Industry Insights

Valuable insights from UPCEA's trusted corporate partners.

Ten Ways to S.K.I.L.L.: Strengthening Knowledge Through Industry-Linked Learning in Higher Education

January 27, 2025

During a recent Virtual Masterclass titled Strategies for Integrating Micro-Credentials into Curriculum, I had the privilege of joining Lancie Affonso from the College of Charleston to explore how industry-recognized microcredentials can enhance course outcomes. Lancie shared examples of how microcredentials can bridge the gap between academic theory and professional practice while meeting students’ diverse interests…

Future-Proofing Professional Education: A Growth Playbook for 2025

January 10, 2025

In 2025, online, professional, and continuing education leaders are navigating a challenging yet transformative period. Rising demands for skills-based, flexible learning are matched by an increasingly competitive landscape.  Today’s adult learners, who often balance work and study, seek programs that offer immediate value, clear career pathways, and lifelong learning opportunities. As traditional degree enrollment declines,…

How High Exam Pass Rates Benefit Students, Schools & Communities

January 3, 2025

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare education, student success is paramount. One crucial marker of a student’s success is their ability to pass a certification exam. Beyond personal achievement, successful exam outcomes carry profound implications for the students, their educational institutions, and the communities they serve. Let’s delve into the multifaceted benefits that stem from…

Strategic Marketing Best Practices to Reach Military-Connected Students

November 27, 2024

Military-connected students (veterans, active duty service members, National Guard and Reserves members, and their families) represent a valuable but often overlooked demographic in higher education. These individuals bring a strong sense of purpose, discipline, and a commitment to service to campus—qualities that make them outstanding students and future leaders. As higher education institutions seek to…

Understanding Cost Per Inquiry in Higher Education Marketing

November 26, 2024

Marketing cost per inquiry (CPI) is a primary signifier of how well your marketing is performing, but it has historically lacked a critical aspect that makes it a valuable barometer for success: its very own benchmark. Search Influence and UPCEA have addressed this crucial gap in higher education marketing with our Marketing Metrics Research Report:…

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Other Blogs and News:

UPCEA’s Corporate Member Blog Series #3 | The Partner Playbook: 5 Ways to Help Universities Win the “Modern Learner”

The “traditional” student is quickly becoming a relic of a bygone era. The future of enrollment is concentrated in new, non-traditional markets: adult learners seeking rapid re-skilling, dual-enrolled high school students, and the millions of Americans with “some college, no credential” who represent a significant scalable opportunity for growth. Universities know they must pivot decisively…

Higher Education at a Crossroads: Leadership, Strategy, and Stewardship

Reflections from a Fireside Chat with President Jon Alger on March 18, 2026 There are moments in this fellowship year that feel distinctly formative—where the conversation you’re facilitating is also, quietly, shaping you. Last week’s fireside chat with American University President Jon Alger was one of those moments for me. As part of my ACE…

The 41 Million SCNC: Why Higher Ed’s Greatest Failure is the Refusal to Recognize Real Life

There has been much discussion about the more than 41 million US learners with “Some College No Credential” (SCNC) over the past several years. Despite a strategic focus by higher education institutions to re-enroll these learners, and with some success, the population has continued to grow. UPCEA hosted a strategic conversation with the Council for…

Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Student Recruitment

I recently contributed a chapter in the recently released book, AI Applications in Online Higher Education Administration: Strategies for Maximizing Returns and Improving Outcomes edited by Kathleen Ives, Marie Cini, and Ray Schroeder. This blog highlights key take-aways from my chapter. Higher education recruitment is undergoing one of the most significant transformations in decades. Traditional…

Public Comment Period Opens on Workforce Pell Implementation Rules (Due April 8) | Policy Matters (March 2026)

Major Updates Public Comment Period Opens on Workforce Pell Implementation Rules (Due April 8) The U.S. Department of Education has officially opened the public comment period on proposed regulations to implement Workforce Pell Grants, with comments due April 8, 2026. These grants offer a new federal financial aid pathway that will allow students to use…

Leading Change in a Time of Financial Pressure: Insights from UPCEA Senior Leaders

In March 2026, UPCEA convened senior leaders from across higher education for a timely conversation about how institutions are navigating one of the most challenging periods the sector has faced in decades. Hosted in partnership with the UPCEA Council for Chief Online Learning Officers and the UPCEA Council for Credential Innovation, the 2026 Senior Leader…