning—is prioritised alongside technology.
• Feedback loops and innovation spaces help employees feel part of the AI journey, increasing buy‑in and success.
• Leadership must make AI literacy and shared responsibility core to the adoption process for meaningful integration.

In the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), the integration of human-centric principles is critical to maximize AI’s full potential while building an AI-ready culture. The success of AI adoption hinges on people and the ways in which they work, far more than on technology alone. But despite a demonstrated potential for AI to turbo-boost productivity and revolutionize work, most organizations struggle to translate AI potential into reality. Gartner reports that , largely because organizations rush into AI initiatives without adequate planning, workforce training, or change management. About 80% of workers report that their organizations have not provided training on generative AI, leaving a widespread lack of guidance in navigating these advanced tools. The result? Wasted time, frustrated employees, and growing skepticism about AI’s real value. To build the skills necessary for successful AI integration, many professionals are turning to an information technology masters to gain a strong foundation in both technical and strategic areas. A concluded that successful early adopters of generative AI technology focus heavily on educating, upskilling, and reskilling staff to create a new mindset and culture that embraces AI. Here are three human-centered priorities for AI adoption that will improve AI project success and build a workforce that is better prepared for the transformative changes that are coming.

1.�������� AI Literacy as the First Step to AI Success

Leading companies are embracing AI literacy programs designed to equip employees with both technological knowledge and practical application skills. Instead of treating AI as a tool for a select few experts, successful organizations are making AI knowledge accessible to employees at all levels. Widespread AI literacy helps bridge the gap between IT and business staff by enabling good communication, and fosters the kind of employee confidence that reduces fear and resistance. Furthermore, it helps maximize effective AI use: when employees understand AI, they can better identify opportunities to apply it in their work.

2.�������� ��Upskilling and Reskilling Prepares Workers for Change

The World Economic Forum noted that , with more than 40% of companies foreseeing major job disruptions as AI automates some tasks. Companies that invest in upskilling and reskilling can take better advantage of new AI capabilities and retain productive talent rather than replace it. Organizations that only focus on AI literacy without acknowledging the need for more specific training may struggle to see real productivity gains from AI adoption. But companies that develop general AI knowledge while also preparing staff with focused AI training and new skills as workflows and business needs evolve will see more successful AI projects.

3.�������� Organizational Change Management for AI Adoption

Much like any technology effort, the likelihood of AI adoption success depends more on business process change and human behavior change than the technical deployment. Targeted and intentional organizational change management (OCM) is critical to creating the necessary understanding, desire, and action for change. Effective OCM will connect current AI projects to company strategy that has been communicated as part of overall AI literacy. This connection to the larger strategic direction can create better context and buy-in for incoming changes. Training that is unique to the project capabilities being introduced and that shows how this project relates to specific business goals can improve workforce performance and comfort. Reinforcement helps to prevent AI abandonment while building new habits that contribute to long term AI adoption success.

Other Considerations for Integrating AI

There are several other human-centered activities a company can implement to support AI integration and encourage creating a culture that is resilient during a time of change.

Continuing Education

Quality academic programs can empower company leaders to adopt AI solutions and be champions for change. For example, the University of Denver has career-focused AI programs through its College of Professional Studies that emphasize IT and AI skills for IT professionals, emerging leaders, and established executives. The master’s concentration and certificate program in AI Strategy and Application in IT was built for working professionals and delivers a powerful combination of industry-aligned skills and academic rigor. The combination of hands-on experiential learning and cutting-edge concepts from thought leaders and industry experts provides the core competencies students need to become knowledgeable and influential AI champions in their organizations to drive innovation and change in this era of AI disruption and opportunity.

Continuous Improvement Practices

Effective feedback loops can help reinforce the importance of the human side of AI adoption when feedback results in visible action. By embedding continuous improvement programs into company culture, organizations create a dynamic environment where employees feel valued, new tools are embraced, and the company is adaptive to the changing technology landscape.

