WASHINGTON, December 12, 2024 – 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 2025 UPCEA Annual Conference in Denver, Colorado on March 26, 2025.

“On behalf of the Governance and Nominations Committee and their association peers, I am thrilled to welcome this remarkable group of leaders to their new roles,” said Rob Bruce, Ph.D., Dean, Glasscock School of Continuing Studies at Rice University; 2024-2025 UPCEA Board President-Elect, and Chair, UPCEA Governance and Nominations Committee. “Their collective expertise, innovative vision, and dedication to the transformative power of education will undoubtedly strengthen the association and advance our mission in profound ways.” 

“Our new Board members and committee leaders take on these roles at an exciting and pivotal time for UPCEA and the field of online and professional continuing education,” said Bob Hansen, UPCEA CEO. “Their strategic insights and commitment to expanding access and opportunity through higher education will help drive meaningful progress as we navigate a rapidly evolving landscape together.”

UPCEA welcomes three officers, four committee chairs, one corporate partner representative, and six Directors At-Large to the 2025-2026 Board of Directors:

Asim Ali, Ph.D., Executive Director, Biggio Center for the Enhancement of Teaching & Learning at Auburn University, will serve as Board President-Elect for a one-year term (2025-2026) and then ascend to the role of Board President (2026-2027). As Executive Director of the Biggio Center, Dr. Ali advances professional development programs and resources to enhance instructional innovation. Prior, he was the Founding Director of Auburn Online, helping launch the institution’s first undergraduate online programs. Dr. Ali’s academic background includes software engineering, information systems management, and adult education. Dr. Ali leads work on artificial intelligence literacy. Dr. Ali also co-leads innovative initiatives for micro-credentials, augmented and virtual reality, and skills articulation. He is active in several professional organizations, including serving as an executive board member of UPCEA. He has been invited to speak nationally and internationally.

 

Tatum Thomas, Ph.D., Dean, School of Continuing and Professional Studies at DePaul University, will serve as Secretary-Treasurer for a one-year term (2025-2026), filling the vacancy created by Ali’s ascension to President-Elect. Dr. Thomas provides strategic leadership for DePaul University’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS). SCPS offers undergraduate adult, graduate, and nondegree programs. In addition, its centers, and special initiatives, such as the Center for the Advancement of Adults in Education, Labor Education Center, and the Adult Men of Color Initiative emphasize access and activism. She currently serves on DePaul University’s Planning Committee for the Institute for Restorative Educational Engagement, supporting advancements in college-in-prison programs, and as a Peer Evaluator with the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Dr. Thomas previously held administrative roles at Columbia University, New York University, and Marymount Manhattan College. Dr. Thomas holds a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, a Master’s in Higher Education Administration from Baruch College, City University of New York, a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Marymount Manhattan College, and a Certificate in Management Excellence from the Harvard Business School. Dr. Thomas is a member of Edward A. Bouchet Society. Tatum was elected as the Chair of UPCEA’s Membership Committee and in vacating that role leaves one year remaining in that term.

 

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 Membership Committee Chair for a one-year term (2025-2026), filling the vacancy caused by Thomas’ new role. He is responsible for the strategic leadership of the school and the development of innovative, accessible programs that focus on the educational needs of adult learners and organizational partners. Dr. Iacovou received his Ph.D. degree in Management Information Systems from the University of British Columbia and his B.Sc. degree in Business Administration from the University of Vermont.

 

Jerry Rhead, Senior Specialist, Director of Academic Entrepreneurship at Michigan State University, will serve as Regional Cabinet Chair for a two-year term (2025-2027). Rhead is an experienced academic entrepreneur, and an idea-to-reality facilitator. Driven by human-centered and inclusive design and inquiry processes, he takes pride in helping people see what is possible and working collaboratively to chart a course of action to get there. As a Senior Specialist and the Director of Academic Entrepreneurship for MSU’s Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation, he strives to develop new learning engagements that are learner centered. In addition to his primary job functions, Rhead has been recognized by the City of East Lansing with a special recognition Crystal Award for his contributions to East Lansing youth by coaching baseball and basketball over the last 20 years. He has also received the National University Technology Network J.O. Grantham Award for his leadership and service in online and continuing education.

