Dr. Ying Iverson is a tenured educational leader with extensive experience in leading innovation, nurturing talent and driving transformation in academic settings. She brings a nuanced approach to developing and implementing strategic initiatives, consistently achieving excellence by shaping learning environments that adapt to evolving educational needs.
In an interview with Educational Insider, Dr. Iverson shared her insights on the digitalization of education and its impact on students’ learning experience. She also highlighted the need to embrace change to create value for the coming generations.
Creating Value and Impact for Learners
My academic journey began as an international student from China at the University of Minnesota, where I earned a master's in international education and a PhD in organizational development.
For more than a decade, I worked as an HR professional and entrepreneur, building a change management business that helped organizations navigate transformation. Eventually, I returned to education, where I designed and led the University of Minnesota’s Extension College professional development department. I later transitioned into leadership roles at a large online university and then joined Westcliff University. Over the past decade, I have focused on advancing digital education and expanding global impact through education.
“Effective change leadership is rooted in understanding and embracing change with passion. Driving transformation requires clear, compelling communication where change is well-articulated and embraced through trust and shared conviction.”
As the chief academic officer at Westcliff University, I am honored to serve the university’s vision of driving impactful global education, which aligns with my personal belief of creating value for learners. I am committed to connecting education and career, empowering students to achieve success in the classroom and throughout their lives.
Educational Empowerment through Leadership
I believe in the transformative power of education, not only for individuals, but also for families and the global community. To me, education is empowerment. Throughout my career, I have seen how access to the right opportunities and resources changes lives, opening doors to improved performance, growth and success.
Student experience and outcomes are key factors in measuring educational success. A strong education system should deliver meaningful value, ensuring students gain a return on their investment and equipping them to thrive academically, personally and professionally.
Modernizing Education with Digital Transformation
Digital transformation is not a single project but an evolving ecosystem that requires sustained efforts and innovation. Over the past decade, I have championed numerous digital initiatives, including digital teaching and learning tool implementation, faculty upskilling, AI-powered learning pilots and expansion of online programs.
At Westcliff, our mission is to remove barriers, like limited access to resources and affordability, so every learner has the opportunity to succeed. One example is our collaboration with Perlego, a digital library offering over 1.3 million academic, professional and non-fiction e-books. We are embedding Perlego into more than 500 courses at Westcliff to offer students affordable and accessible digital learning materials. We engaged students and faculty with a pilot program and used their feedback to design an accessible and affordable e-textbook model.
Another innovation is Westcliff’s Socratic Metric, a proprietary, AI-powered platform that delivers personalized learning experiences. By enabling one-on-one interaction and real-time feedback between students and the digital interface, it strengthens focus, boosts engagement, enhances cognitive skills and helps learners build stronger communication skills. These initiatives embody Westcliff’s commitment to leveraging technology as a catalyst for deeper engagement, improved outcomes and lasting impact in education.
Advice for Emerging Leaders
Effective change leadership is rooted in understanding and embracing change with passion. Driving transformation requires clear, compelling communication where change is well-articulated and embraced through trust and shared conviction. Leaders must know their audience, build a team of allies and engage early adopters, especially faculty, who can champion and sustain the change.
Evolving is essential in higher education. Institutions must prove their relevance through innovation, value creation and a renewed commitment to student success. This presents a challenge and an opportunity: using a collaborative and innovative approach to rebuild confidence, address a skeptical audience and highlight the enduring value of education while continuing to earn the next generation’s trust.