Innovation Programs

Employees are more likely to embrace AI if they see it solving real problems. Innovation teams or programs where fresh ideas are welcomed will allow workers to take an active role in defining how AI fits into their work. A culture that is safe for employees to test AI-related ideas and encourages employees to become internal advocates for adoption can be more effective than top-down mandates.

Call to Action – What can Leaders and Employees Do Now

To bridge the growing gap between AI adoption and workforce readiness, organizations must take a proactive and structured approach that emphasizes the human side of AI adoption. Leaders must be intentional about fostering a culture of AI proficiency that empowers employees to use these technologies effectively. By making AI education and reinforcement a shared responsibility, businesses can foster a workforce that is not only AI-literate but also better prepared for the evolving technological landscape.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Key Takeaways

• Cloud computing has become central to speed, flexibility, and cost savings in modern organizations’ technology strategies.
• Guest expert Chad Eckles shares insights from 15+ years in cybersecurity and Department of Defense projects, emphasizing security, architecture, and cost management in cloud adoption.
• The article ties directly to DU’s Technology Leadership and IT programs, helping leaders make informed, secure cloud integration decisions.

�� This week, we’re pleased to feature a guest blog post on cloud integration from Chad Eckles, who has over 15 years of technical and leadership experience in the cybersecurity industry and with the Department of Defense. He will teach Technology Leadership in the Winter 2025 term in our IT program. Cloud computing has become a cornerstone for businesses seeking speed, flexibility, and cost savings. By lowering capital expenditures and reducing the need for additional overhead, cloud computing has become an integral part of nearly every technology executive’s long-term strategy. However, weaving cloud solutions into an organization’s technology fabric requires careful consideration of both security and cost management. In an ever-changing world of cloud technology, finding the right balance can be easier said than done. If you’re looking to deepen your expertise in this area, consider pursuing a masters in information technology to gain advanced skills and stay ahead in the field.

Developing a Clear Cloud Strategy

Traditionally, leaders have often approached the cloud journey similar to their legacy, on-premise datacenter. But cloud is different – scalability is almost limitless, a vast array of services become instantly available, and software integration shifts dramatically. All of this being said, a clear and well-outlined cloud strategy is absolutely foundational before traveling too far down the path. Start by thinking through specific needs of the organization and how the core business objectives could be better enabled via the shift towards cloud computing. Is the decision purely financial? Are you hoping to enhance operational effectiveness, improve performance, or have quicker access to more advanced tooling? Understanding the “why” behind the move will help shape and mold your cloud strategy in a way that is meaningful to the business. Additionally, gaining a firm grasp on your current environment’s inventory and technical landscape is paramount. Identifying mission-critical applications and supporting infrastructure, candidate systems for decommissioning, and any high-risk components of your architecture will help scope and prioritize cloud initiatives in a logical, secure, and purpose-driven manner.

Prioritizing Security and Data Protection

is a core tenet of doing business in the cloud and many of the traditional cybersecurity guardrails still are in play. First, encrypt data both in-transit and at-rest. Although many cloud service providers now include default encryption, it is advisable to implement key management solutions using customer-managed keys for the most optimal protection. Identity has become the primary focus of modern security. Experts now agree that, unlike the past emphasis on firewalls, securing identity is the new critical entry point that must be safeguarded. Security measures such as multifactor authentication (MFA), just-in-time (JIT) access, and role-based access controls should be a top priority. Learning from ransomware cases over the last decade, basics such as backups must not be forgotten. The power of cloud allows organizations to more easily replicate data to various regions to improve disaster recovery and business continuity. Lastly, many cloud vendors offer native intrusion detection systems (IDS), firewalls, and security monitoring solutions to address security threats. Collectively, these capabilities help the business better detect and respond to significant risks that could cause serious damage.

