Milwaukee School of Engineering announced in a press releae Monday that it has named Dr. George Kroeninger as its inaugural Executive Director of Professional Education. He will launch the university’s new Center for Professional Education.
Kroeninger plans to expand industry-informed, need-based outreach education programs, leveraging the resources and expertise available at the university to support the business and engineering workforce within the state and region, according to the press release. His vision includes providing support to MSOE alumni and other professionals in the field, ensuring they have access to the high-quality continuing education and training they need to excel and advance in their careers and to support the workforce development needs of industry partners.
The Center for Professional Education will offer customized training solutions, workshops and seminars, webinars and online programs, and conferences and special events. It will create opportunities for professional upskilling; earning industry-recognized credentials to support career advancement and increase earning potential; gaining technical knowledge in rapidly changing fields; and satisfying professional licensure requirements.
“As a strategic thinker, Dr. Kroeninger has consistently developed and executed innovative strategies that have propelled organizations forward,” MSOE executive vice president of academics Dr. Eric Baumgartner said in a statement. “He has demonstrated an ability to identify emerging trends in continuing and professional education and adapt programs accordingly. We are excited for the programs and opportunities that will be offered by the Center for Professional Education and look forward to working with MSOE’s many stakeholders to support their educational needs.”
Kroeninger comes to MSOE from the University of Wisconsin System where he served as chief academic officer for the UW Extended Campus – the statewide office for continuing and professional education and online learning. While there, he provided leadership and supported the continuing education operations at all 13 UW campuses and led the development, implementation, and ongoing management of over 40 fully online, industry-informed degree and certificate programs, skills-based training programs, technology bootcamps, and self-paced learning opportunities across multiple learning platforms serving working adults and employers throughout the state and region. Prior to joining the UW Extended Campus, Kroeninger served as director of continuing education and regional workforce development at UW-Eau Claire, overseeing all professional development and personal enrichment outreach programs offered through the institution.
Kroeninger holds a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) from Edgewood College, with a concentration in Higher Education Leadership and Administration, a Master of Public Health from the University of Northern Colorado, with specializations in adult health education and public health administration, and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, where he focused on adult health and fitness, exercise physiology, and business administration. Additionally, Kroeninger holds several certifications, including Certified Contract Trainer (CCT) through the Learning Resources Network and Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) through the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing.
