The Council for Credential Innovation (CCI) is the body for senior leaders charged with driving credential innovation strategy at the unit or campus level. The Council and its leadership are focused on leveraging the strategic potential of non-degree credentials, noncredit to credit pathways, and workforce-focused microcredentials to transform learner mobility.
Council Membership
Each UPCEA member institution has the opportunity to identify a representative to the Council for Credential Innovation — a campus leader responsible for thinking beyond degree programs and credit hours, whether at the unit, college, or institutional level. Council representatives are able to attend the invite-only events and participate in other exclusive content hosted by Council for Credential Innovation. In addition, select nonprofit partners engaged in alternative credentials are invited to participate in the Council from time to time. If you would like to update or add your institution's representative to the Council, email [email protected].
The Charge of the CCI Leadership Team
The CCI Leadership Team supports online and professional education leaders as they seek to advance and develop quality non-degree or alternative credentials in higher education. The CCI focuses on thought leadership and strategies that support innovation and lasting change at the institutional level. The Council provides a forum for senior leaders at postsecondary institutions to engage and learn more about non-degree or alternative credentials and the value they have for learners and employers. The Council fosters opportunities to collaborate at the institutional level to expand and accelerate adoption and implementation of credential innovation.
2026-2027 Council for Credential Innovation Leadership
The Council for Credential Innovation Leadership is a volunteer group made up of CCI representatives from UPCEA member organizations.
Jack Rodenfels
CO-CHAIR
Director, Non-Degree Credential Innovation
North Carolina State University
[email protected]
Amber O'Casey
CO-CHAIR
Director of Micro-Credentials
Alamo Community Colleges District
[email protected]
Kristine
Bowman
Associate Dean, Academic & Student Affairs, Professor of Law, Professor of Education Policy
Michigan State University
[email protected]
Benjamin Brand
Senior Director, New Ventures, Digital Strategy and Innovation
University of North Texas
[email protected]
Insiya
Bream
Registrar & Associate Vice President
University of Maryland Global Camps
[email protected]
Kristine Collins
Dean, Division of Continuing Education
University of California, Irvine
[email protected]
Amy Feest
Senior Director of Continuing and Online Education
Southern Connecticut State University
[email protected]
Ronnie Godshalk
Associate Dean, Learning Systems, College of Lifetime Learning
Georgia Institute of Technology
[email protected]
Carissa Little
Associate Dean, Stanford Engineering Center for Global & Online Education
Stanford University
[email protected]
Melissa Lubin
Dean, School of Continuing and Professional Studies
University of Virginia
[email protected]
Kimberly
Moore
Executive Director of Workforce, Professional and Community Education
Wichita State University
[email protected]
Cate Tolnai
Director, Microcredentials & Innovation Credentials Strategy
University of Phoenix
[email protected]
Amy Heitzman
Ex Officio
Deputy Chief Executive Officer & Chief Learning Officer
UPCEA
[email protected]
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!