Monitoring and Optimizing Cloud Spend

Rapid deployment and scalability are exciting, but cost still must be managed wisely. Begin by monitoring and establishing a baseline for expenditures. Are costs continually fluctuating or staying relatively flat? While cost estimation calculators provide initial figures, ongoing monitoring aligns expectations with reality. It is also recommended to leverage cost optimization tooling to reveal where saving opportunities could occur. Evaluate the necessity of 24/7 server operation, use autoscaling for high-traffic periods, and right-size resources accordingly. These strategies effectively optimize spending and keep the budget in check. It is also important to recognize that your cloud journey will evolve. Regularly review and adjust cloud usage to align to strategic business objectives. Conducting periodic assessments focused on efficient resource utilization and cost-saving opportunities will provide up-to-date intelligence that enables better decision-making for the business.

Engaging Stakeholders

One item that unfortunately gets less attention than it truly deserves is stakeholder engagement. Even if the balance sheet looks healthier and advanced technology is enticing, we must not overlook how stakeholders and customers will experience it. Engaging stakeholders from across the organization, as well as external consumer groups, allow you to consider multiple perspectives. Communication is crucial to stakeholder engagement and embracing a growth mindset is encouraged. Regular updates and transparent communication not only build trust and make participants feel valued, but they also lead to a more robust and improved outcome than initially planned.

Conclusion

Integrating cloud solutions into your corporate technology strategy can provide massive benefits, but it can also present a plethora of risks as well. By educating yourself on these practices, along with other core lessons learned in DU’s technology-focused coursework in cloud strategy, cybersecurity, architecture, and data protection, you will set yourself up for success when navigating the many complexities of operating securely and effectively in the cloud. �� Chad Eckles (M.S., Regis University)��is a seasoned technology professional who currently leads the development and engineering of a large-scale cloud program at a prominent software development company. In this role, he builds security policies, designs technical architectures, and provides advisory services on security best practices. Chad has been teaching at the University of Denver since 2021 and has previously taught at Colorado Technical University, specializing in computer science and cybersecurity studies. With over 15 years of technical and leadership experience in the cybersecurity industry and the Department of Defense (DoD), he has supported a diverse portfolio of high-visibility projects. Additionally, Chad serves as a Maritime Cyber Warfare Officer in the Navy Reserves, where he helps lead Sailors across various cyberspace and intelligence mission sets to support national security.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Key Takeaways

• Technology leadership requires linking tech initiatives to mission‑critical business goals.
• Managing talent effectively involves more than oversight — it means investing in growth and aligning roles with individual strengths.
• A dual focus on a clear mission and strong talent management enables tech leaders to drive meaningful, lasting impact.

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, effective leadership is more crucial than ever. As a professional with experience in IT leadership, I’ve identified two key elements that can drive transformation within an organization: a clear mission and talent management. These are two pillars that I emphasize in the graduate-level Information Technology classes I teach at DU because they are so crucial to success at a leadership level.

Clear Mission

The foundation of successful technology leadership lies in understanding and articulating a clear mission, a roadmap ensuring that all efforts align with the overarching goals. In the context of IT, this means not only focusing on technological advancements but also understanding how these technologies can serve broader business objectives.

Many IT leaders fall into the trap of championing new technology initiatives that primarily benefit the IT department. However, to truly make an impact and secure a “seat at the table” with other executives, it’s crucial to present these initiatives as integral parts of the organization’s overall strategy.

For instance, rather than pushing for a new software implementation solely for its technical merits, an IT leader should demonstrate how the software will enhance efficiency across departments, improve customer experience, or contribute to financial growth.

By framing technology projects as organizational projects, IT leaders can better communicate the value of their proposals to non-technical stakeholders. This approach not only fosters buy-in from other departments but also positions IT as a critical partner in achieving the company’s mission.

Talent Management

The second crucial aspect of technology leadership is talent management. Notice that I say “talent management” rather than “people management.” The distinction is important because it shifts the focus from merely managing employees to nurturing their skills and potential.

Effective talent management involves identifying and leveraging the strengths of team members while also providing opportunities for growth in areas where they may need development.

This approach requires a keen understanding of each team member’s unique abilities and aspirations. By assigning tasks and projects that align with their strengths, leaders can maximize productivity and job satisfaction.

Conversely, by challenging employees with assignments that stretch their capabilities, leaders can help them develop new skills and expand their “toolbox.” This not only benefits the individual but also enhances the overall capability of the team.

