UPCEA Updates

It is with a heavy heart that we must inform you of the passing of one of our own. Dr. Pamela Wimbush, a friend, mentor, colleague, and member of the UPCEA’s Board of Directors passed away Tuesday. She will be missed, most acutely by her family and the dear friends she has all over the country.

Pam had a notable career starting out as an LMS administrator at UNC-Chapel Hill. With stops in Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, and Sacramento, she most recently became the inaugural dean of UIndy Online and the Sease Institute at the University of Indianapolis. She became a Chief Online Learning Officer after having done just about every job in online learning, and it showed.

“As I stated at the time she accepted the position, Dr. Wimbush’s extensive experience developing and supporting programming for post-traditional learners and community/corporate training was exactly what was needed,” shared University of Indianapolis Provost and Executive Vice President Dr. Chris Plouff. “Pam made a tremendous impact, both personally and professionally, in the short time she was with us and we are both grateful and incredibly saddened by this loss.” 

Pam lent her time and talents to many peers. Always offering a smile and encouragement, she was both the consummate professional and most collegial of volunteers. She was heavily involved in UPCEA as a regional leader, founding faculty member in UPCEA’s online professional development program, co-chair of the 2024 Summit for Online Leadership and Administration & Distance Teaching and Learning Conference, and most recently at the helm of UPCEA’s Engagement & Opportunity Committee, a board-level committee within the association.

“Dr. Wimbush’s life and career is evidence of the impact one person can have on individuals, institutions, and an entire field,” said Dr. Robert Hansen, CEO of UPCEA. “Her grace and wisdom extended beyond her individual relationships and influenced UPCEA’s professional development program, our events, our volunteer opportunities, and our governance. She was incredible and will be thoroughly missed by both our members and staff.”

Losing Dr. Pam Wimbush, a dear friend, mentor, and guiding light at UPCEA, reminds us that time is a gift, not a guarantee.  “Her unwavering dedication to education, her ability to uplift those around her, and her passion for lifelong learning shaped countless lives,” shared McCeil Johnson. “In her honor, let’s live fully, love deeply, and in all things, be kind, never taking a single moment for granted.”

Memories and love for Pam will live on in the lives she touched. She is survived by her brother, sister, and daughter. 

Cards can be sent to:

Dr. James C. Wimbush
1836 N. Delaware Street
Indianapolis, IN  46202

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Pam’s name to the American Lung Association. Her memorial will be held on Friday, June 20, 2025 and arranged by the Hairston Funeral Home, in Martinsville, Virginia.