Postsecondary CTE programs depend on a strong, well-supported workforce, including faculty, advisors, navigators, and employer engagement staff. Yet many institutions face persistent challenges in recruiting, developing, and retaining this talent. As workforce demands evolve and technologies rapidly advance, the need for innovative approaches to building and sustaining the CTE workforce has never been greater. This panel brings together leaders from across postsecondary education and industry to explore strategies to strengthen CTE talent pipelines, support industry professionals transitioning into teaching, and equip faculty and staff with the skills needed to meet the demands of today’s learners and employers. Panelists will also discuss system-level policies and practices that better support advising, student success, and employer engagement functions. Attendees will leave with actionable insights and practical strategies to build, support, and sustain the teams that power high-quality CTE programs and student success.
Dean of Career and Technical Education, McDowell Technical Community College
Dr. Brandon Hensley is the Dean of Career and Technical Education at McDowell Technical Community College and a graduate of Old Dominion University, where he received his Ph.D. in Workforce and Organizational Development. With over two decades of experience spanning engineering, faculty... Read More →
Dean, School of Education, University of Alaska Anchorage
Tonia A. Dousay, Ph.D., serves as the Dean of the School of Education at the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA), where she leads undergraduate and graduate programs committed to preparing educators and advancing lifelong learning across Alaska’s richly diverse communities. With... Read More →
Thursday September 17, 2026 8:15am - 9:15am EDT Regency EFHyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
Artificial intelligence, automation, advanced manufacturing, and other emerging technologies are rapidly changing the future of work. Postsecondary Career and Technical Education must evolve to prepare learners for these new realities. As industries adopt innovative technologies and workforce expectations continue to shift, colleges are reimagining how they design programs, prepare faculty, and equip students with the technical and durable skills needed to succeed. This panel will bring together leaders from postsecondary education and industry to examine how institutions are integrating emerging technologies into CTE programs while maintaining a strong focus on student success and workforce relevance. Panelists will share promising practices for redesigning curriculum, strengthening industry partnerships, investing in faculty professional development, and creating learning environments that reflect today's rapidly evolving workplaces. The discussion will also address critical challenges, including faculty readiness, access to technology and equipment, funding constraints, ethical considerations surrounding artificial intelligence, and policies that can either accelerate or hinder innovation. Attendees will gain practical insights and actionable strategies for leveraging emerging technologies to strengthen postsecondary CTE programs, expand workforce opportunities, and prepare learners for the jobs of today and tomorrow.
Thursday September 17, 2026 12:15pm - 1:05pm EDT Regency EFHyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
