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At The Community Solution Education System, we believe in the transformative power of collaboration. This principle is at the heart of our ‘One System’ approach, an integrated strategy that unites us operationally while fostering shared progress and collective impact. With a steadfast focus on student success, operational efficiency, and community impact, the ‘One System’ approach reflects our commitment to creating a unified and resilient educational ecosystem.

What Is the ‘One System’ Approach?

The ‘One System’ approach is about teamwork on a grand scale. It’s a way to connect our institutions through shared resources, goals, and strategies. Instead of working separately, we’re operating as a cohesive network, maximizing our strengths to create better outcomes for students, staff, and the communities we serve.

Key Features of the ‘One System’ Approach

• A Shared Vision: Aligning institutional strategies behind a unified vision creates a more cohesive approach to growth. We’re focusing priorities on initiatives that can benefit the entire system and ensuring our strategies complement and support one another.

• Always About Students: Every decision we make under this model starts with a simple question: ‘How will this help our students?” From expanding academic programs to offering better financial aid and global learning opportunities, students are at the heart of everything we do.

• Academic Collaboration: Across all six of our institutions, we are working together to have a greater collective impact and assist our students in launching rewarding and impactful careers. Whether it’s developing new programs or finding creative solutions to challenges, collaboration is sparking innovation everywhere.

• Smarter Spending: The One System approach helps us focus on what really matters – students. By streamlining operations and cutting out unnecessary duplication, we can invest more in programs, technology, and support that directly benefit them.

How Does the ‘One System’ Approach Benefit Students and Communities?

For students, a strong infrastructure means more robust support in areas like financial aid and admissions. Additionally, a strong academic community helps build rigorous programs, enhancing the value of their degree for years to come.

For communities, it means graduates who are ready to make a difference. Whether it’s building a culturally diverse workforce or addressing critical needs in areas like health and education, the One System approach helps us create positive change where it matters most. This also includes expanded opportunities for partnerships with community organizations. When an organization partners with one of our institutions, it opens up the possibility to work across the entire System, strengthening the overall impact.

Our Vision for the Future

The One System approach is more than an evolution in how we operate – it’s a commitment to building a brighter future. By deepening the ways we work together as one, we’re creating a higher education system that’s more connected, more innovative, and more focused on what truly matters: helping students succeed and making a lasting impact on the world.

The Community Solution Education System is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Cherron R. Hoppes as its new Chief Academic Officer (CAO), effective November 4, 2024. Dr. Hoppes brings an extensive background in strategic academic leadership and innovation in higher education.

Dr. Hoppes joins The Community Solution with more than two decades of experience in higher education leadership across the country, most recently serving as Chief Student Experience Officer at Notre Dame de Namur University. Her previous contributions have significantly advanced programs and organizational strategies in diverse educational settings, including Hispanic Serving Institutions and research universities. Her distinguished career is marked by a steadfast commitment to using innovation to advance completion rates, optimize academic strategies and foster environments that lend themselves to collaboration.

Dr. Hoppes previously served on the Board of Trustees at Saybrook University, a member institution of The Community Solution. This exposure has given her a deep understanding of The Community Solution’s mission, values and operational dynamics.

“Dr. Hoppes’ appointment as Chief Academic Officer will ensure we continue to deliver top-notch, engaging, and enriching educational experiences across our institutions,” said Michael Horowitz, chancellor of The Community Solution Education System. “Her extensive experience in strategic planning, instructional design, and integrating learning and technology aligns perfectly with our commitment to foster transformative learning opportunities and support student success.”

In her new role, Dr. Hoppes will spearhead academic and strategic development efforts across The Community Solution’s six colleges and universities.

“I am honored to join The Community Solution Education System as Chief Academic Officer,” said Dr. Hoppes. “I share The Community Solution’s focus on academic innovation and student success, and I am eager to build on a strong foundation to ensure we are meeting the needs of our students today, tomorrow, and 20 years from now.”

Dr. Hoppes holds a Doctor of Education from The University of Alabama and a Master of Public Administration with an emphasis on Higher Education Administration from New Mexico State University.

To learn more about The Community Solution Education System visit tcsedsystem.edu.

