Meet Our Team: Ryan Mass

From launching LDI partnerships to running half marathons for a cause, Ryan Mass brings dedication, resilience, and vision to every aspect of his work.
Post Date: 
Monday, June 2, 2025

In this edition of our Meet the Team series, we’re proud to introduce Ryan Mass, Director of Partnerships for the Learning and Development Initiative (LDI). A long-time advocate for continuing education, Ryan has been instrumental in building LDI’s network of trusted providers and ensuring each program meets NJIT’s high standards. His journey—from over a decade at NJIT to mentoring through personal health challenges—reflects a deep commitment to both professional growth and community impact

  • What inspired you to join the Learning and Development Initiative?

    • I have been with NJIT for 10 years and always worked in some forms of continuing education. This was a natural progression for me to join at the inception and was thrilled when the university had the forward-thinking approach to include the LDI in their 2030 strategic plan and really put an emphasis on continued learning and workforce development.

 

  • How does your role contribute to shaping workforce development and continuing education?

    • My current role within the LDI is to source and manage a portfolio of education companies that provide noncredit content with a focus of upskilling the workforce in a variety of disciplines. The LDI carefully vets each company to ensure they meet the strict standards set by the Office of Continued Learning at NJIT. Some topics include Cyber Security, Game Design, Digital Marketing, & Project Management.

 

  • What’s one professional accomplishment you're especially proud of since joining LDI?

    • I am proud to have been with the LDI since its inception and build out the partnership verticals. We have since grown to managing five providers that excel in offering meaningful programs to upskill our community and region.

 

  • What’s one skill or topic you believe every professional should be learning right now—and why?

    • AI is obviously the front runner in today’s marketplace which has a broad context and can be scary for individuals to know where to begin. This is a critical skill that will be integrated into everyday life and have significant impact on job markets as companies find creative ways to infuse it into their strategic visions. The LDI has made this a priority for our learners to help meet this demand through a variety of courses, workshops, and micro credentials.

 

  • What's something people might be surprised to learn about you?

    • One surprising fact is that I got into the running scene in an unconventional way: after being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in 2007. Two years of treatments and 3 surgeries later, I finally had a grasp on my health.  I didn’t want to take my health for granted again, so I signed up for a half marathon with the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation to help fundraise money towards research and as well as be a mentor to others going through similar issues as myself.