Champions for Change: How integrated learning supports the next generation of talent

As part of my video series, Champions for Change, we shine the spotlight on leaders who are driving change in a diverse range of industries. In the latest discussion, I talked with Terrence Cheng, Technology Director at the University of Connecticut-Stamford, about how technology is transforming higher education and opening new doors for collaboration with the business community.   

Our conversation coincided with the exciting news about the collaboration between AT&T and UConn to advance entrepreneurship, innovation, and data science using AT&T 5G+ millimeter wave and Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC) technology on the Stamford campus. As we’re deploying this technology together, I was curious to hear his perspective on what it takes to develop next-generation talent and the role of technology in enabling change.  

Following are some of the key takeaways of our discussion. 

1.      Universities are expected to be leaders in innovation.

Beyond making the learning experience come alive in the most extraordinary ways, leading universities like UConn understand that they have a responsibility to drive change through the integration of emerging technology. “We must deliver experiential learning for our students so that they will be positive and productive contributors to the workforce,” explains Terrence. “Students expect to achieve social mobility, but they need to do that while also making a significant impact on industries and the economy.” And he explains that higher education also has to take more responsibility in terms of upskilling and reskilling employees. All of this while remaining accessible and affordable, which is why adopting technology like 5G is key. He’s constantly asking his team, “How else can we push forward?” 

2.      The brightest talent requires the strongest assets.

To train the best and the brightest now and into the future, you need the strongest assets at your fingertips. And Terrence says 5G particularly has played a big part in evolving their courses and curriculum. “With 5G, we're not only enhancing our new technology incubator, our data science research, and our work in innovation and entrepreneurship - we're going to strengthen areas, such as digital media and design, computer science, business, analytics, communications, multiple academic areas. We’re shaping pedagogy, the ways we teach, courses in alternative and virtual reality, wearable technology, virtual labs for STEM.” He believes that making the investment is not only essential for the growth of the institution but also beneficial for corporate, community, and non-profit partners.  

3.      Technology alone doesn’t fuel innovation—action does.

While technology is always intellectually fascinating, it is ultimately what we do with it that matters. “The ability through 5G and emerging technologies to create smarter, more immersive classrooms will enhance the student life and educational technology use,” says Terrence. It’s about putting the technology in the hands of the right talent to fuel ideas and innovation. That’s how data turns into analytics, and then, into insights. It becomes a virtuous cycle that can be unleashed on a whole new level with 5G.  

4.      We cannot make progress within our silos.

It really takes a village to push for change and building partnerships is essential for the institution. Having the opportunity to collaborate with the private and public sectors not only helps prepare students for their future careers but allows them to get involved in supporting the community at large through their individual disciplines. “We communicate with our elected officials and our business and community leaders consistently so that we can share goals, share outcomes, and really work together to achieve them,” says Terrence. “They know that this is the natural evolution for an institution like ours to really do the things we need to do to make an impact socio-economically in the innovation ecosystem of our state and in our region.” Keeping an open dialogue and showing interest in what everyone is working on is key to maintaining healthy relationships.  

5.      Terrence’s “Change Champion” mindset.

“Comfort is our enemy,” says Terrence. He never takes for granted the opportunity he has to work with talented colleagues and students at UConn Stamford. “If we’re not evolving, we’re slowly dying. It’s incumbent upon us while we hold the mantle within these organizations to do things that move the organization forward.” As the son of immigrants always in the back of Terrence’s mind –there is someone behind him ready to take his spot, and that’s a huge motivation to push forward.  

“I think we have to ask ourselves do we want to be a part of something great and to leave a legacy and make an impact? Or are we okay being average and risk being forgotten? That’s a very hard, uncomfortable question, but I think if we answer that honestly, it charts your path forward.” 

I really hope some – or all - of these takeaways will provide inspiration and help you rethink the role we play as leaders in advancing education and organizational collaboration. You can view the entire segment here. And here is a link to more information about the UConn and AT&T partnership. I hope you will stay tuned and join me for future episodes of Champions for Change.