11-04-2025
Nontraditional students ‘hold great promise' for ODU
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Nontraditional students 'hold great promise' for Old Dominion University, president Brian Hemphill said as he outlined shared challenges among the country's colleges and universities while focusing on targeted improvements and growing revenue sources.
'Nontraditional students hold great promise for the University, and we must recognize they are juggling a lot of different responsibilities,' Hemphill said. 'They are full-time employees, they're part-time employees, they're parents, they're caregivers. Some of them may be retirees and trying to reenter the workforce, but they've joined the college ranks to reskill and upskill.'
The traditional college-aged student population is down, with estimates showing 15% fewer 18-year-olds by 2039, with about 41 million Americans having completed some college but are without degrees.
Hemphill said ODU, in its 95th year, is thus focused on trying to attract and retain students by adapting to serve them better. With a growing number of undergraduates over 23-years-old, that adapting will have to include, he said, flexible learning options.
The university plans to expand its skills-based learning initiatives to align with the needs of leading industries, requiring it to adapt technologically.
'Some have said that the future of work is a race between technology and education, and I agree with that,' Hemphill said. 'Simply put, as technology advances, administrators and faculty should consider the delivery of education, because we must anticipate and prepare for this digital world that bridges education and the workforce.'
With online education the fastest-growing market in education, Hemphill said the university is a leader in digital education and is committed to digital innovation through AI-driven and adaptive learning models that use augmented and virtual reality.
The university recently introduced a custom chatbot — Monarch Mind — to enhance learning and streamline administrative tasks, he said.
'Students in 2025, whether we like it or not, expect something different,' Hemphill said. 'They want AI-powered tools that help them study more effectively. They want to be provided instant feedback and even emotional support.'
Hemphill said AI will help automate administrative tasks for professors, lecturers and staff to allow them more time with students, and they can use augmented and virtual reality to provide immersive learning experiences, citing areas such as healthcare, engineering and business.
ODU's president is also prioritizing alternative funding sources, saying the university will strategically make investments in research, non-credit instruction, ancillary services, clinical operations and growing its online education platform.
He said by focusing on student success and diversifying its revenue sources, while improving online learning and 'elevating the digital experience,' ODU can position itself well for the long-term.
Hemphill said his points of emphasis for the university are among the shared challenges of universities nationwide: enrollment, student success, increasing numbers of lifelong learners, a growing demand for skills-based education, expanding online learning, increased use of AI and growing funding sources.
'As we are only five years away from starting a second century of continued operations, growing impact and profound contributions,' Hemphill said, 'we have so much promise as doers and dreamers. As doers, what will the next five years look like? As dreamers, what will our second hundred years reveal?'
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