 

Corina Caraccioli, Ph.D., Associate Dean of Online & City College at Loyola University New Orleans, will serve as Policy Committee Co-Chair for a two-year term (2025-2027) and will serve as the committee’s representative to the UPCEA Board of Directors. Dr. Caraccioli is also an Assistant Professor, and serves as the Director of Online Student Success, overseeing the university’s retention strategy for online programs. She is an InsideTrack certified success coach and trainer, committed to supporting the success of adult learners who need flexible and personalized support systems to reach their academic goals. Dr. Caraccioli’s work has been focused on shaping an environment that facilitates learning and growth, and fosters diversity. Her experience includes teaching undergraduate and doctoral courses in education in face-to-face, hybrid, and online formats. She has published and presented research at various national and international conferences. Dr. Caraccioli holds a Doctorate in Occupational and Adult Education and a College Teaching Certificate from North Dakota State University, a Master’s in Public Relations and a Bachelor’s in Communication and Public Relations from Babes-Bolyai University in Romania.

 

Abram Hedtke, M.Ed., Executive Director for Professional and Continuing Education at St. Cloud State University, will serve as Policy Committee Co-Chair for a two-year term (2025-2027). For the past twenty years Hedtke has worked in both K-12 and Higher Education, holding positions as a Director of Instructional Technology, Instructional Technology Coordinator, and School Administrator. Hedtke brings a passion for adult learning, and inclusive practices into each situation. He has been a lead facilitator for professional development, instructor, and adjunct faculty. He has received a B.A. in Social Sciences and Secondary Education from the University of St. Thomas, and a M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University.

 

McCeil Johnson, Vice President for Accreditation and Regulatory Compliance at the University of Phoenix, will serve as a Diversity and Inclusive Excellence Committee Co-Chair for a two-year term (2024-2026). Johnson’s core competencies reflect an amalgam of domain expertise acquired through 20 years of professional experience gained in the areas of compliance, diversity, and legal affairs. She enjoys the process of knowledge acquisition through new experiences. Johnson prides herself on being a servant leader who enjoys helping others achieve their professional goals and ascend to new heights. She is a native of Des Moines, Iowa. Johnson pursued her quest for knowledge and scholarship at the University of Iowa, where she earned a BA, and an MA and JD from the University of Iowa College of Liberal Arts, and College of Law, respectively. Johnson is currently the University of Phoenix’s Vice President, Accreditation & Regulatory Compliance, providing leadership and management of the University of Phoenix’s institutional and college-specific accreditation and regulatory initiatives, including institutional, programmatic, state boards, and other regulatory functions. Prior to joining the Regulatory and Compliance team at the University of Phoenix, she served as the Chief Legal Officer & Executive Director of Legal Affairs for National Louis University, where she was responsible for the management of all legal affairs initiatives.

Johnson joins Pamela Wimbush, Ed.D., Interim Dean at California State University, Sacramento, who is in the second year of her two year term (2024-2026) as Diversity and Inclusive Excellence Committee Co-Chair.

 

Melissa Loble, Chief Academic Officer at Instructure, will serve as Corporate Partner Representative for a one-year term (2025-2026). As Instructure’s Chief Academic Officer, Loble is a champion for crucial customer-focused topics like data usage and privacy—and it’s her personal mission to drive innovation in customer experience and enable customers to leverage solutions in engaging and effective learning environments. She has spent 20 years in educational technology working for a number of technology suppliers and educational institutions, as well as teaching leadership courses on managing technology for educational change. Loble has a master’s degree in educational policy from Teachers College, Columbia University and an MBA from Columbia Business School.

 

The following individuals will serve as at-large directors for two-year terms (2025-2027):

Amrit Ahluwalia is the Executive Director of Continuing Studies at Western University, overseeing post-degree professional programming, professional and corporate education, and the Western English Language Centre. Ahluwalia joined Western in 2024 after founding and serving as Editor-in-Chief of The EvoLLLution, the online newspaper developed by Modern Campus focused on non-traditional higher education and the transforming postsecondary marketplace. He also served as Senior Director for Marketing at Modern Campus. He regularly speaks on topics related to the changing higher education environment at conferences across Canada and the United States, and hosts the EdUp PCO podcast.

