WASHINGTON, December 12, 2025 – UPCEA, the online and professional education association, is pleased to announce the election of new officers and new directors to serve on the UPCEA Board of Directors. Elected in November, these individuals will assume their roles at the conclusion of the 2026 UPCEA Annual Conference in New Orleans, La. on April 17, 2026.

“On behalf of the Governance and Nominations Committee and my colleagues across the association, I am honored to welcome this exceptional group of leaders to their new roles,” said Asim Ali, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Biggio Center for the Enhancement of Teaching & Learning at Auburn University; 2025-2026 UPCEA Board President-Elect, and Chair of the UPCEA Governance and Nominations Committee. “Their diverse expertise, forward-thinking perspectives, and deep commitment to the transformative impact of education will strengthen our community and propel UPCEA’s mission in powerful ways.”

“Our new Board members and committee leaders assume their roles at a pivotal and promising moment, not just for UPCEA but for the rapidly evolving field of online and professional continuing education,” said Bob Hansen, UPCEA CEO. “Their strategic vision and dedication to expanding engagement and opportunity will help drive meaningful progress as we navigate an increasingly dynamic landscape together.”

UPCEA welcomes three officers, one committee chair, and six Directors At-Large to the 2026-2027 Board of Directors:

Tatum Thomas, Ph.D., Dean, School of Continuing and Professional Studies at DePaul University, will serve as Board President-Elect for a one-year term (2026-2027) and then ascend to the role of Board President (2027-2028). Dr. Thomas provides strategic leadership for a multi-modal academic unit offering undergraduate, graduate, and non-degree programs. Under her leadership, SCPS has strengthened academic governance, expanded partnerships, and launched workforce-relevant initiatives serving learners across various life stages. Prior to joining DePaul, Dr. Thomas held leadership roles at Columbia University and New York University. Her work focuses on credential innovation, institutional alignment, and mission-driven strategy to advance nontraditional models within higher education.

Annie Taylor, Ph.D., Senior Assistant Dean for Distance Learning and Director of the John A. Dutton Institute for Teaching and Learning Excellence in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences at the Pennsylvania State University will serve as Network Senate Chair for a two-year term (2026-2028). Dr. Taylor has worked in distance education since 1991, focusing on learning design and faculty development. She guides the College’s strategic vision and planning for online learning. She serves on University committees focused on strategic planning, policies, and procedures and, as a full Teaching Professor, was an active member of the University Faculty Senate for 17 years. Dr. Taylor shares her work as a public speaker and author.

Charles Iacovou, Ph.D., Dean of School of Professional Studies, Vice Provost for Charlotte Programs, and a professor of management at Wake Forest University will serve as Secretary-Treasurer for a two-year term (2026-2028). He leads Wake Forest’s expansion in Charlotte, advancing new academic programs, cross-school collaborations, and strategic partnerships across the region. A seasoned higher education leader, Dr. Iacovou has shaped institutional strategy, governance, and market-aligned program development, while strengthening partnerships with leading business and community organizations. He also serves on national and regional boards, including UPCEA and the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance. Passionate about innovation and growth, he is committed to expanding access to transformative professional and graduate education.

Julie Thalman, Ed.D., Vice Provost at the University of Cincinnati, will serve as Membership Committee Chair for a two year term (2026-2028). She leads the university’s online programs, overseeing enrollment, retention, marketing, and instructional design. She collaborates with deans and senior leaders to launch new degrees and align programs with professional higher education needs. Previously, she served as Assistant Provost for Online and Continuing Professional Education at West Virginia University, where she spent 16 years advancing online learning initiatives. Thalman holds an Ed.D. in Applied Learning Sciences from the University of Miami, an MBA from Boise State, and graduate and undergraduate degrees from West Virginia University. Her research centers on nontraditional learners and machine learning.

 

The following individuals will serve as at-large directors for two-year terms (2026-2028):

Ryan Anderson is the Senior Director of Instructional Design and Media at Universities of Wisconsin, helping shape the future of online learning as part of the senior leadership team at the University of Wisconsin’s Office of Online & Professional Learning Resources. Drawing on experience leading corporate e-learning at Epic and teaching at both Madison College and in K–12, he blends technology and instructional design to create dynamic learning experiences. Honored with UW–Madison’s Shauna Schullo Best Distance Teaching Practices Award, he thrives on collaboration and innovation. His team works with faculty to reimagine teaching through cutting-edge approaches including VR, gamification, adaptive learning, competency-based education, microcredentialing, and the use of Generative AI.

