Martha E. Kudak

In her current position, Martha created a comprehensive accelerated program for adult learners, the first in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System. The program, Adult Success through Accelerated Programs (ASAP), was launched 10 years ago and has served over 5,000 students since its inception. Martha’s most recent endeavors include building the Prior Learning Assessment Program and directing the AS degree in individualized professional studies, both of which have seen more than 85 percent growth in the past three years. As a faculty member, Martha also loves to work in the classroom with adult learners.

Martha was previously dean for the Center for Adult Learners at Minneapolis Community College (MCC), where she helped create The College for Working Adults in 1980, the first “non-traditional” degree program in Minnesota. The program changed the educational paradigm in her state and helped raise awareness of the unique needs of adult learners. Martha also brought degree programs to the workplace through business partnerships and developed neighborhood centers to bring college courses, individual support services, and tutoring to poverty-level areas of Minneapolis. Martha’s extensive background in adult learning and degree program development also includes cohort learning communities. Martha has published and presented at numerous national conferences and workshops.