Wollo University, in Collaboration with Arizona State University, Delivers Training on Professional Development
Wollo University (WU), in collaboration with Arizona State University (ASU), successfully delivered a three-session professional development training program for academic staff on the area of “Teaching in an Ethiopian University of Applied Sciences” from March 10-15, 2025.
The training, held at Wollo University’s main campus, focused on curriculum revision and outcome-based education, aligning with the university’s mission to enhance teaching quality and relevance in applied sciences. A total of 106 faculty members participated across the three sessions.
The training is part of Wollo University’s ongoing efforts to revise its curriculum and align it with employer needs, particularly in the context of the University of Applied Sciences (UAS) model in Ethiopia. This initiative was supported by collaborations with international partners like Arizona State University (ASU) and local institutions. The program aimed to equip academic staff with the skills needed to revise and implement outcome-based curricula, integrate career-readiness skills into course goals, and strengthen collaboration between academia and industry.
Dr. Awol Seid, President of Wollo University, officially opened the training on March 10, 2025. In his opening remarks, he emphasized the importance of curriculum revision in applied sciences and expressed his gratitude to ASU and Dr. Molly Ott for their commitment to the initiative.
“This training is a significant step towards achieving our vision of becoming a leading university in applied sciences,” said Dr. Awol. “By equipping our faculty with the necessary skills, we are ensuring that our graduates are not only academically proficient but also ready to meet the demands of the job market.”
Dr. Awol also highlighted the ongoing collaboration between WU and ASU, including last year’s symposium themed “Higher Education for Post-Conflict Transformation in Ethiopia.” He acknowledged ASU’s commitment to supporting WU’s academic development and thanked Dr. Molly Ott for her dedication and long journey to share her expertise with Wollo University’s faculty members.
Dr. Molly Ott, an associate professor at ASU and faculty affiliate of WU, said, “It is a privilege to work with the dedicated faculty at Wollo University. The initiatives and successful partnerships among the two universities, including but by no means limited to this training program, are exemplary. WU leadership and staff’s commitment to improving students’ education and aligning it with industry needs is truly inspiring.”
The training was conducted in three sessions, targeting members of the curriculum revision committee from all colleges, schools, and departments across Kombolcha Institute of Technology (KIoT), Tertiary Care, and the main Dessie campuses.
The facilitators, Dr. Endris Abera (WU) and Dr. Molly Ott (ASU), led the training sessions, focusing on outcome-based education, aligning course objectives with career-relevant skills, and refining learning outcomes through peer feedback. The sessions also guided the curriculum revision team in designing authentic assignments and industry-aligned projects. Additionally, strong emphasis was placed on employer engagement, experiential learning integration, innovative teaching strategies, and career-driven curriculum development to ensure a problem-based and outcome-oriented approach.
The training program achieved several immediate outcomes, including an enhanced understanding of outcome-based education among faculty members, the development of actionable plans for integrating career-readiness skills into curricula, and strengthened appreciation for collaboration between academia and industry. In the long term, the training is expected to improve the quality of education at WU, increase the employability of graduates, and contribute to WU’s mission as a leading University of Applied Sciences (UAS) in Ethiopia.
Participants expressed their appreciation for the training, noting its relevance and practicality. “The training provided practical tools and strategies that I can immediately apply to my courses,” said one participant. “The focus on career-readiness skills is particularly valuable.” However, some participants highlighted larger challenges like limited resources and industry access, urging special attention to ensure successful curriculum implementation.
The training program was a resounding success, with positive feedback from participants and facilitators alike. It marks a significant milestone in WU’s curriculum revision and industry alignment journey. Moving forward, Wollo University plans to conduct follow-up sessions to monitor the revision and implementation of curricula, continue collaboration with international partners like ASU, and expand similar training programs to other faculties.
