#United States #New York #Workcred #ANSI #Terry Vaughan

New Leadership at Workcred: Dr. Terry Vaughan III

In a significant development for the workforce credentialing landscape, Workcred, a notable affiliate of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), has appointed Dr. Terry Vaughan III to serve as the Associate Executive Director of Research. This new role positions Dr. Vaughan to drive forward the organization’s mission of enhancing the quality of the workforce through improved research, resources, and connections aimed at refining the U.S. credentialing system.

Background of Dr. Vaughan

Dr. Vaughan comes to Workcred with a wealth of experience in higher education policy research. He has long been an advocate for creating equitable pathways in career development, particularly for underrepresented student populations. His previous association with the Council for Opportunity in Education as the Vice President of Research and Director of the Pell Institute involved managing extensive research projects focused on enhancing education pathways for first-generation and low-income college students. Additionally, Dr. Vaughan served as the Associate Director for DePaul University's Center for Access and Attainment, where he played a pivotal role in an undergraduate research initiative that equipped students for graduate, law, and medical school admissions.

Dr. Vaughan's academic journey led him to earn both his Ph.D. and Master’s degree in education policy, organization, and leadership from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, in addition to a Bachelor’s degree in philosophy from DePaul University. His commitment to improving educational outcomes has garnered recognition, marking him as a visionary leader and effective collaborator in the field.

His Vision for Workcred

Upon his appointment, Dr. Vaughan expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity and the alignment of his vision with Workcred’s goals. "We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Vaughan to Workcred," said Dr. Roy Swift, the Executive Director of Workcred. Dr. Swift praised Vaughan's extensive experience and dedication to advocating for equitable career pathways. He conveyed confidence that Dr. Vaughan would significantly contribute to the organization's mission of enhancing the U.S. credentialing system.

Dr. Vaughan’s predecessors have laid a solid foundation at Workcred, with Dr. Isabel Cardenas-Navia serving as the Director of Research since 2019. Though she will transition out of her role, Dr. Cardenas-Navia will continue to offer insights in a part-time capacity until the end of 2025, ensuring a smooth transition and continuity of Workcred’s objectives and ongoing projects.

About Workcred

Founded in 2014, Workcred operates as a non-profit entity dedicated to enhancing workforce quality by refining the credentialing framework. By promoting the relevancy and effectiveness of credentialing, Workcred seeks to equip employers, workers, educators, and governments to adeptly leverage these systems for optimal workforce development. Dr. Swift, who previously held the role of ANSI's chief workforce development officer, aims to cultivate a labor market that both values and relies on high-quality workforce credentials.

Workcred actively engages with various stakeholders, ensuring that its endeavors translate into meaningful changes within the workforce landscape. For more detailed insights into Workcred’s initiatives and ongoing activities, the organization encourages interested parties to visit their website and follow their updates across social platforms including LinkedIn and Facebook.

Conclusion

As Dr. Vaughan steps into his new role, anticipation is high for the positive impact his leadership will have on Workcred and the broader credentialing system in the U.S. His expertise and vision for equitable career pathways promise significant advancements in workforce quality, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and effective labor market.