About The Community Solution Education System
The Community Solution Education System is an integrated, nonprofit system of colleges and universities that work collaboratively to advance institutional sustainability, student success, and community impact. Founded in 2009 as TCS Education System, The Community Solution has grown to encompass six distinct communities — The Chicago School, Pacific Oaks College & Children’s School, The Colleges of Law, Saybrook University, Kansas Health Science Center – Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine, and University of Western States. The Community Solution utilizes strategic partnerships to foster economies of scale, academic innovation, risk mitigation, and resourceful business solutions to maximize students’ educational experiences. To learn more, visit tcsedsystem.edu.

At The Community Solution Education System, our Instructional Design team is at the forefront of educational innovation, ensuring our students receive the most engaging and effective learning experiences possible. From integrating cutting-edge technologies like virtual reality (VR) to enhancing online learning platforms, our team is dedicated to shaping the future of education.

Incorporating Technological Advancements

One of the most exciting initiatives our Instructional Design team is undertaking is the integration of VR into curriculum. This summer, they launched a pilot VR class for students in the Online Early Childhood Education Program at Pacific Oaks College. This innovative approach allows students to immerse themselves in a virtual learning environment, making their courses more interactive and engaging. By putting on their VR headsets, students will feel as though they’re in a physical classroom and will be able to discuss with others ‘in person’, an experience that would otherwise not be possible in an online program. Initially funded for five students, the overwhelming interest in the program and enthusiasm from students led to double the funding, allowing 10 students to participate in this pilot.

In addition to experiencing a virtual learning environment, this unique pilot program also gives students the chance to create virtual reality activities they can incorporate into K-12 curriculum in their future classrooms. This is a tremendous opportunity that will not only enhance their own learning but also have a lasting impact on the educational experiences they create for generations of students to come.

Maintaining & Advancing Online Learning

Instructional Design also plays a crucial role in the ongoing management of academic offerings and related resources System-wide via Canvas, our online learning platform. Recently, they successfully migrated the Canvas instance of University of Western States (UWS), the most recent institution to join The Community Solution, to the System’s centralized Canvas instance, integrating essential technologies like Turnitin, Zoom, and Canvas Studio. Through this migration, Instructional Design ensured a seamless and consistent learning experience for all students.

Instructional Design provides comprehensive day-to-day and term-to-term Canvas support for all of our institutions. This includes managing course shell setup and access, supporting faculty in course content development and instructional strategies, technology integration support, and troubleshooting any Canvas issues that instructors or students encounter during a term. The volume of support required to keep Canvas running smoothly for thousands of students across six institutions is substantial, and this level of support and efficiency would not be possible without the collective resources and expertise provided by being part of The Community Solution. Our unique model allows us to deliver high-quality, consistent service to all our institutions, ensuring that both faculty and students have the tools they need to succeed.

Awarding Digital Badges

In addition to maintaining and enhancing Canvas, Instructional Design also oversees the issuance of digital badges through Credly, an online platform that issues and verifies badges for learning and training. These badges recognize students’ achievements and allow them to showcase their skills on professional platforms like LinkedIn. Each institution within our System has the autonomy to design and implement their own micro-credential programs and badges, adding another layer of value to our students’ educational journey.

The Instructional Design team at The Community Solution is dedicated to advancing educational solutions that enhance the learning experiences of each student at our System. With a commitment to innovation, excellence, and continuous improvement, Instructional Design ensures that our students are well-prepared for their academic and professional journeys. As we look to the future, we remain steadfast in our mission to provide cutting-edge, high-quality education that meets the evolving needs of our students and the broader landscape of higher education.

The Community Solution Education System, an integrated, nonprofit system of six colleges and universities, is proud to announce the appointment of three distinguished professionals to its Board of Trustees: Dan E. McCarty, DO, Marlene Moore, Ph.D., and Diane Watson.

“We are honored to welcome Dr. McCarty, Dr. Moore and Diane Watson to our Board of Trustees,” said Michael Horowitz, Ph. D., chancellor of The Community Solution Education System. “Their leadership skills, diverse expertise and commitment to transforming higher education will help The Community Solution provide innovative education solutions.”  

