From the CEO

In 1915, UPCEA’s founders built this association on a simple idea: carrying knowledge to the people. That founding purpose never had an expiration date, and it does not have one now. It is why, more than a century later, the question in front of us was never whether professional learning needs to change. It is how fast we lead that change, and who we bring with us when we do.

Artificial intelligence, shifting learner expectations, demographic change, workforce partnerships, new credential models: none of these are trends we get to wait out. They are simply the operating conditions of this field now. As our institutions evolve to meet them, so must the people leading that evolution.

UPCEA’s Digital Learning Academy is not a new logo on an old catalog. It is a rebuilt pathway: Essential Learning for those building foundational knowledge and exploring emerging topics, Professional Practice for those developing job-ready skills with real instructor support, and Leadership Development for those preparing to run these enterprises, anchored by our new Enterprise Leadership Certificate. AI-focused development runs through every tier of that pathway, not set apart as a track of its own.

One of the two concentrations within the Enterprise Leadership Certificate is designed specifically for Chief Online Learning Officers. It reflects what we have heard from institutional leaders across the country: today’s online education leaders need professional development that speaks directly to the strategic, operational, and organizational realities of their roles. 

Today’s higher education leaders need learning that fits the job they are already doing and that grows with them as their responsibilities evolve, from first exposure to a topic to running a full-scale digital enterprise. The Academy was built for that reality.

None of this would have been possible without the vision and leadership of Amy Heitzman, UPCEA’s Deputy CEO and Chief Learning Officer, who succinctly summarized the goal of this initiative:

“We designed the Digital Learning Academy to meet professionals where they are. Whether someone is exploring a new area, building practical skills, or preparing for executive leadership, the Academy offers learning experiences that are flexible, immediately applicable, and connected to long-term career growth.”

That is the commitment behind every tier of this pathway: meet people where they are, and help them get to where the field needs them to be next.

The Academy is not a standalone initiative. It builds on the broader work UPCEA is doing to help institutions navigate change, from our strong research and consulting team, our new AI Hub and newly released Hallmarks of Excellence in Digital Learning Enterprises, to our industry leading conferences and professional networks. Together, these efforts are designed to equip higher education leaders with the knowledge, tools, and community they need to lead with confidence in a rapidly changing environment. 

The future of higher education will be shaped by professionals who prioritize learning and development, lead with judgment and innovate with intention. UPCEA is proud to be their partner in that work, and the launch of the Digital Learning Academy marks the next chapter. If you lead, or intend to lead an online, professional, or continuing education enterprise, take a look at what we built. The people who told us what they needed are the ones who will tell you we delivered. Explore the Academy, and take the next step on your own terms.