College Experience for Adult Learners, The

Amy Baldwin is an instructor of writing, literature, and college success at Pulaski Technical College in North Little Rock, Arkansas. Since 1996, she has served the college in various roles including self-study editor, distance education coordinator, and professional development coordinator. She is also the author of four student success textbooks that were the first on the market that addressed the special needs of students: The Community College Experience 3rd edition (Pearson, 2013), The First-Generation College Experience 1st edition (Pearson, 2012), The Community College Experience PLUS 3rd edition (Pearson, 2013), and The College Experience 1st edition (Pearson, 2013). She has also facilitated over 120 workshops and breakout sessions all over the country—at community colleges, K-12 professional days, and national conferences--on teaching and learning issues such as transitioning to college, student engagement practices, and active learning. Amy will complete her doctorate of higher education from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock soon. The focus of her dissertation is student engagement, retention, and success for African-American males in college. She is also serving as the project manager for the Complete College America initiative for the state of Arkansas.

Brian Tietje is a Professor of Marketing and the Vice Provost for International, Graduate, and Extended Education at Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo. His undergraduate business degree is from Bowling Green State University (1988), his MBA is from the University of Hawaii (1994), and his Ph.D. in marketing is from the University of Washington (1999). Dr. Tietje is passionate about student learning. He has won several teaching awards, is the co-author of Anybody’s Business with Barbara Van Syckle, and has authored the Wall Street Journal weekly educator’s review for over ten years. As Associate Dean at the Orfalea College of Business, he spearheaded efforts to improve student success and graduation rates and led the effort to develop alternative modes of course delivery to improve student learning. He also served as the principal facilitator of the College’s assessment of learning program for AACSB accreditation. Brian lives on the Central Coast of California with his family, friends, and pets.

Donna Younger has worked in the field of adult education as an administrator, instructor, and researcher for more than 30 years, in both two-year and four-year institutions. She was one of the first fellows chosen by the National Center on Adult Learning where her research focus was on faculty development. In addition, she has served as a consultant for the Council for Adult Experiential Learning (CAEL) for twenty-five years in supporting colleges' academic and assessment programs for adults. In addition to her focus on adult learning, Donna is involved with first year experience (FYE) consulting and training.