Herzing University Celebrates Official Launch of Higher Education Regional Alliance (HERA)

Herzing University joined 17 other southeastern Wisconsin colleges and universities – as well as a network of partner organizations – to celebrate the official launch of the Higher Education Regional Alliance (HERA).

The launch event, which took place Oct. 15 at We Energies in Milwaukee, included Wisconsin business, education, community and elected leaders.

The goal of HERA is to prepare students to become an innovative and nimble workforce that meets the needs of the region’s industries today and in the future. There are specific goals around improving college completion; aligning educational programs to economic needs; and connecting businesses with talent.

“We’re pleased to see colleges and universities in the region come together to address workforce issues,” said Herzing University President Renee Herzing. “Wisconsin has done a great job at attracting new businesses, and we need to help traditional students and adult learners learn the skills needed to help those companies thrive.”

HERA, which was first announced in 2018, represents more than 150,000 students across southeastern Wisconsin who are key to driving the economy. HERA aims to connect businesses with the nearly 90% of graduating college and university students who stay in Wisconsin to work.

Herzing, which has one of the highest numbers of new nursing graduates in Wisconsin each year, has built partnerships with several of Wisconsin’s leading health care providers to ensure their health care staffing needs are met. Herzing has also established cooperative degree programs with Wisconsin community colleges.

“For 55 years, Herzing has focused on career readiness and adult learners,” Herzing said. “We develop and adjust our curriculum based on employer needs and make sure our students are job-ready on Day 1.”

Herzing, which is based in Menomonee Falls, WI, has two campuses in southeastern Wisconsin – Brookfield and Kenosha – and one in Madison. Nationally, Herzing offers an extensive online program and has campuses in Minneapolis; Atlanta; Orlando, Fla.; Akron, Ohio; Birmingham, Ala., and New Orleans, La.