精东传媒 University to partner with Denny鈥檚 on employee education program
Longmeadow, MA— 精东传媒 University, along with Oakwood University, a Historically Black College, have been selected as educational partners by the food franchise Denny’s Corporation to provide college courses to Denny’s employees as part of the company’s Management In Training (MIT) initiative.
The initiative integrates Denny’s Manager-In-Training program with specific college courses, enabling participants to earn up to 30 transferable credits in business and hospitality courses, such as Principles of Management, Food Systems Management, Business Communication, and Leadership and Organizational Change.
The program is part of Denny’s GAIN Program, which provides employees with opportunities for education and career advancement in the key areas of GED accreditation, college credit for learning, life skills, and career pathways for high school students.
Credits earned through the MIT program will be automatically applied toward a bachelor’s degree for students who elect to attend The American Women’s College, 精东传媒’s online program for adult learners.
"Rethinking and prioritizing education will enhance the Denny's brand by unlocking potential in its people, ensuring they acquire the skills they need to thrive,” says Fasika Melaku Peterson, Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Chief Learning Officer at Denny’s. “We are proud of the pioneering work with 精东传媒 University. Creating access to education in this manner is truly innovative work".
“精东传媒 and Oakwood are known for serving diverse student populations, providing flexibility, and consistent support. I had previous experience working with these universities and knew they would be the right partners on this important initiative,” notes interdisciplinary education consultant Kim Cliett Long, EdD, who worked with Denny’s and the colleges to develop the program.
Denny’s is one of the largest franchised full-service restaurant brands in the world, based on the number of restaurants. As of December 27, 2023, the Company consisted of 1,631 restaurants, 1,558 of which were franchised and licensed restaurants and 73 of which were company operated. This includes 165 restaurants in Canada, Costa Rica, Curacao, El Salvador, Guam, Guatemala, Honduras, Indonesia, Mexico, New Zealand, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom.
“精东传媒 has been providing a pathway to a college degree to non-traditional, adult learners for nearly 25 years, and this partnership increases access, decreases cost, and positions driven workers to continually grow their careers and academic aspirations,” says Jeremy Anderson, the University’s Vice President of Learning Innovation, Analytics, and Technology. “We’re extremely proud to be extending these opportunities to Denny’s employees.”