Tom Cavanagh, Ph.D., is the Vice Provost for Digital Learning at University of Central Florida, overseeing the distance learning strategy, policies, and practices of one of the nation’s largest universities. A national leader in digital education and academic innovation, he has been recognized with numerous awards from organizations such as the Online Learning Consortium, the United States Distance Learning Association, 1EdTech/IMS Global Learning Consortium, and the WICHE Cooperative for Educational Technology. He is a frequent speaker at industry conferences and often consults with other institutions regarding academic innovation. He is active in the higher education community and serves on a number of national advisory boards. Tom’s research interests include e-learning, technical communication, and the societal influence of technology on education, training, culture, and commerce and he has published extensively in both peer-reviewed and popular outlets. He is also an award-winning author of several mystery novels.

James DeVaney is Special Advisor to the President, Associate Vice Provost for Academic Innovation, and Founding Executive Director of the Center for Academic Innovation at the University of Michigan. He provides leadership at the intersection of lifelong learning, AI and education, online learning, alternative credentials, and workforce development. James also directs Michigan Online, advancing U-M’s life-changing education mission and engaging millions of learners across Michigan and worldwide. With global experience in higher education strategy, he has advised more than 75 universities and numerous edtech companies across 15 countries, shaping the future of learning and innovation.

 

Luke Dowden, Ed.D., was recently promoted to Vice Chancellor for Digital Learning and Transformation at Alamo Colleges District in San Antonio, Texas after serving 7.5 years as the District’s Chief Online Learning Officer. Dr. Dowden founded the Office of Distance Learning at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 2010 and served as its Director for 8 years. The Online Learning Consortium named Dr. Dowden as a member of their distinguished 2022 Class of Fellows. WCET – WICHE Cooperative for Educational Technologies – honored Dr. Dowden with the Dick Jonsen & Mollie McGill Award in fall 2024.

 

Susan Seal, Ph.D., is the inaugural Dean of Mississippi State University’s College of Professional and Continuing Studies, established in 2023. She previously served as Executive Director of Mississippi State Online, now housed within the College. With over 28 years of leadership experience spanning higher education, private industry as VP/General Manager, and international non-profit work as Director of Outreach, Dr. Seal champions adult education and workforce development. She has served as Co-Chair of UPCEA’s Council of Chief Online Learning Officers and Chair of its South Region, and she is currently president of Mississippi’s largest Rotary Club in Starkville.

 

Jocelyn Widmer, Ph.D., is Dean for Weapons Learning Transformation at Los Alamos National Laboratory where she leads the mission-focused learning strategy. Her 15+ years of higher education experience include serving as Chief Online Learning Officer at Texas A&M University; various faculty and administrative roles at the University of Florida and Virginia Tech in her home disciplines of architecture and public health; and an international research agenda spanning 18 countries that integrates technology to build capacity. Jocelyn is active nationally on advisory boards and recently co-authored The Chief Online Learning Officer’s Guidebook (Routledge), advancing thought leadership in online learning strategy and practice.

 

Additionally, UPCEA is pleased to announce the selection of two new members of the Engagement & Opportunity Committee, two new members of the Finance Committee, two new members of the Membership Committee, and five new members of the Policy Committee. In their roles on these Board-level committees, these individuals are undertaking critically important work for the association and the field.

Denise Fitzpatrick, Director of Marketing and Communications at the University of Pennsylvania, joins the Engagement & Opportunity Committee as a member for a one-year term (2026-2027). She is a seasoned marcom professional with experience in higher education across. Prior to joining CETLI, she worked in enrollment marketing and communications at Temple University’s Fox School of Business and School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management. She also gained a wide array of external affairs experience when serving as Assistant Athletic Director with both Penn Athletics and Temple Athletics. Denise has led teams that have been nationally recognized for their work in branding and attendance campaigns. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Sport Management from SUNY Cortland and earned her MBA from Temple University.

