This is a Content Corner guest article. Learn more here.
Becca Yancey takes it personally, bringing her expertise, passion for lifelong learning to Vanderbilt Business
Lifelong learning, the continuous pursuit of knowledge throughout one’s life, is integral to unlocking potential. For centuries, global scholars and leaders have said that learning is not a cycle that can be completed—there is always more to master. For instance, Socrates, often referred to as the “prophet of lifelong learning,” is credited with saying, “Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.”
At Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management, we understand that obtaining any degree is a significant achievement. Yet, it’s a cornerstone of a journey where learning and growth persist beyond the confines of schooling—it’s “the kindling of a flame.” Vanderbilt Executive Education fully embraces this concept of lifelong learning, acknowledging that professional development is not a one-size-fits-all trade and that there is always more to learn at all career stages. That’s precisely why we prioritize lifelong learning and personalized education.
Meet Becca Yancey, An Advocate for Accessible and Continuous Education
Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management proudly welcomed Becca Yancey as the new Managing Director of Executive Education in September of 2023. In her new role, Yancey oversees the strategic and management oversight of custom, open enrollment, and online non-degree business and career development programs, reporting directly to Dean Steenburgh.
With a career spanning 18 years in executive education and an unwavering passion for lifelong learning, Yancey joins Vanderbilt from WillowTree, a mobile and web application development company, where she led their learning and development strategy as Vice President for Learning and Organizational Development. Yancey’s career notably includes roles in all areas of executive education at the University of Virginia Darden School Foundation, showcasing her experience and understanding of the landscape.
What is Vanderbilt Executive Education?
Each year, organizations and individuals from various professions, managerial levels, industries, and locations choose Vanderbilt Executive Education to “sharpen their saws,” learn new skills, and adopt new perspectives to advance their careers.
“Vanderbilt Executive Education enables the focused and impactful development of essential skills needed to level up professionals by offering practical opportunities to get out of their bubble and out of their comfort zone for a set amount of time,” says Yancey.
Vanderbilt Executive Education offers not only a menu of proven and practical programs but also the flexibility to tailor and customize learning experiences to address specific individual or organizational needs. This approach empowers professionals at various career stages and within diverse industries to shape their own educational journey. Vanderbilt Executive Education is offered through 2 branches, “Programs for Individuals” and “Custom Solutions for Organizations.”
Programs for Individuals
Programs for Individuals are proven, practical, and flexible opportunities for lifelong learning that helps professionals develop and strengthen critical business skills without the commitment of earning a degree. Participants can choose in-person or online programs to fill a particular knowledge gap or to increase overall competency in leadership, strategy, or management.
Vanderbilt offers a schedule of open enrollment programs throughout the year that can be completed asynchronously online or are 2 to 3-day in-person programs that allow participants to deep dive into particular content areas like leadership, management, finance, etc., while escaping into a classroom setting to learn with a cohort of individuals they would likely not otherwise interact with.
Custom Solutions for Organizations
Vanderbilt Executive Education designs and delivers custom learning solutions to address unique business challenges and leadership development goals. These solution-oriented experiences are offered in various formats, from 3-day workshops to extended learning journeys, spanning in-person, online, and hybrid forms. The adaptability ensures that programming aligns with organizational objectives and preferences for cohorts and groups of various sizes.
“Investing in your people is one of the most valuable investments an organization can make,” says Yancey.
Organizations will benefit from Vanderbilt Executive Education’s competitive advantage, which is the capability and passion for true partnership. With a seat at the table, organizational input is invaluable to crafting the highest quality learning solution that aligns with their requirements and achieves their desired outcomes. Their vision and Vanderbilt’s collective expertise—combined for unparalleled results.
Industry frontrunners like Nissan, Chubb Insurance, and Regions Financial Services have partnered with Vanderbilt Executive Education to design tailored solutions addressing their unique learning and developmental needs.
Are you interested in how Vanderbilt Executive Education can transform your career or workplace? The first step is to schedule a consultation to discuss your goals.
Read the entire article to find out more about Becca Yancey, Managing Director, Executive Education, and learn how Vanderbilt Executive Education is enhancing leadership and professional development.
