Jack Rodenfels has been named director of non-degree credential program innovation in the Office of Instructional Programs, effective April 7. Senior Vice Provost for Instructional Programs Helen Chen made the announcement today.
Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Warwick Arden convened the Non-Degree Credentials Task Force, chaired by Chen, in April 2023 and charged them to address several initiatives under Objective 1.1. Facilitate lifelong learning with coordinated instructional offerings in the Wolfpack 2030 FY 22-24 Implementation Plan. The director of non-degree credential program innovation position was created to implement several of the recommendations in the task force’s final report.
As director of non-degree credential program innovation, Rodenfels will support the planning, development, implementation and oversight of NC State non-degree programs, working closely with Vice Provost for Continuing and Lifelong Education Mark Bernhard and Vice Provost for Digital Education and Learning Technology Applications (DELTA) Donna Petherbridge. His responsibilities include aiding colleges and units in the creation of non-degree credential programs that align with the university’s educational goals and industry demands, and partnering with DELTA and NC State Continuing and Lifelong Education on communication strategies to promote non-degree credential programs to a broad audience and oversight of data management for these programs. In addition, Rodenfels will lead the creation of a community of practice to accelerate innovation in non-degree programs. This collaborative hub will bring together faculty and staff to share emerging practices, pilot bold educational models and co-design scalable solutions.
“Jack’s extensive experience building and scaling professional education programs positions him exceptionally well to drive education innovation and develop new learning pathways at NC State.” said Chen. “I look forward to working with him and our faculty and colleges to develop and deliver impactful and forward-thinking learning opportunities that meet the evolving needs of our students.”
Prior to joining NC State, Rodenfels served as the director of the Office of Professional and Continuing Studies at Elon University. In this role, he was responsible for creating, implementing, and leading the university’s professional and continuing education portfolio for students and a variety of adult learners as part of the Boldly Elon strategic plan. Rodenfels was previously the assistant director of marketing and program development with Digital and Lifelong Learning at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
“NC State is uniquely positioned as a land-grant institution to provide new resources for skill development, resiliency in the labor market and lifelong learning opportunities for North Carolina residents and beyond,” said Rodenfels. “I’m honored to join the Wolfpack community and I’m eager to collaborate with Senior Vice Provost Chen, Vice Provost Bernard, Vice Provost Petherbridge and stakeholders across the university in this new role.”
Rodenfels received his Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Elon University, his Master of Arts in digital communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and is a doctoral candidate in educational leadership, policy and human development at NC State.
