The Philosophy of Arthur Keiser: Balancing Academics and Practical Skills

Arthur Keiser, Chancellor of Keiser University, has been emphasizing the importance of “soft skills” and balancing academics with practical skills to meet the needs of employers. Keiser University offers over 100-degree programs in areas such as healthcare, information technology, engineering, and criminal justice. The university, which serves nearly 20,000 students online and across 21 Florida campuses, primarily focuses on adult learners seeking career education. According to recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data, there remains a significant “skills gap” between job applicants and employers’ needs despite the unemployment rate staying flat at 3.9% in August 2018. Therefore, Keiser University’s academic philosophy is to prioritize “Students First,” with a focus on developing both academic knowledge and practical skills.