10/16/24

By FHSU University Communications

DENVER, Colo., and HAYS, Kan. – IpX and Fort Hays State University are proud to announce a new strategic alliance set to redefine the integration of academia and industry, focusing on driving sustainable growth and innovation.

This new partnership brings IpX and FHSU together to build educational programs on the cutting edge of operations and production management and elevate and highlight the skills of the future workforce with digital credentials.

These programs will equip students with the skills and knowledge crucial for the future workforce of manufacturing in all industries. With Credly badging, this partnership will recognize the transferrable skills and achievements of those who obtain IpX’s industry-standard CM2 certifications and allow learners to earn University-endorsed continuing education units and apply those certifications toward undergraduate and graduate programs at Fort Hays State University through the credit for prior learning process.

If completed within the past three years, CM2-CORE and CM2-PRO certification holders may receive up to six hours of undergraduate degree-seeking credit or up to three hours of graduate degree-seeking credit, depending on their needs. Learners who achieve these certifications are also eligible for a digital badge, a digital credential to showcase their expertise.

"Our alliance with IpX is a momentous step in expanding our horizons,” FHSU President Tisa Mason said. “We are not just aiming to foster academic excellence but also to integrate this excellence with real-world industry demands. This partnership represents a convergence of academic rigor and industry relevance, poised to create a transformative educational experience."

“At IpX, our True North model aligns strategic goals with actionable results, said Joseph Anderson, IpX CEO. “Partnering with FHSU is a testament to this ethos. We see this collaboration as an opportunity to bring a fresh, industry-focused perspective to academic programs. Our aim is to bridge the gap between the classroom and the workplace, ensuring that graduates are not just academically proficient but also industry ready.”

Further plans are in the works to develop and deliver additional industry certifications, workforce training, professional development, and programming that enhances economic and community development in rural areas, particularly in the skilled trades, providing an opportunity to enhance programming at FHSU’s affiliated tech campuses, Fort Hays Tech – Northwest (Goodland) and Fort Hays Tech – Northcentral (Hays and Beloit).

To learn more about this partnership or the CM2 certification programs, visit IpX and CM2 Certification.

Founded in 1902, Fort Hays State University is a regional comprehensive public university located in Hays, Kansas. FHSU offers more than 80 academic programs at the certificate, associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Nearly 15,000 learners are served on-campus in Hays, online, or through international partnership programs.

IpX is the premier worldwide industrial resource for configuration management, systems engineering, operational excellence, digital transformation, and high-performance culture training, with courses offered in seven languages. IpX is best known for the creation of the industry-changing CM2 certification program initiated in 1986. Today, CM2 is the global industry standard for enterprise configuration and change management.