Dr. McCarty is an esteemed health care leader and osteopathic family physician. Currently practicing at Ascension Medical Group, Dr. McCarty also serves on the boards of several healthcare organizations, including Kansas Health Science University – an institution within The Community Solution. His board experience and commitment to medical education will greatly enrich The Community Solution’s work, particularly as The Chicago School, another institution within the System, works to launch the proposed Illinois College of Osteopathic Medicine (IllinoisCOM).

Dr. Moore is a distinguished educator and university administrator with more than four decades of higher education experience. Dr. Moore is the chair of the Board of Trustees of University of Western States, an institution within The Community Solution, and has served in a variety of roles at Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, Willamette University and the University of Portland. Her expertise in higher education leadership and strong collaboration skills will be an asset to the board.

Diane Watson is a seasoned finance professional with a proven acumen in business strategy, sales and marketing. Watson is the growth officer of Cetera Financial and previously held prominent positions at Ameritas Retirement Plans and Mutual of Omaha. She currently serves on the Board of Trustees of Saybrook University, another institution within The Community Solution. Watson will bring strong financial management and strategic leadership skills to the board.

“The true strength of our board comes from the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives present among our trustees,” said Edward Bergmark, Ph.D., chair of The Community Solution’s Board of Trustees. “I look forward to the unique contributions of Dr. McCarty, Dr. Moore, and Diane Watson to our System community.”

Among its six institutions and the System Board, The Community Solution’s Boards of Trustees bring together nearly 100 professionals who work collaboratively to guide its strategic direction and advance System-wide goals. The collective gathers biennially at a board conference that provides a forum for trustees to exchange ideas, discuss pressing issues in higher education and learn about emerging trends.

For more information about The Community Solution, visit www.tcsedsystem.edu.

About The Community Solution Education System

The Community Solution Education System is an integrated, nonprofit system of colleges and universities that work collaboratively to advance institutional sustainability, student success, and community impact. Founded in 2009 as TCS Education System, The Community Solution has grown to encompass six distinct communities—The Chicago School, Pacific Oaks College & Children’s School, The Colleges of Law, Saybrook University, Kansas Health Science University – Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine, and University of Western States. The Community Solution utilizes strategic partnerships to foster economies of scale, academic innovation, risk mitigation, and resourceful business solutions to maximize students’ educational experiences. To learn more, visit www.tcsedsystem.edu.

As the landscape of higher education evolves, The Community Solution Education System is at the forefront of leveraging new technologies to enhance teaching and learning experiences. Recently Sean Nufer, senior director of teaching and learning, showcased his expertise and innovative approaches to artificial intelligence at major conferences across the country. Joining him were Mark Labbett, senior instructional designer, Laura Blom, faculty training specialist, and Veronica Estrada, core faculty at Pacific Oaks College, all of whom led valuable discussions within the higher education community on the topic of AI.

Exploring the Potential of ChatGPT in Teaching and Learning

The potential of ChatGPT in transforming teaching and learning has been a hot topic over the last year. At the Teaching and Learning with AI Conference 2023 and the Online Learning Consortium Accelerate 2023, experts from The Community Solution focused on using this specific AI tool to design innovative assignments that foster creativity and maintain academic integrity. They delved into “prompt engineering” techniques that unlock ChatGPT’s capabilities for crafting engaging learning experiences. Additionally, discussions explored utilizing ChatGPT for personalized learning, tailoring content and assignments to individual student needs. Finally, advanced techniques for designing AI-driven courses were presented at the Achieving the Dream Conference, emphasizing the potential to create personalized learning experiences. Overall, these discussions explored the potential of AI to not only prepare students for a modern workplace but also ensure inclusivity and address historical inequities in education. By providing personalized learning experiences, identifying and mitigating biases, improving accessibility for students with disabilities, and enabling early intervention and support, AI can create a more equitable and inclusive learning environment for all students.

