Today's workplace is continually being redefined, and the greatest rewards go to people who are responsive to new challenges and able to adapt to change.

Wheeling Jesuit University is a valuable ally to the region's employers and helps industries remain flexible and responsive to a changing global marketplace.

“The work force of tomorrow will consist of employees with a commitment to lifelong learning. Our adult and continuing education offers employers customized training solutions and leadership-skills programs to enhance on-the-job learning opportunities,” says Rebecca Forney, associate dean of adult and continuing education services.

The University's highly effective Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership and Development (BOLD) program helps many workers advance in their careers. More than 800 students have graduated from the program since its inception in 1987, and more BOLD alumni live here in the Ohio Valley than anywhere else.

“BOLD graduates are prepared for management and supervisory positions of leadership in the regional work force because of the popular BOLD program that allowed them to move ahead in their field - a fact that employers appreciate and reward,” says Forney.

BOLD graduates are a diverse group of adults, with many interests, talents and skills. However, all share a desire to improve and excel in their lives and careers.

“Our BOLD graduates work in a variety of areas in the regional workplace,” says Forney. “BOLD allowed these adult learners to enhance their management skills, by building leadership, communication and decision making, while earning a bachelor's degree.”

The University developed the BOLD program exclusively for working adults who previously earned college credits and want to complete a bachelor's degree. Classes meet one night per week for 15 consecutive months in locations throughout West Virginia and Ohio.

“We strive to stay abreast of industry trends and employers' needs, and our students appreciate this,” adds Forney. “Yet we also remain committed to developing ethical leaders. We develop men and women for others whether they are 18 or 38 years old.”

Even though the market has changed since its inception, the BOLD program continues to make it possible for its graduates to maintain work and family obligations while earning a degree and becoming more marketable in their professional field. Graduates have been promoted into management and leadership positions in health care, business, industry, and government agencies.

About one-third of BOLD graduates move on to a graduate program - some have even completed law school. With today's emphasis on advanced degrees, the BOLD program at Wheeling Jesuit University offers a convenient and financially feasible way for working adults to begin their journey through higher education.

BOLD classes not only are educational but also applicable to people's professions. Sample classes include Dynamics of Group & Organizational Behavior, Report Writing, Leadership and Social Concern, System Management, Principles of Management and Supervision, Business Ethics and Applied Research. This curriculum produces more-confident workers who can advance in their careers.

“Students who complete the BOLD program report better job satisfaction too. This translates into better employee retention, which means BOLD continues to deliver a quality program for adult learners right here in the region,” says Forney.

To apply to the BOLD program, students must have the equivalent of at least 60 transferable semester hours of previous college credit and be at least 25 years old. The application form is easy to access on any computer at www.wju.edu.

For more information about choosing Wheeling Jesuit University adult education programs to earn your degree, or to discover how your business can benefit from customized training solutions and leadership-skills programs, please contact adult education at (800) 873-7665 or adulted@wju.edu.