UPCEA Updates

UPCEA is pleased to announce the 2023 cohort of Bethaida “Bea” González Diversity in Leadership Scholars. 

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 online and professional education, and in UPCEA.

“We are honored to have so many amazing applicants that have demonstrated their devotion and dedication to enhancing diversity and inclusive excellence at their institutions. We look forward to the continued professional development of the 2023 González Scholars and their role as change agents in the future,” said Jasmeial “Jazz” Jackson, Ed.D., Vice Provost and Chief Student Success, Equity and Inclusion Officer at Thomas Edison State University 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. 

“It is with great pride that we congratulate this year’s González Scholars,” said UPCEA CEO Bob Hansen. “You embody the spirit of progress and transformation that Bea championed throughout her higher education career.” 

The 2023 Diversity in Leadership Scholars are: 

• Ramon De Los Santos, LaGuardia Community College
• Mary Hinson, Southern New Hampshire University
• Heather Murphy, University at Albany-SUNY
• Shirmenia Nunes, Georgia State University
• Diana Theisinger, College of William & Mary
• Maria Tobar, Johns Hopkins University
• Sandra Watts, University of North Carolina at Charlotte

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). 

We look forward to these seven individuals joining our learning community as they pursue the courses in their certificate program. 

The 2023 Gonzalez Scholarship review committee is Saira Cooper, Rice University; Juleisy Gomez, William Patterson University; Anna Mehl, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Heather McCullough, University of North Carolina System Office; Pamela Wimbush, California State University, Sacramento; and Nichole Henry, Syracuse University.

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

Learn more about UPCEA’s online professional development program.