Broader Applications of AI in Higher Education

Moving beyond the focus on specific AI tools, several presentations at the UAGC 2023 Teaching and Learning Conference explored the broader applications of AI in higher education. A key theme emerged: ensuring inclusivity and equity. System experts offered guidance on developing strategies create opportunities for all students to benefit from AI-powered learning, regardless of background or ability, and tackled the potential of AI in rectifying past educational inequities. Additionally, they empowered educators by providing concrete guidance on utilizing AI to improve learning outcomes and overall effectiveness. Finally, educators learned how to streamline information access through centralized hubs within online learning platforms like Canvas, making information readily available for both students and faculty. These events aimed at fostering a broader understanding of how AI can be leveraged beyond specific tools, emphasizing its potential to create a more inclusive, equitable, and efficient learning environment for all.

At The Community Solution, we recognize the importance of embracing new technologies and incorporating them into the classroom experience. By participating in these conferences and sessions, employees from across our System are not only demonstrating their expertise but are also leveraging the initiatives and approaches used at our colleges and universities to educate and inspire others. The commitment to pushing the boundaries of education and creating a more inclusive and equitable learning environment is at the core of what we do at The Community Solution, empowering educators to apply the latest technologies for the benefit of all students.

The diverse experiences and expertise of the professionals within The Community Solution Education System are foundational to our success. We are a community of professionals with diverse areas of expertise in careers in higher education, each bringing unique perspectives and skills to the table. Together, we are shaping a brighter educational future, one that empowers students to make a positive impact on the world.

Our community encompasses a wide range of nonprofit education jobs, each playing a vital role in achieving our collective goals. From academic experts who ignite a passion for learning to dedicated administrators who provide functional support to our institutions, we are a collective force driving innovation and excellence in education.

Within our organization, we have a range of careers in higher education including human resources careers, financial aid careers, and careers in university administration. Here are just a few examples of the journeys that unfold within The Community Solution

The fast-changing environment of higher education brings forth new opportunities and challenges, which we tackle daily guided by fresh data insights. By combining our research data with the best practices and latest findings in pedagogy science, we’re able to help meet the needs and expectations of our students and shape the educational practices and experiences within our classrooms.  

At the heart of our efforts lies a crucial mission: to equip faculty to aid students as they tackle real-world challenges and to ensure that their education seamlessly aligns with the diverse demands of various industries. I am firmly committed to equipping students with the essential skills, knowledge, and capabilities that will pave their path to success.

Our model focuses on educational professional development, ensuring that our faculty and staff are equipped with the latest skills and knowledge to excel in their roles.

Financial Aid
Veronica Moran, Director of Financial Aid
As the Director of Financial Aid, I want to highlight that our focus is, without a doubt, the well-being of our students. I’m dedicated to ensuring that financial barriers don’t have to stand in the way of their academic ambitions.

Our overarching objective is to break down the barriers to education and make it a life-changing opportunity. I believe in the power of education to transform lives. Across the System, we function as a united team, working together seamlessly to provide the right support and guidance for students throughout their educational journey. It’s not just about paperwork; it’s about being a driving force behind students’ dreams and aspirations.

Explore our available careers in financial aid that are available in various locations, offering crucial support to our student body.

Global Engagement
Ludmi Herath, Director of Global Engagement

In my role as Director of Global Engagement, my focus is to support the internationalization of The Community Solution’s system of colleges and universities by advancing international operations. I lead a team responsible for facilitating international student recruitment and admissions, study abroad programs, faculty exchanges, and immigration compliance across our System.

From conceptualizing initiatives like International Education Week and Global Distinction programs, to educating our communities about the value of global experiences, we take the lead. These endeavors play a pivotal role in expanding our organization’s global influence, fostering profound cross-cultural understanding, and enhancing the educational journeys of everyone involved, most notably our students.

By improving global access for students, faculty, and staff, our department aspires to cultivate meaningful connections and transformative, thought-provoking experiences. Embracing our mission, Global Engagement assists in preparing innovative, engaged, purposeful agents of change who serve our global community.

Human Resources
Olivia Chumbler, Human Resources Generalist

The Human Resources Department is central to our organization’s functionality, and as an HR Generalist, I am at the heart of it all. It’s not just about traditional HR tasks here; our department has the broader mission of serving our community by providing the latest best practices and processes in human resource operations to ensure the well-being of our employees.