Whitney Kilgore, Ph.D., Co-Founder and Chief Academic Officer of iDesign joins the Engagement & Opportunity Committee as a member for a one-year term (2026-2027). Dr. Kilgore has spent her career championing equitable, scalable, and human-centered online learning models. As co-founder and Chief Academic Officer of iDesign, she has partnered with hundreds of institutions to build high-quality online programs that preserve faculty autonomy while meeting the needs of diverse learners. Her work prioritizes access and alignment, particularly for adult learners, rural students, and those in historically underserved communities. Her scholarship in care theory and trust-building in online design speaks directly to UPCEA’s mission of improving digital learning policy and practice. She is highly respected in the online education community with her authentic personality, warm sense of humor and genuine care for people.

 Fitzpatrick and Dr. Kilgore will serve alongside Doragnes Rivera Bradshaw, Assistant Dean at Rollins College and Brad Washington, Equity in Design Lead at Western Governors University, who served 2025-2026 terms on the Engagement & Opportunity Committee and have been renewed for second terms. Their final terms on the committee will conclude in 2027.

 

Carmin Chan, Ph.D., Vice Provost for NAU Online at Northern Arizona University, joins the Finance Committee as a member for a one-year term (2026-2027). Dr. Chan leads Instructional & Creative Design, Program Operations, Success Coaching, and Personalized Learning. Dr. Chan is a staunch advocate for implementing institutional change necessary to make college inclusive of the needs of post-traditional students. She is an online education subject matter expert, and has served as Co-Chair of the Council of Chief Online Learning Officers (C-COLO) and Chair of the Online Administration (OA) Network within UPCEA, faculty for OLC’s IELOL program, an invited author and guest speaker, and on the AZ-SARA Council.

Nicole Westrick, Ph.D., Assistant Vice President and Dean of the College of Interdisciplinary and Continuing Studies at Morgan State University, joins the Finance Committee as a member for a one-year term (2026-2027). As Assistant Vice President and Dean, Dr. Westrick leads innovative degree and continuing education programs that expand access for adult learners. A founding member and past Chair of UPCEA’s Business and Operations Network, she most recently served as Chair of the Mid-Atlantic Region. Dr. Westrick brings deep expertise in academic finance, strategic operations, and organizational leadership. A committed advocate for adult and online learning, she advances sustainable, student-centered models that strengthen institutional capacity and fiscal stewardship across higher education.

Dr. Chan and Dr. Westrick will serve alongside Sherri Whaley, Director of Finance and Operational Services at Washington University in St. Louis, who served the 2025-2026 term on the Finance Committee and has been renewed for a second term. Her final term on the committee will conclude in 2027.

 

Kristen Brown, Ed.M., Director of Online Learning & Digital Access Initiatives at the University of Louisville, joins the Membership Committee as a member for a one-year term (2026-2027). Brown oversees and provides strategic direction for the planning, marketing, recruiting, student success, budgeting, compliance, data analysis and reporting for online programs. Since 2011, she has grown UofL’s online enrollment to 3,400 students in 70+ programs. Kristen’s team is a five-time UPCEA Marketing Award winner and three-time WCET State Authorization Network SANsational Award winner. She recently served on the UPCEA Policy Committee. She holds a B.A. in English from Miami University and an Ed.M. in Adult and Higher Education from Oregon State University.

Jasmeial “Jazz” Jackson, Ed.D., Vice Provost and Chief Student Success and Experience Officer at Thomas Edison State University, joins the Membership Committee as a member for a one-year term (2026-2027). He leads advising, career services, faculty, military and veteran support, accessibility, tutoring, mental health, equity, and academic integrity, ensuring a holistic and intentional student experience. Within UPCEA, Dr. Jackson has served as Director at-Large for the association’s Board of Directors, Engagement and Opportunity Committee Co-Chair, and as both New England Region Chair, and Communication Chair. His career spans private, for-profit, and public institutions. He holds an Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration, an MBA, and a B.S. in Construction Engineering, guided by Gandhi’s words: “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”

Brown and Dr. Jackson will serve alongside Justin Louder, Ed.D., Associate Vice President for Academic Innovation at Anthology, who served the 2025-2026 term on the Membership Committee and has been renewed for a second term. His final term on the committee will conclude in 2027.

