The entire education system has undergone numerous transformations over the years. In recent years, we have come to learn that teaching and learning are distinct but inseparable components of education. The modern educator must use inquiry, experiential learning, and technology to create an environment that engages students in a learning process. We have also gained a better understanding of individualized learning and flexibility in teaching methods according to the students’ backgrounds and learning styles.
Talking about the changing education landscape around the world, James Gaudino (President of Central Washington University) states, “We are rediscovering old lessons while also adapting them to an environment of ubiquitous connectivity, smartphones, and social media. The pandemic has further accelerated our adaption to and adoption of these technologies.” Gaudino is a seasoned educator with extensive experience. He has been an integral part of CWU’s success as one of the preeminent universities in the region.
An Illustrious Career
Gaudino is a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy and served in the U.S. Air Force in California, Turkey, and Germany. He pursued a Ph.D. in Communication from Michigan State University and a Master of Science in Management from Troy State University. His prominent interests include public relations and public opinion formation.
In his eminent career, Gaudino has worked with several renowned educational institutions. He was the Executive Director of the National Communication Association. He also served on the faculty of Michigan State University’s Department of Advertising before joining Kent State University. At Kent State University, he founded the College of Communication and Information and guided its development into a center of innovation in the study of the new information age. Gaudino was appointed the President of CWU in 2009 and has taken the university to new heights during his tenure.
A Leader in Teacher Education
Central Washington University (CWU) was founded in 1891 as the Washington State Normal School. It was known as the Central Washington College of Education from 1937-1961, then Central Washington State College from 1961-1977. It has been CWU since 1977. Initially established as a teachers’ training institution, CWU’s mission has expanded over the years as it has transformed into a comprehensive four-year public university. Central’s role as a leader in teacher education has remained consistent as the university is now recognized for providing one of the largest and most prestigious teacher education programs in the west.
The Facilities Plan
When Gaudino first arrived at CWU 12 years ago, he committed to a facilities plan that would give students the best learning environment. “We ensured that by building new instructional facilities and renovating existing ones. Our students now have the opportunities to discover new stars in a research quality planetarium and study sound in an anechoic chamber,” adds Gaudino.
The students can conduct study security structures in a cyber warfare lab and investigate 3D systems in virtual reality labs. A new health sciences building—which opens in January 2022—will boast state-of-the-art 3D anatomy tables and virtual reality tools.
Competitive Environment
“I believe that competition is more than a desire to win. It is a drive to improve, and the act of competing is simply a measure of that effort,” asserts Gaudino. According to him, education is all about seeking improvement. Offering students an opportunity to compete motivates them to improve and allows them to evaluate their progress.
CWU encourages students to test themselves by entering regional, national, and international competitions in diverse fields such as music performance, math modeling, construction management, and business planning. During his 12 years as President, Gaudino has seen many teams return with honors, only to ask for an opportunity to improve their performance in the coming competition year. “That spirit of continuous improvement is why our recent re-accreditation report described CWU as an excellent university that is on the cusp of greatness. We now strive for that goal,” Gaudino continues.
Promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity
CWU takes pride in providing opportunities to talented students from a variety of backgrounds and abilities to pay. Diversity, equity, and inclusivity have been the top priorities during Gaudino’s tenure. About 40 percent of CWU’s students are traditionally underserved students or students of color, thus the university ensures to provide them a welcoming and accepting environment.
As majority of its students are first-generation college students, CWU has programs that provide ongoing assistance to them, such as its First-Year Experience, Sophomore Year Experience, and other enrichment initiatives. The Office of International Studies and Programs (OISP) also offers a wide variety of programs and support services for international students, education abroad participants, exchange scholars, and academic departments.
Career and Academic Services
The university is committed to providing its students with the career and academic services including peer tutoring, career counseling, and study skill workshops, that they need to succeed. “Our academic majors help students with educational policies, transfer credits, apply to a major, and other essential information about degree programs,” adds Gaudino. The career services assist students with exploring options for internships, job searches, career choices, and networking opportunities.
CWU’s Department of Career Services offers career counseling and professional development opportunities to all current and transfer students, alumni, faculty, and staff. The career services sponsor career, internship, and graduate school fairs throughout the year and career counselors, workshops, and a professional clothing closet—offering free interview-appropriate clothing to students in need of professional attire. The Career Services staff at CWU also assists students in job searching techniques, resume and cover letter writing, and interviewing.
Why CWU?
The number of educational institutions emerging has been increasing in recent years. Students today have numerous options while choosing the educational institute. Thus, choosing a college/university is vital for students. According to Gaudino, there are several prominent reasons a student should choose CWU. The university has a welcoming environment for the students, faculty, and staff. “We have a saying at Central—you belong—and it is how we want our student, faculty, staff, and parents to feel about the university,” says Gaudino.
Furthermore, CWU is known for embracing diversity. As one of the most diverse and inclusive universities in the state, it has been awarded the prestigious Higher Education Excellence in Diversity award in six of the past seven years. Alongside diversity, affordability is one of the most important factors students consider before choosing a university. CWU has been consistently ranked as one of the most affordable public universities in Washington State.
The year 2020 brought numerous changes to the ways CWU operated. Its expectations from 2021 and beyond include returning to in-person instruction and in-person university operations in the fall. “Of course, being able to do that will depend on the recommendations of our local and state health professionals,” concludes Gaudino.
ALSO READ: The 10 Remarkable Education Leaders of December 2023