My role encompasses a wide spectrum, from managing hiring and onboarding to facilitating training and beyond. My true passion lies in elevating employee wellness and enriching our community with valuable resources. What truly excites me is the opportunity to connect with various departments and deeply understand their daily operations and responsibilities.

In our human resources careers, we prioritize employee wellness and create a nurturing environment for professional development. Explore our career opportunities in human resources today!

Information Technology
Gordon Snook, IT Help Desk Manager

I hold a supportive position within our IT Department as an IT Help Desk Manager. In this position, I oversee daily operations for a technical support team serving students, faculty, and staff across the country, ensuring service level goals are met and promoting technology adoption. This role involves hands-on incident resolution while managing team performance, customer satisfaction, and adherence to policies. Additionally, I recruit and train staff, maintain technology support systems, and contribute to reducing support requests through communication and training initiatives. I always emphasize that our ultimate objective in the IT Department is to deliver top-tier assistance to our valued community members, all while keeping user satisfaction at the forefront.

As students navigate the journey from prospective student to graduate, I strive for a seamless and consistent digital experience felt throughout their time with us. I believe in embracing the realities of a new, diverse digital workforce with more flexibility, blending work and home life, and exploring new training methods.

Marketing
Cecilia Budzynski, Campaign Manager

In my role as Marketing Campaign Manager, I work collaboratively with team members to build strategies, develop media plans with agency partners, and manage the execution and measurement of those plans. While overseeing our inquiry generation and all paid media placements, I work to present a cohesive narrative that deeply resonates with our entire community. It is my responsibility to ensure smooth communication and foster connections across teams, which is vital in shaping our organization’s image.

Personally, I find immense satisfaction in interacting with others; it’s in these interactions that the true magic unfolds. I firmly believe that no individual can be an expert in every domain. Thus, I emphasize the importance of effective communication with diverse teams and individuals. This communication isn’t just essential for the success of our colleges and universities; it’s critical for the success of the entire System.

If you’re passionate about making a difference through innovative marketing, explore our available nonprofit marketing careers and join us in our mission to shape the future of education.

To learn more about our available nonprofit education jobs at The Community Solution, visit our careers page.

The Community Solution recently launched a new brand identity, marking a new era for the organization as it enters its 14th year. Transitioning from TCS Education System to The Community Solution Education System, the System adopted an updated logo and color palette.

The new brand and visual identity hold symbolic meaning for the System, embodying a belief that through mutual respect and collaboration, academic institutions can make great strides in advancing institutional sustainability, student success, and community impact.

Throughout the development process, designers in the System’s Marketing Department sought to develop a mark that symbolized The Community Solution’s distinctive model where colleges and universities work with operational experts cross-institutionally to improve systems and develop strategies for sustainable growth. The question became, “How do we ensure we are authentically representing our values, purpose, and impact through our brand?”

The decision to update the System name to The Community Solution Education System spurs from a desire to clearly express the connected nature of the System. The name reflects a fundamental belief that collaboration and community are the solutions to many of the challenges facing higher education leaders today.

The intricate braided symbol that serves as the System’s new icon is a powerful representation of the profound interconnectedness and collaborative spirit that forms the foundation of the System. Like the strand of a braid, woven together to create a strong, unified whole, the System community thrives on cooperation and support. Each strand of the braid symbolizes the integral roles of each institution, all harmoniously working together to weave a brighter future.

The redefined color palette applies “color theory” to represent The Community Solution’s traits and values visually. Color theory uses principles of psychology to create impactful color schemes, conveying a specific message to provide emotional appeal to an audience.

The results of the color theory exercise revealed that purples, blue/greens, and oranges resonate with the organization’s values. Purple symbolizes the relational and distinctive qualities of The Community Solution, and the blue and green hues represent the System’s progressive, perseverant, and altruistic characteristics. Finally, the bold orange hues allude to the organization’s resourcefulness and energetic nature.

