Sunday Okafor, Ph.D.’s Post

The College of Science is Cal State East Bay’s fastest-growing college, with more than 5,500 students across all majors, reflecting a 50 percent enrollment increase since 2010. The College is an energized academic hub, bursting with motivated students studying across 11 departments. Each department is focused on providing foundational disciplinary knowledge and tangible skills that will allow students to have an immediate impact once they enter the workforce. According to Money Magazine’s 2018 rating, Cal State East Bay is 14th in the nation in advancing graduates’ social mobility. Our position in the region’s STEM workforce and our academic excellence plays a huge role in that. But we are increasingly finding that employers are recognizing the value of a Cal State East Bay degree, knowing that they can expect both hard skills and a certain kind of grit and determination from our graduates.

Education serves as a fundamental driver for personal development and societal advancement. In this article, two of our alumni chat about why they pursued their respective Master's degrees with us and how Yorkville U allowed them to study while balancing all of life’s responsibilities. Learn more: https://okt.to/ciHlQx

Max the Cat, Vermont State University’s honorary ‘Doctor of Litter-ature,’ is a delightful campus mascot and beloved by students. But let’s be real: awarding a *degree* to a cat? 🤔 Are we undermining the value of academic achievements for a quick PR stunt? On one hand, Max brings joy and a sense of community, proving that our campuses thrive not just on intellect but also on heart and companionship. On the other hand, honorary degrees should be a symbol of substantial contributions to academia or society, not a quirky token. This move might seem cute, but it begs a serious question: Are we trivializing the hard-earned achievements of scholars by making such honors whimsical? Let’s celebrate Max for what he is - a beloved campus cat - and reserve our academic accolades for those who truly advance knowledge and society. What’s your take? Celebrating community spirit or crossing the line? 👇 #Academia #HonoraryDegrees #CampusLife #HigherEducation

Masters Program in Public Policy Get Geared up to Experience Influential Academics and Delightful Student Life. Build Global Industrial Connections to Pursue a Successful Career in Public Policy. Learn More at https://t.ly/QmJK6 

Masters Program in Public Policy Get Geared up to Experience Influential Academics and Delightful Student Life. Build Global Industrial Connections to Pursue a Successful Career in Public Policy. Learn More at https://t.ly/QmJK6 

Congratulations to President Renu Khator and the entire University of Houston community for this incredible achievement! Being ranked among the top 50 public universities by Forbes is no small feat—it reflects years of dedication to student success and a strong commitment to driving real outcomes. This moment serves as a reminder that every investment in education, whether it’s time, effort, or resources, is never wasted. As we celebrate this milestone, it’s also a powerful example of how past achievements—and even past struggles—become the foundation for future growth and impact. I truly believe that Nothing is a Waste when we leverage both our successes and our challenges to drive change and open doors for others. Let this serve as a platform for continued transformation, both for the university and its students, who are now equipped to shape the future. What past experiences have you been able to turn into a platform for growth in your own journey? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. #StudentSuccess #HigherEducation #NothingIsAWaste #LeverageThePast #TransformingLives #FutureLeaders #ImpactfulGrowth #UniversityofHouston #GrowthMindset #Leadership

WHAT MAKES A GOOD UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT? - While plenty of college presidents retire or resign every year - and just after Ohio State announced its succession plan - it’s rare for so many prestigious research universities to be simultaneously hunting for replacements. And leading these schools is not the same job it was a generation ago, according to The Wall Street Journal. Bill Funk, founder of higher-education executive search firm R. William Funk & Associates, likened the position to being a professional fundraiser and public relations executive combined with the mayor of a city. Today, Funk says, university presidents are also “carrying the flag for higher education” at a sensitive moment. Conservative activists and politicians are taking credit for ousting the presidents of Harvard and the University of Pennsylvania in the past month, and have called for a broader overhaul of colleges nationwide. Elite schools are lambasted for hoarding multibillion-dollar endowments, as well as for fixating on diversity and moving so far to the left that they shut out conservative voices. Meanwhile, many Americans have begun to doubt whether a college degree is still a good investment. https://lnkd.in/egN-8Ect

This news is just out: College of the Atlantic ranked #23 in Most Innovative Schools--National Liberal Arts Colleges. US News & World Report I'm not the least bit surprised. The human ecology frame opens up pedagogical approaches not found at other schools. https://lnkd.in/d3fx_afp At COA students hold in their own hands the freedom, and responsibility, of building their educational paths. Each student designs their own course of study, pursuing their unique interests and goals through a wide range classes across the sciences, arts, humanities, and social sciences. At COA, you don’t have to choose just one area of study; in fact, we hope you’ll pull together different disciplines and get excited about the surprising connections between them.

Representing Berkeley Underground Scholars, I had the privilege of attending the Mt. Tamalpais College Resource Fair at San Quentin State Prison, where I engaged with incarcerated students eager to continue their education upon release. During this event, I connected with a student from East Oakland, set to be released in six months. He was determined to further his education. As someone who has walked a similar path, I shared a condensed version of my journey to show him that continuing education is not only possible but also deeply empowering. My story seemed to resonate with him, reinforcing his commitment to pursuing higher education after release. He asked me, "What's the one piece of advice you'd give me?" I responded, "If you're serious about education and potentially transferring to UC Berkeley, here’s what I suggest: 1.       Find Your People: When you choose a community college, actively seek out your support network. Surround yourself with people and programs that align with your goals. 2.       Take Advantage of Resources: Look for resources and opportunities designed to help students like you succeed, including Puente, Umoja, Transfer Programs, Honors Scholars Programs, Student Leadership and Government, and Work-Study Opportunities. Your community and these programs will provide invaluable guidance and keep you on track as you navigate the next steps in your academic journey. They’ll help you stay focused and motivated as you work toward your goals." Finally, I emphasized that education is a transformative tool, and with the right support systems, he could realize his dream of attending UC Berkeley—or any university he aspires to."

We need your help! This year, the University of Pittsburgh will use the annual K. Leroy Irvis celebration on Feb. 26 to honor six individuals who have made contributions to the Pittsburgh artistic community and who have demonstrated their commitment to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion across the Pittsburgh region. To nominate someone, visit https://lnkd.in/ecExYNY8. The deadline is Feb. 5. Nominations are being accepted from the public in six categories: Inspiring Leader – A graduate student at the forefront of advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion for the University community. Exemplifies strong leadership skills. Aspiring Ally – An individual who is supporting inclusionary efforts in the community or at the University. Creative Changemaker — An individual who is changing the culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion in the community or at the University. Has shown the ability to shift the narrative around DEIA efforts. Social Justice Advocate – An individual who is focused on advancing social justice efforts for the community or at the University. Unsung Hero — An individual who tends to work in the background, encouraging others to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. A person who historically may not have gotten the credit for the work they do to advance DEI efforts. Campus Leadership — An undergraduate student who develops synergy and collaboration in the University community. Must have leadership experience on campus.