U of A Courses Teach Learners New Skills, Create Opportunities
Maria Doshier of Springdale shares how training through Professional and Workforce Development at Global Campus helped transform her life. 1:22
February 19, 2026 | by Heidi Wells, Global Campus | min read
Maria Doshier of Springdale is a living, real-world example of how workforce training can change lives.
The single mother of one completed two University of Arkansas workforce training courses in 2024 and 2025 that opened opportunities for her and her daughter to live a better life, Doshier said. Life looks different since she completed the training.
Doshier earned certifications for phlebotomy technician and clinical medical assistant. The courses are offered through the Professional and Workforce Development division of Global Campus at the U of A.
More certifications mean more job opportunities, and she’s working for an allergy clinic now.
“I feel secure and that’s something I haven’t always been able to say, but I feel secure in my future,” Doshier said. “I’m not scared about what the future holds because I know I can change it.”
Funding is available for some training courses, and learners may also be able to apply for scholarships. Doshier received two awards from Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Northwest Arkansas to help pay for her courses.
“I want to say thank you to Single Parent Scholarship,” Doshier said. “Thank you so much for the help you provided for my family and the long-lasting effects it’s going to have.”
Workforce Development
The goals of the Professional and Workforce Development division mesh with the University of Arkansas’ mission as a land-grant institution, said its director, Eve Canty.
“The university’s mission to build a better world by providing transformational opportunities and skills describes what we are doing in the Professional and Workforce Development division,” Canty said. “Maria used skills she earned through the U of A in professional training courses to transform her whole trajectory. And, it didn’t take years and years. She knew what she needed, she got it, she got a job, then she got a better job and she’s continuing to climb the economic ladder.”
Many people who complete a training course like Doshier gain confidence, too, because of the obstacles they have faced and the success they experience, Canty said.
“It’s heartwarming to see changes in people when they gain skills needed to overcome stumbling blocks with all the competing demands on their time,” she said. “Anybody who has a sincere desire to change their life can do this.”
Customized Training
Customized training can also be arranged to meet business and industry needs to fill skills gaps and boost productivity.
“Workforce development bridges individual ambition and business growth by delivering the right skills at the right time, without the long wait of a full degree,” Keith Urbanski, workforce partnerships coordinator, said. “Being able to add things to your resume that don’t take four years to get is critical.”
Training bolsters knowledge, which benefits both individuals and businesses, he said.
“It’s a critical part of what people need to advance and what businesses need to move quicker,” Urbanski said. “By building skills faster than traditional degrees allow, workforce development empowers individuals to differentiate themselves and pursue new opportunities.”
He encouraged business and industry leaders to consider Professional and Workforce Development for training needs that are unique to their work.
“Don’t put yourself in a box,” he said. "Bring us your vision without focusing on the limitations. Before deciding what can’t be done, let’s explore what is possible and build a solution together.”
Learn More
Course and program offerings, funding opportunities and information on arranging for customized training can be found on the Professional and Workforce Development website.
Professional and Workforce Development offers training courses of varying lengths, many of them delivered online. Some prepare learners to sit for certification exams. Some are taught by U of A instructors and others by industry experts. Some are offered through educational partners such as Condensed Curriculum International, which provided the course Doshier selected.
Courses cover topics ranging from agriculture and aerospace to technology and computer applications.
And, like the U of A mission applies both to the academic credit offerings as well as workforce training options, learners in training programs are Razorbacks, Canty said.
“Just because you are here for such a short class, you’re still part of U of A,” she said. “You’re one of our students and we care about your success, and we’re going to celebrate you.”
Heidi Wells
Content Strategist
Heidi Wells is the content strategist for the Global Campus at the University of Arkansas and editor of The Online Learner. Her writing spans more than 30 years as a communicator at the U of A and a reporter and editor at Arkansas newspapers. Wells earned two degrees from the U of A: a master's in 2013 and a bachelor's in 1988.
Wells can be reached at heidiw@uark.edu or 479-575-7239.
Professional Workforce Development
Advance your career or start a new one with professional and workforce development classes offered by University of Arkansas academic colleges and industry experts. Our customized training brings experts to your organization to help fill skills gaps and boost productivity.
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