Reconnecting to Dyersburg State Community College: A Renewed Hope for Adult Learners in Tennessee

Abstract

Regarding adult learners Kasworm (2008) aptly stated, "learning is an act of hopeÓ (p. 27). Adult learners" (those classified as students over the age of 24) motivation for pursuing higher education is a story of hope in futures and dreams. Adults choose to study postsecondary education for many reasons: improve employment progression, create more opportunities, navigate rapidly changing workplace demands, address technological innovations, and extend productivity over their lifespans (Anderson, 2011; Brown, 2002; Bulgar & Watson, 2006; Chickering, 1981; Ross- Gordon, 2011; Wlodkowski, Mauldin & Gahn, 2001;).