Middle Tennessee State University has accelerated its efforts to provide opportunities and services for adult students to continue their educations and complete their college degrees.

The University has joined the Coalition of Adult Learning Focused Institutions. Colleges and universities that partner with ALFI work to improve their adult-learner programs, regularly assess their own programs and share “best practices” with other coalition members.

MTSU’s Adult Degree Completion Program, administered through the University College, provides working adults with a customized program to finish a bachelor’s degree for career advancement or transition to another field.

“We are very proud of being granted the ALFI status,” said Dr. Mike Boyle, dean of MTSU’s University College. “The federal and state governments have recognized the importance of a better educated work force and its impact on the long-term well-being of our society.

“This designation provides national recognition of the commitment, quality of effort and effectiveness of MTSU’s outreach to the adult learner. Nationally, only 70 universities have received this honor, and we’re the only school to do so in Tennessee.”

More than 800 students have graduated from MTSU’s ADCP program, which has won numerous regional and national awards, including the recent Distinguished Program Award from the Association for Continuing Higher Education.

The ALFI Coalition comprises members of the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning who demonstrate commitment to improving services for adult learners.

— Tom Tozer, ttozer@ mtsu.edu