Credential Innovation Network

The Credential Innovation Network fosters collaboration and knowledge sharing among professionals advancing flexible, skills-focused, and learner-driven credentialing pathways. By exchanging ideas, programs, and initiatives, we empower members to develop and implement innovative solutions that expand opportunities for lifelong learning and workforce development.

The Network represents leaders in online and professional continuing education divisions who drive institutional success by shaping the future of education and creating impactful, learner-centered credentials.

Who Should Join?

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

  • Senior leaders charged with driving strategy pertaining to non-credit courses at the unit or campus level
  • Non-degree 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 to support your professional development
  • UPCEA's entire member directory
  • Exclusive member content -- including benchmarking studies, conference session slides, and webinar recordings

Attend Network Events

The Credential Innovation 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 nine Networks are designed to serve professionals practicing in these key areas by fostering professional growth, enhancing leadership, and offering valuable networking and community service opportunities within 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.

2026-2027

Leadership Team

John McKenzie

CHAIR

University of North Texas Health Science Center
[email protected]

Saira Cooper

CHAIR-ELECT

Rice University
[email protected]

Alex Lowrie

PAST CHAIR

University of California, Davis
[email protected]

Garrett Stern

VICE CHAIR, ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Furman University
[email protected]

Maria Simon

VICE CHAIR, AWARDS

Matt DiPirro

VICE CHAIR, AWARDS

Southern New Hampshire University
[email protected]

Amy Mackenroth

VICE CHAIR, COMMUNICATIONS

Dallas College
[email protected]

Rod Lastra

VICE CHAIR, ENGAGEMENT AND OPPORTUNITY

University of Manitoba
[email protected]

Elizabeth Kerr

VICE CHAIR, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

University of Cincinnati
[email protected]

Allison Rief

VICE CHAIR, AT-LARGE

University of Arizona Global Campus
[email protected]

Devin Miles

VICE CHAIR, AT-LARGE

Oregon State University Ecampus
[email protected] 

Erin Riesgo

VICE CHAIR, AT-LARGE

University of Arizona
[email protected]

Jennifer Deutsch

VICE CHAIR, AT-LARGE

Northern State University
[email protected]

Jessica Normoyle

VICE CHAIR, AT-LARGE

University of Arizona
[email protected] 

Kristin Vanselow

VICE CHAIR, AT-LARGE

Florida Gulf Coast University
[email protected]

Neil Gregerson

VICE CHAIR, AT-LARGE

Lone Star College - System Office
[email protected]

Phyllis Watson

VICE CHAIR, AT-LARGE

Florida A&M University
[email protected]

Rob Moore

VICE CHAIR, AT-LARGE

University of Florida
[email protected]

Sandra von Doetinchem

VICE CHAIR, AT-LARGE

Independent
[email protected]

Will Trevor

VICE CHAIR, AT-LARGE

Columbia University
[email protected]

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.