The Ones Educating for a Digital World

Digital Proficiency Platform

Digitalization is transforming society at a rate not experienced since the Industrial Revolution. Imbued with courage and conviction, Drake students are navigating this monumental change on their way to becoming tomorrow’s leaders. Drake University will support them on this journey by being the premier institution of higher education in integrating the liberal arts with analytics and technology.

Breaking Barriers while Creating Paths for Others

Assistant Professor Meredith Moore, AS’15, didn’t come to Drake to study computer science. After encouragement from a professor, she enrolled. Now she’s teaching the subject at Drake and helping encourage a more diverse group of students to explore technology careers.

Combine Liberal Arts With Digital Proficiency

Drake has a long tradition of graduating students who excel in the liberal arts core competencies of communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving. The Drake Digital Proficiency Platform gives graduates another attribute that potential employers increasingly expect—excellent technology and data skills.

The Digital Proficiency Platform also addresses the growing demand for leaders with diverse talents and perspectives in technology fields through the Inclusive Scholars of Digital Proficiency (ISDP) program. ISDP promotes a welcoming and supportive environment for students from diverse backgrounds through financial aid, mentorship, professional development, and opportunities to engage with peers and the community.

The scholarship program supports Drake’s goal to become a campus where women and students of color make up at least 50 percent of the students majoring in technology.

The Ones Building Leadership Skills

The data analytics capstone provides students with a powerful opportunity to put their data skills and liberal arts proficiencies into action. During the course, students work with a local nonprofit or business on a real challenge facing the organization. They present their findings to executives at the end of the semester.

Students have collaborated with DMARC, a local food pantry network, to evaluate a system that encourages individuals to choose healthy food from DMARC’s pantries. They’ve also worked with MidAmerican Energy on a project designed to predict wind turbine failure. Other corporate partners have included Wells Fargo, Hy-Vee, and Tractor Zoom.

“Students get to experience what it is like to turn business problems into analytics problems,” says Lendie Follett, assistant professor of business analytics and information systems. “At the end of the semester, students are able to provide actionable advice through data modeling and visualization.”

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By elevating Drake together, we will secure a more vibrant future for those who follow our footsteps. Join the ones who will transform Drake’s vision into a reality by adding your support to the campaign for the brave & bold.

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