A key takeaway for technology leaders is the importance of viewing their team members as assets whose skills and contributions are critical to the organization’s success. By focusing on talent management, leaders can ensure that the right people are in the right roles, ultimately driving the organization toward its goals.

Building Technology Leadership Skills and Ability

These two elements of technology management, and strategies for implementing them, are taught in depth in the Information Technology program at DU’s University College. The Technology Management master’s concentration is particularly designed for professionals who are ready to take their leadership skills to the next level and learn to manage technology and teams, solve business challenges, and help their organizations achieve competitive advantage.

Technology careers need more than technical know-how. Our Information Technology bachelor’s major helps students build IT career skills tied to systems, strategy, leadership, problem solving, and business impact.

My understanding of these concepts was hard-won, but I know my students will take insights like these to launch productive leadership careers. Especially in the fast-moving field of technology, a leader must constantly strive to balance short-term decision-making with more long-term strategic thinking. Strengths-based talent management and a clear mission aligning with business goals are both key to making a lasting impact.

Al Gardner is an information technology executive with a nearly three-decade career marked by engineering expertise, visionary leadership and strong community engagement. Currently he serves as the Executive Director of General Services for the City and County of Denver. Previously he excelled in sectors including telecommunications, non-profit organizations, hospitality and healthcare. He is a Board Member of the Colorado Technology Association and has taught in DU’s Information Technology Program since 2023.

Frequently Asked Questions

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At the College of Professional Studies, we’re all about potential – not just recognizing it, but maximizing it. If you’re ready to discover your full potential, this spring is a great time to apply to a master’s degree or graduate certificate program that fits your career aspirations.

We have just extended the deadline to apply to our programs until March 11, so you still have time to apply and enroll in the Spring term. Unlike most colleges, we have four start times per year, so you don’t have to wait to get started.

If you start a master’s program this spring, you can finish your degree by August of next year. Or start a graduate certificate now and finish it this calendar year. How fast you complete is up to you.

Hannah McLean, a mom of three and student in the Organizational Leadership program, didn’t think she had the potential to be a workplace leader until her University College instructor helped her understand her leadership style.

“For a long time, I thought I would only be in a support role; I never thought I’d be a lead. My instructor gave me the confidence to be me and go for it,” she says. “I’m thriving in this [team lead] position.”

When you enroll in a University College program, you not only get our high-caliber instructors ( in their field), you’ll get cutting-edge job skills and industry connections that will pay dividends now and throughout your career.

There’s no need to put your life on hold while you do it, either. Our courses are online and designed to be flexible for adults with competing commitments.

The March 11 deadline won’t be extended further, so be sure to complete your application now. A dedicated advisor can help you complete the application or answer questions about your program of choice at UniversityCollege.DU.edu/Contact-Us.

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Key Takeaways

• The return on investment of education extends beyond salary to include career mobility, skill development, and long-term stability

• Choosing the right program requires aligning educational outcomes with career goals and current job market demand

• Understanding ROI helps students make more informed, strategic decisions about how and when to invest in their education

In a world where we’re constantly paying more for less (hello, inflation!), it’s refreshing to find an opportunity to get more value, dollar-for-dollar, than you expected.

Pursuing a master’s degree, graduate certificate, or other credential from one of the top Denver universities is no small investment, especially if you want the assurance of a trusted name like the University of Denver. Fortunately, the value you get from that credential is exponentially rewarding. DU’s College of Professional Studies is designed to equip you with the skills you need to reach your goals and advance in your career.

Financial Benefits and Job Security

First and foremost, our students expect their education to unlock bigger earnings. Master’s degree holders earn an average of $86,372 per year, than those with bachelor’s degrees. Over the course of a lifetime, they’ll earn . By any measure, that’s a sensational return on investment.

But a graduate credential means more than just a higher paycheck. It means more opportunities and better quality of life. Jobs requiring graduate education are growing at a higher rate than other jobs, which means that once you have your master’s, more doors will potentially be open to you. Furthermore, advanced degree holders see , so you’re likely to have more security in a job you enjoy.

