We are now simply "UPCEA" (no longer known as the University Professional and Continuing Education Association). Learn more.

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.

UPCEA supports thousands of current and future leaders in online and professional continuing education.

CONNECTIONS

We provide year-round networking, learning and mentorship opportunities through in-person meetings and digital platforms.

RESOURCES

We produce cutting edge research, benchmark studies, best practices guides and quality metrics for the benefit of all of our members.

BEST PRACTICES

We facilitate engagement among our members to share best practices, success strategies and information with one another.

SOLUTIONS PROVIDERS

We connect our institutional members with a broad range of solution and service providers who can assist them in enhancing their offerings and outcomes.

EVENTS

We host vital conferences, seminars and other events focused on the strategic aspects of growing and managing online and professional continuing education programs.

RESEARCH & CONSULTING

We offer high-value custom research and consulting services for members at affordable rates.

SHARING SCHOLARSHIP & NEWS

We curate news and views of relevance to our members and disseminate them through convenient email newsletters and digital publications.

POLICY

We educate policy makers, researchers, foundations, and other key stakeholders on issues surrounding online, professional, and continuing education.

DIVERSITY

We enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion in the field by providing opportunities for members of all backgrounds and lived experiences to learn, grow, connect, and promote positive change at their institutions.

UPCEA is an inclusive organization supporting and welcoming individual and institutional diversity. We strive for diversity in membership and leadership, including representation from all types of institutions and individuals from all races, genders, and backgrounds.

Board of Directors

The UPCEA Board of Directors directs the affairs of the Association, determines its policies, and advances its goals, except as otherwise provided in the Association's Bylaws. The Board meets in-person at least twice per year, with additional meetings being held virtually.

2023-2024 Board of Directors
David Dave Cillay

Dave Cillay

BOARD PRESIDENT

Washington State University
[email protected]

Kim Siegenthaler

Kim Siegenthaler

PRESIDENT-ELECT

The City University of New York 
[email protected]

Lisa Templeton

Lisa Templeton

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT

Oregon State University
[email protected]

Robert Bruce

Robert Bruce

SECRETARY/TREASURER

Rice University
[email protected]

Photo of a person (Asim Ali) smiling at the camera

Asim Ali

NETWORK SENATE CHAIR

Auburn University
[email protected]

Jenni Murphy headshot

Jenni Murphy

REGIONAL CABINET CHAIR

California State University, Sacramento
[email protected]

A man (Bob Hansen) is dressed in a blue suit smiling for a headshot.

Bob Hansen

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Tonya Amankwatia

Tonya Amankwatia

DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE

North Carolina A&T State University
[email protected]

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Shino John

DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE

Rutgers University
[email protected]

Yakut Gazi

Yakut Gazi

DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE

Duke University
[email protected]

Christopher Guymon

Christopher Guymon

DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE

Utah Tech University
[email protected]

Paul Huckett

Paul Huckett

DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE

Johns Hopkins University
[email protected]

Charles Iacovou

Charles Iacovou

DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE

Wake Forest University
[email protected]

Photo of a person (George Irvine) wearing glasses and smiling at the camera

George Irvine

DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE

University of Delaware
[email protected]

Heather McCullough headshot

Heather McCullough

DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE

University of North Carolina System Office
[email protected]

Breeda McGrath

Breeda McGrath

DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
[email protected]

joshua steele

Josh Steele

DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE

University of Tennessee, Knoxville
[email protected]

Tatum Thomas headshot

Tatum Thomas

DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE

DePaul University
[email protected]

Tanya Zlateva

Tanya Zlateva

DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE

Boston University
[email protected]

Photo of a person (Jasmeial Jazz Jackson) smiling at the camera

Jasmeial "Jazz" Jackson

DIVERSITY & INCLUSIVENESS COMMITTEE CHAIR

Thomas Edison State University
[email protected]

Andrea Carroll-Glover

Andrea Carroll-Glover

CORPORATE REPRESENTATIVE

Ruffalo Noel Levitz
[email protected]

Our Team

UPCEA Staff

A man (Bob Hansen) is dressed in a blue suit smiling for a headshot.

