Wednesday, July 26, 8:30–9:45

Connected State: Intersections and Innovations in Technician Education

Dr. Michael Torrence will introduce attendees to the key concepts of STEA3MB(e) and focus on its intersection with technical education, industry training, and workforce development. Dr. Torrence will also unpack pressing issues of Belongingness, examine innovative ideas and “paradigm shifting” approaches to this work, and provide action-based and solution-oriented examples that illustrate the impact potential of addressing established needs with grounded yet innovative approaches.

Dr. Michael Torrence is President of Motlow State Community College, TN. Under his leadership, Motlow State has transformed into a cutting-edge, award-winning institution on multiple fronts. Dr. Torrence is a technology strategist, having worked in higher education for approximately 30 years, but also deliberately creates space so everyone may have a voice and a seat at the table while practicing inclusive excellence and holistic development. Dr. Torrence’s areas of expertise include Community and Economic Development, Research, Adult Education, Student Success, Academic Affairs, Professional Development, Distance Learning, and Diversity-Equity- and Inclusion, with additional interests in Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Mixed Reality, Automation, Robotics, Mechatronics, and Gamification, especially as platforms for education, learning, and business/industry training. Dr. Torrence is also an entrepreneurial business development professional, and serves on local, state, national, and international boards that influence and shape the future of higher education. Dr. Torrence earned his Ph.D. in Exceptional Learning (Literacy) from Tennessee Technological University.