In April 2013, "NEJHE" launched its New Directions for Higher Education series to examine emerging issues, trends and ideas that have an impact on higher education policies, programs and practices. In this installment, DiSalvio interviews Pamela Tate, president and CEO of the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL). Topics discussed during this interview include: competency-based or prior-learning educational models; the future of traditional higher education; how prior learning assessment impacts completion rates; the fear that the competency-based approach to higher education could diminish the value of a college degree; what fundamental changes would need to take place before competency-based education could move into the mainstream; and what higher education leaders can do to prepare for the future challenges and opportunities related to this changing landscape