by Dr. Kasi Guillot, ISPI Academic Programs Director
As ISPI continues its Renaissance, a critical focus is academia’s role in performance improvement. ISPI has long welcomed both scholars and practitioners, but now we can intentionally reconnect these communities in meaningful, modern, mutually beneficial ways. The Academic Committee prioritizes connecting academic learning directly with real-world performance practice.
At the heart of this work is a simple but powerful idea: learning is not the end goal; performance is.
Academic programs provide knowledge, but students often lack a clear path to apply it, show competence, or connect with the professional community. We aim to close this gap.
Pathways for Students
Our primary initiative is to create structured pathways for students from learners to practitioners. We evaluate how academic coursework—applied projects, capstones, and dissertations-in-practice—demonstrates competence aligned with ISPI standards. Rather than viewing certification separately, we aim to integrate it with students' academic progression so they accumulate credentials like the CPT and CAIT.
This approach makes certification more accessible and spotlights the significance of hands-on, performance-based learning in academic programs. It encourages students to focus on showing what they can do, not just finishing assignments—an important mindset for future professionals.
Partnership with Colleges & Universities
At the same time, we are building stronger partnerships with colleges and universities. These go beyond just membership. We want ISPI to be a real academic partner—helping develop programs, making curricula more relevant, and giving students more chances to get involved in the field early on.
We are broadening academic memberships, engaging faculty and program leaders, and seeking avenues for collaboration—such as internships, research projects, and participation in ISPI activities, including the case study competition. These opportunities expose students to performance improvement in practice and foster growth in both competence and confidence.
Fresh Perspectives
Importantly, this work is not one-directional. Strengthening academic partnerships also brings fresh perspectives into ISPI. Students and faculty are exploring emerging areas such as AI, digital learning ecosystems, and evolving workforce needs, insights that are critical as the field continues to evolve. By creating stronger connections, we ensure that ISPI remains both grounded in its standards and responsive to the future of work.
Looking ahead, the Academic Committee wants to do more than just boost participation. We aim to build an ecosystem where learning, real-world application, and professional growth all connect. We will continue to improve pathways, expand partnerships, and help students see ISPI as a natural part of their academic journey.
The Renaissance is about renewal, but it is also about relevance.
By strengthening the connection between academia and practice, we are helping ensure that the next generation of performance improvement professionals is not only well-prepared but also well-connected, capable, and ready to make an impact.
For more information on ISPI's Academic Programs, contact Dr. Guillot.