 

Holly Anderson, Director of Operations and Industry Pathways for OU Online at the University of Oklahoma, joins the Policy Committee as a member for a one-year term (2026-2027). Anderson leads process improvement, policy development, and workforce initiatives that expand access to online and continuing education. With nearly 20 years of experience in higher education, Anderson has advanced adult degree completion, distance learning, and industry- aligned partnerships that strengthen career outcomes. She is currently pursuing her Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership, where her research focuses on developing a comprehensive microcredential policy for a public R1 research university.

 

Johnna Denning-Smith, Ed.D., Director of Online Partnerships and Professional Studies at Marian University, joins the Policy Committee as a member for a one-year term (2026-2027). Dr. Denning-Smith leads the design and growth of innovative online programs and strategic partnerships that expand access for adult learners. A scholar-practitioner with a doctorate in Organizational Leadership, she specializes in curriculum design, enrollment strategy, and community collaboration to advance student success. Johnna has partnered with global organizations including Toyota, IBM, and AstraZeneca to deliver leadership development and design-thinking workshops. She resides in Indiana with her husband and two dogs and enjoys supporting her two children—one a college graduate and one currently pursuing her degree.

Sean Doyle, Ph.D., Professor and Course Lead at Purdue University Global, joins the Policy Committee as a member for a one-year term (2026-2027). Dr. Doyle is an academic leader and consultant with over two decades of experience in higher education. As a Professor and Course Lead at Purdue University Global, he has spearheaded academic innovation, curriculum design, and faculty development, with a focus on integrating emerging technologies like AI. He is a founding member and chair of the Institutional AI Taskforce and the Future Thinking Committee. Dr. Doyle also has extensive professional experience in business, real estate, and hospitality, including roles as a licensed realtor and business consultant, bringing a practitioner’s perspective to his academic work.

Michele Gribbins, Ed.D., Associate Provost for Institutional Research and Effectiveness at the University of Illinois-Springfield, joins the Policy Committee as a member for a one-year term (2026-2027). As Associate Provost, she leads strategic initiatives in accreditation, data-informed decision-making, and institutional improvement. With over 29 years in higher education, she has advanced online learning through leadership, research, and faculty development. Her work has been published in leading journals including the British Journal of Educational Technology and Online Learning Journal. Michele recently served on UPCEA’s Finance Committee and previously held leadership roles in the Online Administration Network and Central Region. She is an Online Learning Consortium Fellow and recipient of ICCHE’s Past-Presidents’ Award for Service.

Michelle Singh, Ph.D., Vice President for Strategic Educational Alliances at the University of North Texas, joins the Policy Committee as a member for a one-year term (2026-2027). Dr. Singh is a transformative leader in higher education with over two decades of experience revolutionizing learning, access, and opportunity. As Vice President for Strategic Educational Alliances at the University of North Texas and former Assistant Commissioner of Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s Digital Learning Division, she architects comprehensive change through digital transformation, AI, and open education. Her national influence includes leadership roles with WCET and SREB. Recognized with induction into the Texas Digital Learning Association Hall of Fame and the USDLA International Outstanding Leadership Award, her unique background in computer science, counseling, and educational leadership drives institutional transformation nationwide.

The 2026-2027 members of the Policy Committee will serve alongside Curtis Brant, Ph.D., Executive Director Online and Professional Programs at Bowling Green State University; Amy Collier, Ph.D., Associate Provost for Digital Learning at Middlebury College; Ilona Marie Hajdu, Senior Associate Director, Compliance at Indiana University; Laura Hendley, J.D., Executive Director, Office of Online Education at Wake Forest University; Gloria Niles, Ph.D., Director of Online Learning for the University of Hawaii System; Kelly Otter, Ph.D., Dean of the School of Continuing Studies at Georgetown University; and Erika Swain, Assistant Director of Academic Compliance and Authorization at the University of Colorado Boulder, who served 2025-2026 terms on the Policy Committee and have been renewed for second terms. Their final terms on the committee will conclude in 2027.

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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.