Sponsored Institutions - Stories

By Sarah Stanley
Executive Director of Marketing and Public Relations
Siena Heights University

Adrian, Michigan, February 19, 2025 – Siena Heights University announced the launch of two options for adult learners: micro-credentials and professional development. The purpose of these offerings is to meet key employment needs and further career opportunities in the greater Lenawee area and beyond with accessible and affordable education.

Information is available at www.sienaheights.edu/workforce-development.  

Using a fully online platform, adults can complete short-term credential and certificate programs. This helps them accomplish a career change, achieve a promotion, or simply continue being competitive in their field. The demand for workers in IT, healthcare, and data science is especially strong and Siena Heights University’s program makes being a top employee attainable.  

“We're excited to get students of any age ready for the 21st-century career landscape,” said Dr. Gina Rossetti, Siena Heights University Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. “These learning opportunities are offered at a time and pace that meets the needs of their busy lives.”   

Further, Siena Heights University is working with employers on keeping their workforce ready for market changes by offering customized classes available onsite or offsite. Whether it is developing leadership, upskilling a team for a new technology, or meeting compliance standards, the additional education benefits the employee, the company, and the community as a whole by maintaining a competitive workforce.  

“Siena Heights University is bringing much-needed training opportunities to Lenawee County to help upskill employees and leaders,” said Mike Ayre, Human Resources Director (ret.) for Wacker Chemical. “Their simple process made my job much easier. The customized training was well received by our team.”  

These programs not only meet employer needs; they also fit with changing attitudes toward higher education. Research indicates that a growing number of learners are interested in pursuing resume-enhancing “micro-credentials,” such as industry certificates, as part of or as an alternative to college degree programs.  
 
"We’re bringing together our mission’s focus on ‘assisting people to become more competent, purposeful, and ethical through a teaching and learning environment which respects the dignity of all’ with the needs of industry employers, allowing all to reach their highest potential,” Gina added.  

Siena Heights University (SHU), a Catholic institution founded in 1919 by the Adrian Dominican Sisters, serves a diverse student body of traditional and adult learners. Renowned for its leading athletics program and a commitment to the Dominican intellectual tradition, the University offers associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees, including top-ranked online programs through SHU Global. Headquartered in Adrian, Michigan, the University is a cornerstone of the community. For more information, visit sienaheights.edu.