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Celebrating 25 Years

The Adult Studies Program experiences challenges and success over the past two decades.

By Brittanie Wyko '11

Twenty-five years ago, there was a concept at Virginia Wesleyan College that would allow adults to go back to school and further their education. In 1984, this idea became reality when two adult students graduated from Virginia Wesleyan's Adult Studies Program (ASP).

Now, more than two decades later, some 660 adult students have received diplomas. And over the years, enrollment has fluctuated, with recent upward growth trends. There are currently 237 adult students enrolled in the program for the fall 2007 semester.

In the 1980s, a higher-ed program for working adults was highly uncommon, and Virginia Wesleyan was one of the earliest institutions to incorporate an academic program for adults into its curriculum.

Courses in the ASP are not easier than day courses, says Director of the ASP Rich Hoehlein. In fact, adult students take the same courses to earn a degree, but not as many majors are offered.

Currently, there are seven majors offered in the ASP, which focuses on the prescribed interdivisional major (PIDME) for teachers, and the Liberal Arts Management Program (LAMP). Most recently, the program added a History major that has morphed into the Social Studies major.

Hoehlein, who is in his fourth year at Virginia Wesleyan, says the common misconception about the ASP is that people tend to "think of it as a different entity."

"The ASP and the day program are partners," said Hoehlein, "The only difference is that the ASP is essentially an extension of the day program, offered evenings and weekends."

Hoehlein explains that the main difference between the ASP and day program is that adult students are part-time. In addition, there are outside circumstances like family, jobs and personal issues that challenge the affordability and time frame of earning a degree.

To help ease that financial burden, Virginia Wesleyan awards two scholarships to two ASP students per year, which helps pay for a portion of the tuition. But Hoehlein and his staff want to help more adult students, so they've created the first Artisan Expo which will be held the first weekend in November at Virginia Wesleyan College.

"Our goal is to raise $10,000 and create a permanent scholarship for ASP students," said Hoehlein. "The event is also to celebrate 25 years of hard work and success." 

Since announcing the event, Hoehlein says the community has been abuzz. "In terms of the artisan interested, and the buzz, it's already successful," he said. 

Along with the Artisan Expo, the ASP office hopes to reconnect with Alumni. To do this, they are inviting all ASP Alumni to attend the Artisan Expo, and plan to hold a special reception for those attendants. There is also talk about re-creating the ASP Ambassador Program which will enable ASP Alumni to give feedback on the program, and get involved in campus activities.

When ask how the ASP office feels about celebrating 25 years, Hoehlein uses only one word - proud.

"Everybody here is feeling proud," said Hoehlein. "There is a real commitment among the staff to help people succeed."

And at the College, there is no doubt that the Adult Studies Program will continue to surpass any and all expectations.  

10/03/07