More Than Money

Value isn’t just measured in dollars and cents. Our graduate certificates and master’s degree programs provide a depth of expertise you can’t get at the undergraduate level. A College of Professional Studies education – focused on hands-on competencies and real-world scenarios – develops specialized skills needed to advance. Our instructors are experts in their fields, and students also gain valuable industry connections.

If you’re seeking to expand your horizons, a College of Professional Studies credential can give you an exceptional education and help you stand out. With four start times per year, you can earn a master’s degree in as little as 18 months.

To get more info, tailored to your goals and needs, talk or text with an enrollment advisor.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Key Takeaways

• Cybersecurity demand keeps growing because every organization depends on systems and data that need protection.
• The field is not only technical, it also values communication, risk thinking, and the ability to explain threats clearly to non-experts
• Education and mentorship can help learners enter the field with more confidence, structure, and practical understanding.

You might be excused for thinking that instructor Richard Staynings never sleeps, so constant is his writing on the topic of cybersecurity. Staynings is continually sounding the alarm bells about the vulnerabilities in our digital infrastructure.

“We in the U.S. are more reliant on technology than any other society, and yet we don’t have the people that are capable of securing that technology,” he says.

Staynings has been in the cybersecurity industry for 30 years, in C-suite positions at major companies and as a sought-after consultant to governments, executives, and working groups. He has worked for Amgen, Cisco, Intermountain Healthcare, PeaceHealth, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Intel, Microsoft, and Zurich Financial. Now he also teaches cybersecurity-focused courses at DU’s College of Professional Studies.

Learning to protect and defend

Staynings focuses on cybersecurity in healthcare, where systems are much more complex – and involve graver consequences – than sectors like retail. He’s seen healthcare organizations become a top target for cyber-attacks over the past 10 years. Ransomware attacks, denial-of-service attacks, and breaches exposing personal, financial, and health information have been in the news.

“Health information is extremely valuable – to identity thieves, to prescription thieves, to medical insurance fraudsters, and to extortionists,” he says.

In Staynings’ cybersecurity-focused courses at DU’s College of Professional Studies, students learn how to anticipate and , how to adhere to security regulations, and how to respond to any security breaches.

“The cybersecurity-focused coursework at DU is very up-to-date, not just abstract ideas for the sake of it,” he says. “It’s about real-world scenarios, real-world cyber-attacks, and real-world risks that these students are going to face in their role when they graduate.”

Healthcare industry risks

Staynings is currently Chief Security Strategist for Cylera, a cybersecurity company specializing in securing the Internet of Things (IoT) in medicine. He gets animated when pointing out the risks present in devices that are increasingly internet-connected – items like glucose monitors, surgical robots, MRI machines and lab temperature monitors.

“They now account for about 75% of connected endpoints at hospitals, and they are generally not managed by hospital IT, meaning they’re not patched or updated regularly, and don’t have antivirus software on them,” he says. “They are the open back door to cybersecurity in healthcare right now.”

Staynings imagines a scenario in which it may even be possible to alter an individual’s medical records. “Say I go in for surgery next week and just before my operation my medical record is hacked and my blood type is altered and my list of medication allergies is removed. Before you know it, I’m coding on the table,” Staynings posits. Luckily, there’s little incentive to alter a single person’s medical record, but the security vulnerabilities are alarming.

The demand for workers

The need for cybersecurity professionals to address such vulnerabilities is acute. A Congressional hearing this year found a critical lack of cybersecurity workers. There are about 660,000 cybersecurity job openings, and only enough workers for about two-thirds of them. Demand is outpacing supply, one Congressional witness said, and many companies are seeking applicants that have college degrees.

“Anyone who’s considering their career options right now would be well advised to consider cybersecurity,” Staynings says. “It’s no longer a pure technology discipline as it was 15-20 years ago. You don’t need to be a programmer.”

Staynings says those with backgrounds in communications, policy, logistics, and education all can leverage their talents in the cybersecurity field with a bit of upskilling.

