2 min read September 2023 — In an interview with Invest:, J.B. Buxton, president of Durham Technical Community College, discussed key milestones, partnerships and challenges for the institution. Buxton emphasized the importance of top-notch facilities, the impact of technology and AI on higher education and providing early access to education.
What have been some key milestones for Durham Tech over the past year?
We are very excited about some new partnerships, spanning across various institutions,the private and public sectors and the education sector. We’re particularly enthusiastic about the initiatives planned for this year, which involve the development of new facilities aligned with crucial industries in the region. Let me name just a few.
One significant milestone is the approval of a bond in Durham County last year. The voters overwhelmingly supported it with an 80% approval rate. This will enable us to construct a state-of-the-art health sciences facility focused on healthcare occupations, as well as a new life sciences facility catering to the needs of numerous biotech firms and providing relevant training for roles in the area. Both facilities will be situated on our main campus in Durham.
Additionally, we’re expanding our presence on the Orange County campus, thanks to the funding generously provided by Orange County. This expansion will support important efforts in the skilled trades and healthcare, particularly in that region.
We are also thrilled to announce major partnerships with Durham Public Schools. Our joint goal is to have 25% of their graduates each year, which is over 500 students, earning both a high-school diploma and a workforce credential or degree from Durham Tech. This initiative opens up early college opportunities for all students in the Durham Public Schools system.
We have secured a substantial investment of $6 million from Novo Nordisk for our life sciences programming. This investment will not only help us equip the new facility but also support new apprenticeships, create pathways in biotechnology and provide essential equipment and assistance to our instructors.
Lastly, we are proud to unveil a significant nursing partnership with Duke University and Duke Health. This collaboration will expand our capacity and produce more nursing candidates to meet the demand for high-quality healthcare professionals in the region. Through innovative programs, simulation equipment and faculty support, we aim to create the highest standard nursing pathway and address the decline in the number of qualified candidates for this critical profession.
What challenges is the higher education sector facing?
We operate within a labor market and higher-education landscape that offers some of the best opportunities in the country. With institutions like UNC Chapel Hill, NCAA, TNC Central, NC State and Duke University, we provide our students with numerous pathways for their future. Our region is blessed with incredible opportunities in the tech sector, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, skilled trades and IT. Our primary focus is on student success, ensuring that when they come to us, they gain the necessary skills and connections to access employers or transfer programs successfully.
To achieve this, we have implemented various interventions and student support measures to increase our rates of student success. We’ve recognized the need to expand opportunities in short-term workforce credentials in key areas. These credentials serve as excellent entry points across various sectors and we understand their growing importance. While traditional programs and degrees are vital, we are also addressing the rising demand for portability, making it easier for students to navigate between programs and credentials.
One challenge we face is the lack of financial aid available for short-term workforce credentials. To address this, we have been collaborating with county and state partners to enhance access to financial aid, especially for adult learners returning to higher education to pursue these opportunities. Additionally, we aim to support individuals who put their higher education plans on hold during the pandemic, providing clear and efficient pathways for them to complete their education and access employment opportunities or transfer options in the region.
What initiatives does Durham Tech have in place to increase student success?
We’re aware that students often face work and family responsibilities. Our success coach initiative provides comprehensive support beyond financial aid, housing and academic assistance. Having dedicated success coaches helps students navigate academic and non-academic challenges.
Another key focus is guiding individuals onto career pathways at an earlier stage. For this reason, we have established a partnership with Durham Public Schools. Our goal is to introduce students and their families to the benefits of higher education during their time in high school. We aim to instill the belief that higher education is attainable for them.
We want to cater to individuals who might believe they lack the time to pursue higher education extensively. To accommodate them, we offer short-term credentials that grant them a foothold in the job market. However, we also ensure that these short-term credentials articulate into credit when they decide to pursue a degree pathway that might take two years or more.
Our “One College” initiative facilitates this smooth transition, emphasizing the importance of understanding the opportunities available, the affordability of education and how it can fit into their lives to help them achieve their desired goals. Ultimately, our approach revolves around empowering individuals to recognize the value of education and its potential impact on their lives, guiding them toward successful futures.
How is technology and AI impacting higher education?
We address this in three key aspects. Firstly, we recognize the industry’s significance for our students. To align with industry demands, we’re closely examining IT programs, along with biotech, advanced manufacturing and construction trades — sectors increasingly impacted by automation and AI.
Secondly, we leverage technology to improve student services and family support. AI and machine learning streamline student relationships, ensuring early alert systems keep students on track with targeted assistance. This frees up employees’ time, allowing them to focus on more crucial tasks.
Lastly, technology is integrated across academic programs, guiding students and faculty on its proper use. Rather than relying solely on AI for tasks, our focus is on enhancing the learning experience and promoting higher-order thinking skills.
What is your outlook for the school and your key priorities over the next couple of years?
We’re excited about the ongoing expansion and construction projects. Our students deserve top-notch facilities for their preparation in various industries, including state-of-the-art healthcare, youth training and life science facilities. The improvements in Orange County will provide both students and faculty with the simulation and preparation settings they deserve, which thrills us.
Our goal is to form strong institutional partnerships that boost access and opportunities. We aim to introduce more high-school students to higher education early, setting them on a path to success with the credentials and skills they need. Duke Health and Novo Nordisk, our industry partners, play a crucial role by investing in our programs and contributing to a robust talent pipeline in the region.
Our institutional partnerships with Duke, UNC and NC Central help reduce the cost of attendance. New financial aid commitments and guaranteed admission create more opportunities for transfer students to attend esteemed institutions. Overall, these partnerships and public investments in Durham Tech give us hope for our students’ futures and the vast opportunities they’ll find in the labor market.
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