October 17, 2018
Complete your college degree through SIU’s off-campus program at NAS Pensacola
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Off-campus learning is on-target for many adult learners these days. For people who are already working, these programs allow them to meet their educational and career advancement goals while still handling their daily work and life obligations.
Off-campus learning suits busy schedules
Southern Illinois University Carbondale launched its first off-campus degree program in 1973 and today offers students the chance to earn their degrees at any one of 32 military and non-military locations – including Naval Air Station Pensacola – located in 13 states. Earlier this year, for the first time ever, all 12 people who graduated at NAS Pensacola were active-duty military personnel. With a new instructor at the helm, a new session began this week and enrollment is already underway for the next class session.
As a veteran himself, Kayliym Islam is pleased to have the opportunity to “give back to those who serve” while helping all of his students strive to achieve their educational and career goals.
This semester, there are 19 workforce education and development students enrolled at Pensacola. The students say they are enjoying learning effective instruction and design techniques from a passionate leader and facilitator like Islam.
Bringing diverse education and years of experience to the classroom
Islam’s professional experience is extensive and diverse, as he’s served as an administrator, instructor and educator within the corporate and academic worlds for more than 20 years.
He’s an alumnus of SIU, earning his bachelor’s degree in vocational education studies from the university. He also holds a master’s degree in educational leadership from American Intercontinental University in Phoenix and a doctorate in higher education with emphasis in training, development and consumer marketing from Northcentral University in Prescott, Ariz.
Most recently, he served as executive director for Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation in Tampa, Fla., where he oversaw a $15.3 million budget and five global directors. During his tenure, Islam managed a redesign of the corporate customer learning center and improved customer satisfaction to 97 percent while also improving customer loyalty and increasing learning solutions delivered to clients along with learning product usage. He previously served seven years as vice president and director of the firm, accumulating 17 years with the company.
His experience also includes serving as manager of technical training for Lewco Securities in New Jersey, math instructor for the New York City Department of Education and logistics specialist for the U.S. Air Force.
He has also been widely published in magazines and journals, authored two books and has presented in a number of forums, with training as a frequent topic.
Blended program offered at Pensacola
SIU’s Extended Campus offers a hybrid Workforce Education and Development program at NAS Pensacola. It incorporates a combination of online coursework and seated weekend classes and is designed to be completed by working adults in about two years.
Discover the possibilities
To learn more SIU’s Pensacola program, contact Caroline Norris-Watson, NAS Pensacola program student adviser, at 850/455-2449 or caroline.norris-watson@siu.edu, or email pensacola@siu.edu.
NAS Pensacola – Kayliym Islam teaches in Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s off-campus Workforce Education and Development program at NAS Pensacola. (Photos provided)