“If you develop a career in cybersecurity, you’ll have a job for life,” he says. Perhaps then, Staynings, and the rest of us, can get some rest.

DU is recognized as an NSA Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE). To see all of DU’s cybersecurity offerings, visit .

Frequently Asked Questions

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Key Takeaways

• Strong risk assessment skills improve strategic planning, resilience, and operational stability.

• Using structured methods helps professionals evaluate and respond to risks more effectively.

• Cross-sector applications make risk assessment a universally valuable competency.

It’s not your imagination – natural disasters are and . As the earth’s climate warms, the question is not if a disaster will hit your area, but when.

The U.S. has already seen a record number of billion-dollar disasters in 2023 so far. We’ve seen wildfire smoke blanketing the northeast, an uncommonly active hurricane season, and blistering heat across the southern U.S. There’s been flooding in California and New England, destructive hail in Colorado, and at least 1,000 tornadoes in the Midwest. Most devastating of all, a wildfire in Lahaina, Maui, killed at least 115 people. These increasingly frequent climate-related disasters highlight the urgent need for resilient health systems—something that professionals with healthcare masters degrees online are uniquely prepared to help develop and lead.

This new reality may soon become relevant in a place you wouldn’t expect – your workplace. Businesses are increasingly acknowledging the need to plan for disasters, mitigate their effects, and be part of the solution.

In the Environmental Policy and Management program at the University of Denver’s University College, we’re focused on business acumen and equip professionals to lead the way in addressing natural disaster risk.

For professionals seeking to build expertise in environmental emergency management specifically, our Emergency Planning and Response concentration teaches how to mitigate and respond to disasters and major environmental emergencies. You can study risk reduction strategies, learn to create and execute an emergency management plan, and build the skills to effectively respond to environmental incidents, from initial response through recovery.

For a wider scope, the Flex Path program allows you to tailor your course of environmental study, choosing eight courses for your master’s degree that are most relevant to your desired career path. This could include classes in environmental policy, sustainability, health and safety, or analytics.

Every organization, large and small, now must consider its natural disaster risk and response. For workers seeking to lead prevention and resilience efforts, the Environmental Policy and Management program at University College makes career and business sense.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Key Takeaways

• Career tools provide transparency into how education connects to real job opportunities and outcomes

• Access to labor market data helps students make more informed decisions about program selection

• Understanding career pathways supports long-term planning and aligns education with professional goals

Career-focused learning never stops for the typical worker.

According to ManpowerGroup’s 2023 Workplace Trends Report, 57 percent of all employees are pursuing additional training outside of work. That might include short courses or mean pursuing a master’s degree or certificate in their area of interest.

Because the DU’s University College is designed for working adults, we offer education that’s highly relevant for professionals looking to advance. Our industry-aligned course content teaches the skills needed right now by employers.

If you’re looking for guidance on how to find the right role for your talents, one valuable resource is the Job Opportunities Tool on the University College website. This tool can give you up-to-the-minute data on which jobs are hot, who’s hiring, and what skills are most in-demand.

Whether you’re exploring a new field or seeking to advance in your current industry, you can find a wealth of helpful . The Job Opportunities Tool can tell you what job titles in your area of study or expertise are most listed right now. The tool also shows you expected job growth and typical salaries for these occupations, based on the latest data.

The tool can reveal which companies in your area are hiring in your desired field, and how many job postings are active. It can also guide your educational decisions with information on what job skills are in high demand.

Know what employers are looking for before you choose your next move. Our Job Opportunities Tool helps students explore career-relevant skills, in-demand roles, job growth, and salary data.

After you use the Job Opportunities Tool to inform your plans, then you can explore the master’s degrees, certificates, bachelor’s completion, and bootcamps that University College offers in more than 16 subject areas. Each offers career-relevant content, flexible learning formats, and knowledgeable instructors who are working experts in their field. Take control of your career today!

Frequently Asked Questions

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Dr. Tolu Oyewumi says there are two sides to her personality: one that she cultivated for a long time, and another that is just finding its voice.