The new visual identity of The Community Solution Education System is not merely a cosmetic change—it is a powerful evolution that connects the organization’s external appearance with the values and traits held since its founding nearly 15 years ago. The new color palette and interconnected braid unite The Community Solution under a shared vision, reinforcing the bonds that tie the community together in a collective pursuit of knowledge and growth.

Learn more about The Community Solution’s mission, values, and distinct model here.

This article by Michael Horowitz, Ph.D., System president and founder, originally appeared on Forbes.com.

Our world is in the early stages of a potentially transformational technological revolution. Artificial Intelligence (AI), fueled by vast generative language models like ChatGPT, is predicted to upend virtually every corner of society. From business to government to consumer behavior, AI will have profound effects on how we work, live and engage with each other.

Higher education is no exception, and there is a growing imperative for colleges to embrace and adapt to the potential sea change before us—to support our students and ensure the flourishing of our institutions. AI has the potential to revolutionize education in business and in practice—both what we do and how we do it.

Unfortunately, too often attention is focused on the problems of AI—that it allows students to cheat and can undermine the value of what teachers bring to the learning equation. This viewpoint ignores the immense possibilities that AI can bring to education and across every industry.

The fact is that students have already embraced this new technology, which is neither a new story nor a surprising one in education. Leaders should accept this and understand that people, not robots, must ultimately create the path forward. It is only by deploying resources, training and policies at every level of our institutions that we can begin to realize the vast potential of what AI can offer.

The Nonprofit System uses a Collaborative Model that is Distinct in Higher Education

CHICAGO and PORTLAND, April 3, 2023 – The Community Solution Education System, a national nonprofit system of colleges and universities, announced today that Portland, Oregon-based University of Western States (UWS) has become the newest institution to join its System. This partnership marks a new era of innovative interdisciplinary health education that will benefit students and faculty at UWS and strengthen The Community Solution community.

Since its founding in 2009, The Community Solution has expanded from one college to a system that encompasses six colleges and universities and serves the aspirations of nearly 14,000 students annually across 13 campus locations and online. The Community Solution Education System’s universities work collaboratively to build strategic partnerships and leverage economies of scale to advance institutional sustainability, student success, and community impact for colleges and universities.

“We’re excited to welcome University of Western States to The Community Solution,” said The Community Solution President Michael Horowitz. “UWS is a high-caliber university whose mission and values are closely aligned with our own. Their commitment to interdisciplinary rigor, student success, and innovation has propelled them on an upward trajectory for more than a century. UWS’s culture embodies The Community Solution Education System’s values of collaboration, inquisitiveness, resourcefulness, equity, and student focus and they are a natural and exciting addition to our community. We look forward to working in close collaboration with UWS leadership to advance opportunities for their university while also strengthening the entire The Community Solution System in ways that benefit the students and communities we serve.”

Founded in 1904, UWS is a leader in educating and training chiropractic physicians. In recent years, the university has successfully expanded its academic programs to include nutrition and functional medicine, clinical mental health counseling and sport and performance psychology. In the fall of 2023, they will welcome their first cohort of doctoral candidates in naturopathic medicine.

“For more than a decade, our leadership has been exploring a new model to elevate our future, and following a period of due diligence, it became clear that The Community Solution was the best choice,” said UWS President Joseph Brimhall.  “As part of The Community Solution Education System, we look forward to working closely with other like-minded institutions to grow and strengthen our community. This partnership will advance our ability to serve our 1,100 students as they pursue careers in the rapidly growing field of integrative health, and we look forward to contributing to the proven success that The Community Solution has already demonstrated in interdisciplinary health care education. For UWS, joining The Community Solution Education System brings top-level expertise in functional areas and access to enterprise-level systems, which will deliver a better experience for students, faculty, and staff.”

As members of The Community Solution Education System, colleges work with operational experts and peers across the System to develop innovative solutions to common challenges. By joining the System, institutions have access to expertise and enterprise systems often unavailable to institutions their size. These benefits enhance the student experience and strengthen administrative structures at the institutions, resulting in enrollment growth and improved student outcomes.

“This new addition to our System shows the strength of our model,” Dr. Horowitz said. “When we come together to share institutional wisdom and resources, we can better serve our students and tackle the challenges of modern higher education.”