WASHINGTON, D.C., September 29, 2025 — UPCEA is pleased to announce that the 2025 Jim Fong Grant for Advancing Online and Professional Education has been awarded to Morgan State University’s Center for Continuing and Professional Studies. Morgan State’s submission contained broad ambitions, notable contributions to the field, and aligned with UPCEA’s suite of services.  

“We are deeply honored that Morgan State University has been selected as the inaugural recipient of the Jim Fong Grant,” said David K. Wilson, president of Morgan State University. “This recognition underscores our commitment to advancing innovative, workforce-relevant educational pathways that not only meet the needs of learners in Baltimore and beyond but also set a national example for HBCUs and urban public institutions. With the support of UPCEA, our Center for Continuing and Professional Studies will be well-positioned to expand opportunities, strengthen employer alignment, and further our mission of serving as an engine of access and excellence.” — Dr. David K. Wilson, President, Morgan State University 

Impact to the Field 

This project has the potential to serve as a national model for other Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), public urban-serving institutions, and adult-focused units that are navigating both financial pressures and the imperative for inclusive, workforce-relevant programming. Through its outcomes, the project will strengthen alignment between training offerings and employer demand, particularly in the Greater Baltimore region; demonstrate how HBCUs can lead in non-credit innovation despite constrained institutional research capacity; provide a blueprint for transitioning underfunded units into entrepreneurial, impact-driven operations without sacrificing access or mission. For CCPS specifically, the research will shape its transition to a revenue-generating division, position it as the exclusive provider of non-credit offerings at Morgan State, and ensure its programs are informed by employer and learner needs—not assumptions. 

“Receiving the 2025 Jim Fong Grant from UPCEA is a milestone moment for Morgan State University’s Center for Continuing and Professional Studies (CCPS). Rooted in Jim Fong’s vision of data-driven innovation, this award equips CCPS with the tools to expand market intelligence and design workforce-aligned programs that meet the needs of today’s learners. With President David Wilson’s leadership inspiring our pursuit of innovation, sustainability and excellence, this grant strengthens Morgan’s capacity to serve Baltimore and beyond while positioning Morgan as a model for how HBCUs can reimagine continuing and professional education for modern learners.” — Dr. Nilajah Nyasuma Sims, Executive Director, Center for Continuing and Professional Studies  

UPCEA will conduct an Occupational Opportunity Model, Alumni Survey, and Occupational Mapping Analysis to provide Morgan State University’s Center for Continuing and Professional Studies with foundational market intelligence and programming recommendations that can support the unit’s progress towards transforming the unit into a self-sustaining revenue entity. 

“I am delighted that the Center for Continuing and Professional Studies (CCPS) is the 2025 recipient of UPCEA’s Jim Fong Grant! This recognition affirms the truly transformative work of CCPS and also provides them with vital funding to assess and reimagine their current strategies for engaging and supporting adult learners, while also developing new initiatives and pathways that prepare them for successful and sustainable careers in today’s workforce and beyond. “ — Dr. Patricia Williams Dockery, Associate Vice President, Office of the Provost 

“UPCEA is proud to award the inaugural Jim Fong Grant to Morgan State University, whose innovative work will strengthen workforce relevance and serve as a model for institutions nationwide,” said UPCEA’s CEO, Bob Hansen. “This new award also reflects the immense debt our association and the entire field of online and professional education owe to Jim, whose vision and leadership continue to shape our future.” 

Congratulations to Morgan State University’s Center for Continuing and Professional Studies! 

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About UPCEA 

UPCEA is the online and professional education association. Our members continuously reinvent higher education, positively impacting millions of lives. We proudly lead and support them through cutting edge research, professional development, networking and mentorship, conferences and seminars, and stakeholder advocacy. Our collaborative, entrepreneurial community brings together decision makers and influencers in education, industry, research, and policy interested in improving educational access and outcomes. Learn more at upcea.edu. 

CONTACT: 

Jean Simmons, UPCEA Director of Marketing 

[email protected]