Axe ’Em, Jacks!
NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Brent McLemore, former director of Stephen F. Austin State University’s Center for Career and Professional Development, has been named director of the university’s new Center for Professional and Continuing Education, or PACE, which was created to leverage SFA’s knowledge resources to address the economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis in Deep East Texas.
“This position represents a unique opportunity for me to help an institution I care about and further impact a community and region I care about,” McLemore said. “By making the expert knowledge and educational resources of SFA more readily available and accessible, PACE will serve to enhance both the professional and personal lives of the many adult learners within our regional footprint and workforce without the requirement of seeking a degree.”
The PACE center will initially focus on offering a broad array of microcredentials to help the region’s citizens upskill and reskill so they can ultimately increase their economic mobility. This represents an expansion of SFA’s focus from cradle-to-career, credit-based educational initiatives to affordable mid-career, noncredit initiatives in order to better serve Deep East Texas.
To deliver the first wave of these microcredentials, SFA has partnered with ed2go, an industry leader in affordable online learning in continuing education. This collaboration will give students and employees essential skills and knowledge for success in today's ever-changing job market. Through this partnership, SFA will offer an expansive selection of cost-effective online courses designed to address the current needs of in-demand industries.
In addition, the PACE center will partner with regional employers to create industry-specific professional development opportunities that address the needs of key sectors, such as education, health care and management.
“Brent’s thorough knowledge of SFA operations and culture, as well as his dense network of relationships with regional employers, make him an excellent choice for this role. I’m excited for PACE’s launch and growth under his leadership,” said Megan Weatherly, executive director of SFA’s Lumberjack Learning Commons under which PACE falls.
McLemore said this new center is “significant for our region” because it creates opportunities for professional development without obtaining another degree.
“We want everyone to have the opportunity to earn a degree from our amazing university, but we also understand not everyone is circumstantially situated for or professionally interested in such an opportunity,” he said. “This does not mean that SFA can’t be a resource for them in other ways. We will look to support the regional workforce in upskilling, reskilling, continuing education and professional development needs, as well as offer opportunities for enrichment to regional community members, alumni and any others interested.”
Serving as the inaugural director, McLemore sees the PACE center playing a significant role in how SFA serves its local community and region.
“Having the opportunity to be here at the outset to help shape and then sustain the center is an incredible charge and work I’m eager to get started on,” he said.
For more information about the PACE center and its offerings, visit sfasu.edu/pace.