Robert Hansen

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

202-659-3130
[email protected] 

A person (Stacy Chiaramonte) smiles at the camera.

Stacy Chiaramonte

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, STRATEGY AND OPERATIONS FOR UPCEA RESEARCH AND CONSULTING
A man (Jordan DiMaggio) with a beard is dressed in a suit with a plaid dress shirt for a headshot.

Jordan DiMaggio

VICE PRESIDENT, POLICY AND DIGITAL STRATEGY

202-400-2689
[email protected]

A woman (Mel Edwards) with glasses on is smiling and looking at the camera

Mel Edwards

DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

202-400-2569
[email protected]

A man (Bruce Etter) is dressed in a blue suit smiling for a headshot.

Bruce Etter

SENIOR DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH & CONSULTING

814-933-9237
[email protected]

A man (Joe Fedak) is dressed in a blue suit smiling for a headshot.

Joe Fedak

SENIOR DIRECTOR, EVENTS & ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, COMMUNICATIONS

202-400-2684
[email protected]

Patrick Flanigan

Patrick Flanigan

DIRECTOR, ONLINE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

202-916-8257
[email protected]

Jim Fong

Jim Fong

CHIEF RESEARCH OFFICER
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India Gaskins

DIRECTOR, BUSINESS OPERATIONS AND FINANCE

202-400-2564
[email protected]

A man (Jay Halfond) smiles at the camera for a headshot.

Jay A. Halfond

VICE PRESIDENT, INSTITUTIONAL PLANNING
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Opal Hawkins

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

202.400.2701
[email protected]

Amy-Heitzman-headshot-500x500-1

Amy Heitzman

DEPUTY CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER & CHIEF LEARNING OFFICER

202-400-2683
[email protected]

A woman (Kathleen Ives) is dressed in a green sweater and smiling for a headshot.

Kathleen Ives

CHIEF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT OFFICER & SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF MEMBER ENGAGEMENT

978-609-0651
[email protected]

Brandan Kaiser

Brandan Kaiser

VICE PRESIDENT, MEMBERSHIP & CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS

202-844-4242
[email protected]

A woman (Molly Nelson) is dressed in a black blazer and black and white blouse and smiling for a headshot.

Molly K. Nelson

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER & VICE PRESIDENT, COMMUNICATIONS

202-400-2676
[email protected]

A man (Matt Norsworthy) with glasses and a beard is smiling and looking at the camera for a headshot

Matt Norsworthy

DIRECTOR, INTEGRATED SOLUTIONS AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

912-977-0459
[email protected]

A woman (Melissa Peraino) with glasses on is smiling and looking at the camera for a headshot

Melissa Peraino

DIRECTOR OF CONTENT DEVELOPMENT AND VOLUNTEER LEADER MANAGEMENT

616-329-5486
[email protected]

Jacqueline Romero

Jacqueline Romero

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, PROGRAMS

202-400-2568
[email protected]

Jean Simmons

Jean Simmons

DIRECTOR, MARKETING
Julie Uranis

Julie Uranis

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, ONLINE AND STRATEGIC INITIATIVES

202-400-2567
[email protected]

Photo of a person (Emily West) smiling at the camera

Emily West

MARKET RESEARCH ANALYST

Senior Fellows

Dave Jarrat

Dave Jarrat

SENIOR FELLOW
A man (Ray Schroeder) is dressed in a suit with a blue tie and wearing glasses.

Ray Schroeder

SENIOR FELLOW

202-659-3130
[email protected]

Strategic Advisors

Bylaws

UPCEA's Bylaws set out the purposes and general organizational structure for the Association.

Approved March 23, 2023

UPCEA Statements
In most cases, UPCEA does not make statements on social issues, events, or activities occurring outside higher education. We remain steadfast in our commitment to the association’s mission and the values articulated in the association’s diversity, equity, and inclusion vision statement.

Contact UPCEA

Questions about UPCEA? Feel free to contact us at [email protected], 202-659-3130 during business hours or reach out to specific members of our team.

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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!

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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.