WASHINGTON, March 16, 2018 – UPCEA, the Washington, D.C.-based association for university leaders in professional, continuing, and online education, welcomed Dr. Sandi Pershing as the association’s 2018-19 President during the 2018 UPCEA Annual Conference. Pershing is Assistant Vice President for Engagement and a professor in the Master of Public Administration program at the University of Utah.

As UPCEA President, Pershing will encourage its membership to continue to develop new pathways for access, as well as championing diversity and inclusion efforts on their campuses. “I’m extremely passionate about access to higher education for all,” said Pershing. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to do this work every day, and am looking forward to working with UPCEA members everywhere in their efforts to build pipelines to and through higher education.”

Pershing has been with the University of Utah since 2000, and has served as Assistant Vice President for Engagement since 2011. Pershing also served as Assistant Dean, and as Dean of Continuing Education from 2004-2016. She has worked as an organizational consultant and trainer in the areas of teamwork, organizational change, strategic planning, leadership, learning transfer, time management, creativity, management, and conflict resolution. Pershing is also the co-author of Organization Theory and Governance for the 21st Century (2014) with Eric Austin, and she co-edited Classic Readings in Organizational Behavior (2008) with J. Steven Ott and Richard Simpson, and Classics in Public Administration (2003) with Jay Shafritz and Albert Hyde.

“Sandi has been a leader in our field for many years,” said UPCEA CEO Bob Hansen. “Her commitment ensuring all learners have access to higher education is inspiring, and I’m honored to partner with Sandi and her board as we move UPCEA into its next phase of growth.”

Pershing had previously served on the UPCEA Board and as Secretary/Treasurer.

Pershing earned a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Wyoming, after which she received her Ph.D. in Public Administration from Arizona State University. 

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About UPCEA

UPCEA is the association for professional, continuing, and online education. Founded in 1915, UPCEA now serves most of the leading public and private colleges and universities in North America. With innovative conferences and specialty seminars, research and benchmarking information, professional networking opportunities and timely publications, we support our members’ service of contemporary learners and commitment to quality online education and student success. Based in Washington, D.C., UPCEA builds greater awareness of the vital link between adult learners and public policy issues. Visit www.upcea.edu.