After the launch of Tech’s strategic plan in late 2020, working groups were formed to explore ideas and initiatives to bring the strategic focus areas to life. Nelson Baker, dean of Georgia Tech Professional Education (GTPE), and Charles Isbell, dean and John P. Imlay, Jr. Chair of the College of Computing, co-chaired one of those groups, called “GTPE Next.” The GTPE Next group collaborated to develop several key takeaways, one of which was to explore the creation of a new, transformational, and innovative academic unit dedicated to lifetime learning. In late 2022, GTPE Next evolved into a broader group focused on “Lifetime Learning.”

Over several months and as part of Phase 1, the Lifetime Learning initiative was supported by three working groups focused on:

• Academic Vision, Research, Faculty Governance & Strategic Planning
• Business Model and Operations
• Change Management and Communications.

In mid 2023, a working report that outlines their recommendations, including a proposed new College, was shared with President Cabrera and the Executive Leadership Team.

The report acknowledges that the world today is increasingly dynamic. Technological advances, demographic changes, and accessibility gaps all present challenges for institutions, industries, and individuals alike. They also present opportunities. The groups recommend that Georgia Tech, through the lens of our technological expertise, should address these challenges by building educational opportunities from “K to grey” that are accessible, affordable, transformational, and achievable at all stages of life and career. After further collaboration with the University System of Georgia (USG) and other key stakeholders, the final report will be approved and released at a later date.

In July 2023, Provost McLaughlin announced the creation of the Division of Lifetime Learning, aligning the Center for 21st Century Universities (C21U), the Center for Education Integrating Science, Mathematics, and Computing (CEISMC), and GTPE, as outlined previously. Dean Baker will serve as the interim dean and lead the process of creating the new unit, including establishing its leadership team. Starting in July 2023, Phase 2 activities will include deeper engagement opportunities for C21U, CEISMC, and GTPE, more formal governance conversations with faculty leadership and the USG, and detailed implementation planning.