(US and Canada) Ryan Whisler, Program Chair, IT, WGU Ohio, speaks with KL Allen, Chancellor, WGU Ohio, about challenges and developing products for students.

Whisler says understanding market trends is a significant challenge. Students perceive degrees, credentials and certifications help them prepare for IT’s future and where the jobs will be. Similarly, there are new technologies or new uses for old technologies.

He mentions that WGU Ohio is obsessed with creating products that will meet students where they are today and give them the foothold for future jobs. Whisler maintains that the future is inclining toward well-rounded people in multiple disciplines who can integrate and think creatively about how to use them together.

Thus, the institution needs to be nimble, flexible and fast while building a system, a feature set, or a product. He adds that technology is about improving people’s lives, and organizations exist to create value and help people.

Whisler mentions Bill Gates and Steve Jobs as sources of inspiration for value creation and working through challenging problems. He also highlights former U.S. President Abraham Lincoln’s leadership style and how he brought people together and got things done.