The first is the analytical, scientific side that led her to an M.D. and MPH (Master of Public Health), and the other is the creative and entrepreneurial side that led her to contribute to a recent book called “Hold My Crown: Women of Grit Share Stories of Resilience.”

“My story is about learning to love myself. Learning to give myself the love that wasn’t given to me as a child and helping other people to heal through my story,” Oyewumi says.

Oyewumi grew up in Nigeria, in what she calls a dysfunctional family system enduring significant abuse. Under intense pressure from her father, she derived all her worth from her academic performance and pursuing the next accomplishment, only to find out that she never felt ‘enough.’ After earning her M.D. and practicing medicine in Nigeria, she sought to study public health in the U.S.

“I care about preventing disease, and I wanted to impact people on a population level,” she says. “Treating people at the individual level, there’s only so much you can do.”

Oyewumi came to the U.S. and earned her MPH with a concentration in epidemiology at the University of Colorado at Denver’s Colorado School of Public Health. She was selected as her class’s commencement speaker and also established the first campus group for international students as its founder and president.

“Deep in my heart I did not even value that, because I was always on to the next mountain to climb. Nothing I did made me feel that I was worthy or valuable,” she says. “I got to the point in life where I realized this is insanity. I am worthy just because I exist. It has nothing to do with my degrees or accomplishments.”

Since then, Oyewumi has worked at the intersection of medical practice, clinical trials, health innovation, and technology. During COVID, she directed infection control at a multi-center nursing home facility and ran a COVID-related clinical trial with a tertiary institution. She has worked on projects with hospitals, startups, and government agencies such as the Colorado Department of Public Health and The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Her diverse experience aligns perfectly with a masters of healthcare management to continue leading innovative healthcare solutions.

At DU’s University College, she helps educate the next generation of healthcare leaders. As an adjunct faculty member, Oyewumi teaches digital health, regulatory affairs, and global healthcare management. She takes pride in offering plenty of support to her students.

“I didn’t know a single soul when I came to the U.S.,” she says. “Remembering how things were for me helps me to be the kind of instructor I wish I had.”

Through her growth as a professional, the support of her husband, and her new embrace of her creative side, Oyewumi has found the balance she found elusive for so long.

“My story is about defining a new life for yourself and letting that situation make you wiser, stronger and more successful. We were born worthy.”

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Key Takeaways

• About half of employers offer some form of undergraduate or graduate tuition assistance, yet many employees do not fully use this valuable benefit.
• Studies show employees who use tuition reimbursement can see wage growth of around 43% over three years and stronger promotion prospects compared to peers who do not participate.
• College of Professional Studies’s multiple terms and flexible online programs make it easier for working adults to maximize yearly tuition benefits and accelerate their education.

You may be leaving money on the table if you’re not taking advantage of a possible employee benefit: tuition assistance for higher education.

About half of employers , a recent benefits survey found. Major employers like Amazon, Anthem, Walmart, and Lockheed Martin are offering increasingly generous education assistance programs. Companies want to invest in their employees in order to recruit and retain better workers, and to develop their current employees to perform on a higher level.

More importantly, you as a professional could reap big rewards. A Lumina study found that employees who took advantage of tuition reimbursement were over three years, compared to those who didn’t.

If your employer offers this benefit by calendar year, you may still have time in 2023 to maximize your benefit with DU’s University College, which offers courses in four terms per year. This top-ranked college offers bachelor’s completion, master’s degree, and certificate programs in 17 different fields.

You can enroll in the Fall 2023 term at University College and complete your classes (and qualify for reimbursement) before the year is out. You’ll enter 2024 with one term under your belt and a fresh slate of employee tuition assistance.

The education enabled with tuition assistance can make a life-changing difference. Almost all (93%) of respondents to an EdAssist survey said that using their employer’s tuition assistance to grow within their company.

Tuition assistance can work in several different ways: some employers cover tuition up-front and others will reimburse you. Some have a limit on how much they cover, or specify which programs qualify.

Check with your Human Resources department to find out what your company offers, and start planning your degree or certificate program of study at UniversityCollege.DU.edu.

Frequently Asked Questions

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