Alternative Credentials Network

The mission of the Alternative Credentials Network is to share best practices and emerging trends related to non-degree or non-credit credentials, sometimes considered alternative credentials by postsecondary leaders. This is done through the exchange of ideas, programs, services, and initiatives that expand member knowledge regarding new, innovative, and entrepreneurial programs to serve the needs of diverse learners.

The Network represents postsecondary professionals who work within externally focused professional, continuing and online (PCO) divisions and units at post-secondary institutions. Network members are increasingly valued at their institutions as they are at the forefront of an emerging field identified for investment and expansion by many C-suite leaders.

Who Should Join?

The Alternative Credentials Network serves all sorts of professionals, and the following individuals may find value in the conversations and connections:

  • Senior leaders charged with driving non-degree credential strategy at the unit or campus level
  • Non-credit program administrators
  • Deans 
  • Provosts
  • Directors
  • Managers
  • Vice Presidents
  • ...and all other interested UPCEA Members!

Join the Discussion

Log in to CORe, UPCEA's member community and online networking space where you can ask, answer or search for questions on relevant topics. Get advice, answers and ideas from your colleagues online via CORe, UPCEA's professional networking platform.

Your membership gives you full access to:

  • Active conversations, and the chance to ask your questions in real time
  • Robust search of conversation archive
  • A diverse resource library
  • UPCEA's entire member directory
  • Exclusive member content -- including benchmarking studies, conference session slides, and webinar recordings

Attend Network Events

The Alternative Credentials Network curates webinars and coffee chats throughout the year, on a number of topics related to the work of the Network. Check out the event page linked below and keep an eye out for our upcoming events.

Today, the field of professional, continuing, online education is characterized by engagement in very complex, highly specialized areas of practice. UPCEA’s eight Networks are designed to serve professionals practicing in the key areas that define this vibrant and growing sector of higher education.


Networks are open to any UPCEA Member. Members can join any one (or multiple) of these networks by logging in to their profile, going down to My Networks + Committees then click "Browse Networks + Committees". Select the network you would like to join, and click "Join this Network/Committee".

Recent Network Newsletters

Stay up to date with Network news and happenings!

Volunteer and grow as a leader, presenter, or mentor.

Take an active role in your membership! Members are encouraged to serve as volunteer leaders. There are many ways to get involved! Click below and let us know how you'd like to volunteer with UPCEA.

2024-2025

Leadership Team

Javier Motta-Mena

CHAIR

Arizona State University
[email protected]

Alex Lowrie

CHAIR-ELECT & CO-VICE CHAIR, COMMUNICATIONS

University of California, Davis
[email protected]

Chris Edwards

PAST CHAIR

Gary Chinn

CO-VICE CHAIR, ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND SPECIAL EVENTS

Penn State University
[email protected]

Amber Smallwood

CO-VICE CHAIR, ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND SPECIAL EVENTS

University of Texas at Arlington
[email protected]

Katy Coutley

VICE CHAIR, AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

Rhode Island College
[email protected]

Susan Zukowski

CO-VICE CHAIR, COMMUNICATIONS

National University
[email protected]

Noah Geisel

VICE CHAIR, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

University of Colorado, Boulder
[email protected]

Saira Cooper

CO-VICE CHAIR, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Rice University
[email protected]

Matt DiPirro

CO-VICE CHAIR, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Southern New Hampshire University
[email protected]

Claudia Arcolin

VICE CHAIR, AT-LARGE

University of Texas, San Antonio
[email protected]

Emily Bernhard

VICE CHAIR, AT-LARGE

University of Southern Maine
[email protected]

Veronica Donahue

VICE CHAIR, AT-LARGE

Johns Hopkins University
[email protected]

Sarah Dysart

VICE CHAIR, AT-LARGE

University of Michigan
[email protected]

Maggie Ervin

VICE CHAIR, AT-LARGE

Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville
[email protected]

Anne Innis

VICE CHAIR, AT-LARGE

University of Utah
[email protected]

Rod Lastra

VICE CHAIR, AT-LARGE

University of Manitoba
[email protected]

Charles McGinnis

VICE CHAIR, AT-LARGE

Goodwin University
[email protected]

Joe Mullen

VICE CHAIR, AT-LARGE

Eric Sembrat

VICE CHAIR, AT-LARGE

Georgia Institute of Technology
[email protected]

Kristin Marengo

VICE CHAIR, AT-LARGE

Worcester Polytechnic Institute
[email protected]

Garrett Stern

VICE CHAIR, AT-LARGE

Furman University
[email protected]

Beth Romanski

VICE CHAIR, AT-LARGE

Johns Hopkins University
[email protected]

Sandra von Doetinchem

VICE CHAIR, AT-LARGE
23109270222_913907ae48_k

Get Involved with UPCEA

Professional development isn't just about attending sessions. Get involved with UPCEA to meet members from other institutions, share the great work your institution is doing, and hone your own skills. From submitting a session proposal for a conference or an article for a publication to serving as a volunteer on a conference planning committee, there are as many ways to engage with us!

22705011037_217e9a2505_k

Awards of Excellence

Since 1953, UPCEA has recognized its members' outstanding contributions to the Association and the field, as well as their achievements in innovative programming, marketing and promotion, community development and services, research and publications, and many other areas.