News
President Porterfield Named to RBJ's "Power 30: Higher Education"
The “Power 30” list is an inaugural program from the Rochester Business Journal (RBJ) this year, where editors select and feature prominent leaders and accomplished individuals in a variety of industries, such as banking & finance, health care, construction & real estate and more.
RBJ's editor, Ben Jacobs on the rationale behind this edition of Power 30 Higher Education: “The list includes individuals who have spent the past 20 months figuring out new ways to educate students amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The people on this list have helped Rochester’s higher education institutions reimagine themselves rapidly to keep students, faculty and staff safe. They have pushed innovation forward to deal with the challenges of COVID-19. They have kept up with ever-changing protocols, requirements and recommendations and have led the way through a period of tremendous uncertainty.”
President Porterfields's Q&A:
What do you enjoy most about your role?
The opportunity to cast a vision for the future of Roberts Wesleyan College and Northeastern Seminary. A vision that creates opportunities for students at all levels through the transformational education provided through our faculty and staff.
What has been the biggest challenge you’ve dealt with over the past year?
Continuing to move forward within the challenges of the pandemic. This past year was about judgment calls and moving forward within uncertainty. There were no “right” decisions, just decisions based on the information you had at the moment. This challenged trust and community in deep ways, pushing each person to find ways to connect. People choose Roberts and Northeastern because of the community and when that is challenged it requires a reframing of what true community looks like.
What do you see as the biggest changes in the higher education industry in the next 3-5 years?
Higher education will need to offer programs that are accessible, affordable and relevant. We have shown that accessibility through online education can be done, but we need to also meet the other needs within the community. Roberts is a place that is founded on our belief that character is at the core of our education. Character and “human skills” are critical to the future of our workplace and community. Offering programs and services that help anyone in our community better themselves through educational opportunities, by earning either degrees or certifications, will be critical to the future of our society.