From the CEO

UPCEA is pleased to announce the 2021 cohort of Bethaida “Bea” González Diversity in Leadership Scholars. We look forward to these eight individuals joining our learning community as they pursue the courses in their chosen certificate program. 

Representative and diverse leadership is a cornerstone of UPCEA’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusive Excellence. The goal of the Diversity Scholars program is to equip diverse professionals at any stage of their career with the skills and knowledge needed to move into leadership positions on campus, in the field of professional, continuing, and online (PCO) education, and in UPCEA.

“This year’s applicants demonstrate the meaningful and impactful work of UPCEA members to enhance diversity and inclusive excellence at their institutions. We look forward to the continued professional development of the 2021 González scholars and their role as change agents in the future,” said Dr. Christina Sax, Provost and Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs at Maryland University of Integrative Health and co-chair of UPCEA’s Diversity and Inclusive Excellence Committee.

The Diversity in Leadership Scholars program is named for Bethaida “Bea” González, 2014-15 UPCEA President and longtime leader at Syracuse University’s University College. 

“All of us teaching and learning in these programs benefit by how the Diversity in Leadership Scholars program enhances our courses and enriches the student experience,” added Dr. Jay Halfond, UPCEA Online Professional Development Faculty Director and Professor of the Practice Emeritus at Boston University. “This helps keep the diversity dialogue front-and-center. Our students come from very different backgrounds, institutions, and regions – and our Gonzáles Scholars further expand the rich, nationwide perspective students glean from our courses.”

The 2021 Diversity in Leadership Scholars are: 

• Rhonda Beckett, Assistant Director of Onboarding and Student Initiatives at Thomas Edison State University
• Lauren Benton, Social Media Coordinator at Mississippi State University
• Sarah Korpi, Acting Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Dinah Manns, Academic Research Director at Capella University
• Kristine Rodriguez-Kerr, Academic Director and Clinical Associate Professor at New York University
• Anthony Scott, Director of Undergraduate Applied and Professional Studies at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
• Lalitha Subramanian, Assistant Director at the University of Washington
• Brad Washington, Manager of Design and Development at Western Governors University’s Teachers College

Each Diversity in Leadership Scholar is receiving a full scholarship for the PCO Professional Certificate or the PCO Leader Certificate (both certificates consist of five courses). 

 

Learn more about UPCEA’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusive Excellence.

Learn more about UPCEA’s online professional development program.