New professional learning ecosystem offers flexible pathways for career growth, practical skill development, and leadership advancement

WASHINGTON, D.C. — August 4, 2026 — UPCEA, the online and professional education association, today announced the launch of the UPCEA Digital Learning Academy, a comprehensive professional learning ecosystem designed to help higher education professionals build knowledge, develop practical skills, and prepare for leadership in a rapidly evolving landscape.

The Digital Learning Academy brings together UPCEA’s professional development offerings within a flexible, connected framework that supports learners at every stage of their careers. Through a combination of self-paced learning, instructor-led courses, short learning experiences, and leadership development opportunities, the Academy provides professionals with multiple pathways to strengthen their expertise while balancing the demands of today’s workplace.

“Professional learning can no longer stand still while higher education continues to evolve,” said Dr. Robert J. Hansen, CEO of UPCEA. “The Digital Learning Academy reflects our belief that today’s professionals need learning that meets them where they are, grows with them throughout their careers, and prepares them to lead the future of online and professional education. This initiative is an important next step in UPCEA’s commitment to developing the leaders our institutions need.”

The Academy is built around three integrated learning pathways:

• Essential Learning provides flexible, accessible learning opportunities that build foundational knowledge and introduce emerging topics relevant to today’s higher education professionals.
• Professional Practice offers instructor-supported courses focused on practical, workplace-ready skills that professionals can immediately apply within their institutions.
• Leadership Development prepares current and aspiring leaders through advanced learning opportunities, including the new Enterprise Leadership Certificate.

As part of the launch, UPCEA is introducing the Enterprise Leadership Certificate, a modernized leadership credential that builds on the strong foundation of the PCO Professional and Leader Certificate programs and represents the next evolution of UPCEA’s leadership development offerings. The current PCO Professional and Leader Certificate programs will continue to be offered through the end of 2026, providing learners with a smooth transition to the new certificate pathway. 

The new certificate offers two concentration options, allowing participants to tailor their learning to their professional roles and career goals:

• Chief Online Learning Officer (COLO) Concentration for leaders responsible for building, scaling, and leading online and digital learning enterprises.
• Professional and Continuing Education Concentration for leaders driving workforce partnerships, credential innovation, market-responsive programming, and lifelong learning initiatives.

“The Digital Learning Academy was intentionally designed around the way higher education professionals learn today,” said Dr. Amy Heitzman, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Learning Officer at UPCEA. “Whether someone is exploring a new area of expertise, strengthening practical skills, or preparing for executive leadership, the Academy offers flexible, immediately applicable learning experiences that support both individual career growth and institutional success.”

In addition to supporting individual learners, the Digital Learning Academy expands opportunities for colleges and universities to invest in professional development across their organizations through cohort-based learning, customized training, and bundled learning solutions tailored to institutional priorities.

Registration is now open for 2027 learning opportunities, with courses beginning in January 2027.

To learn more about the UPCEA Digital Learning Academy and explore upcoming offerings, visit elevate.upcea.edu/.

About UPCEA

UPCEA is the online and professional education association. Our members continuously reinvent higher education, positively impacting millions of lives. We proudly lead and support them through cutting-edge research, professional development, networking and mentorship, conferences and seminars, and stakeholder advocacy. Our collaborative, entrepreneurial community brings together decision makers and influencers in education, industry, research, and policy interested in improving educational access and outcomes. Learn more at upcea.edu.

 

Media Contact

Molly Nelson
UPCEA
[email protected]