 

Jody Dekorte, Ph.D., dean and vice president of the School of Multidisciplinary and Professional Studies at Purdue Global, is a visionary leader in online education. She specializes in curriculum development and the integration of innovative classroom technologies. With a Ph.D. in education and human resource studies, Dr. DeKorte is dedicated to fostering accessible education and empowering diverse learners to succeed. Her leadership in the Continuous Learning Department has expanded opportunities for students to gain credit through life experiences and assessments, reflecting her commitment to lifelong learning.

 

Jessica DuPont, M.B.A., serves as Associate Vice Provost in the Division of Educational Ventures at Oregon State University, a centralized online learning division offering 100+ online degrees and alternative credentials. With more than 25 years in higher education leadership, DuPont enjoys collaborating with university partners and industry to build in-demand credentials. She oversees the division’s corporate and workforce initiatives as well as student-facing teams in marketing, enrollment services and student success. DuPont is most passionate about making educational pathways more accessible and affordable, especially for those historically underrepresented in higher education.

 

Sunay Palsole, Ph.D., is the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Remote Engineering Education at Texas A&M University, with over 20 years of experience in academic technology. A pioneer in online education, he has designed multimedia teaching applications since the 1990s and developed his first online course in 1997. Dr. Palsole has worked with hundreds of faculty to create innovative hybrid and online courses, achieving high levels of student success and satisfaction. His current research focuses on integrating AI and machine learning to enhance instructional and administrative efficiency. He co-developed a Digital Academy, earning multiple innovation awards, and serves on the USDLA Board of Directors.

 

Ryan Torma, Ed.D., is Executive Director of Professional Development and Lifelong Learning at the University of Minnesota College of Continuing and Professional Studies. His work is focused on creating affordable and accessible programs that help learners to thrive in their careers and lives. Dr. Torma is interested in how human centered design practices can help universities to innovate to better meet the needs of learners. He has recently been very involved in work on alternative credentials, including supporting alternative credential policy development at the State and University level. Dr. Torma earned his Ed.D. in higher education leadership from Bethel University, his MA in educational leadership from Luther Seminary, and his BA in visual communication from the University of Minnesota. 

 

Patrick Wilson, Ed.D., is an accomplished academic leader with extensive experience in higher education and business. He currently serves as the Executive Director of Online & Extended Learning at New Mexico Highlands University, where he has successfully launched multiple online degree programs. Previously, he held key roles at Tennessee Technological University, Tennessee Board of Regents, and Christian Brothers University, driving growth in digital education and strategic planning. Dr. Wilson holds a Doctorate in Educational Technology from Pepperdine University and an MBA in Finance and Accounting from Regis University. His career reflects a strong commitment to innovation and collaborative leadership in education.

 

Additionally, UPCEA is pleased to announce the selection of two new members of the Diversity & Inclusive Excellence Committee, two new members of the Finance Committee, two new members of the Membership Committee, and nine 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.

Doragnes Rivera Bradshaw, Assistant Dean at Rollins College, joins the Diversity and Inclusive Excellence Committee as a member for a one-year term (2025-2026). She is an experienced strategic business professional and servant-leader with over 25 years leading organizations. Bradshaw has a diverse background in administrative and operational leadership including strategic planning, marketing and communications, training and development, and human resources. She is a triple alumna of Rollins College, holding a DBA, MBA, and BA in Communication Studies specializing in organizational leadership and communication. She is an industry certified Society for Human Resource Management Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). 

 

Brad Washington, Equity in Design Lead at Western Governors University joins the Diversity and Inclusive Excellence Committee as a member for a one-year term (2025-2026). Washington has 20 years of experience in leading and developing diversity initiatives. Dating back to 2000, he served as a resource specialist to support multilingual and intergenerational engagement among newcomer families and teachers. Beginning his career in higher education, Washington played key roles in implementing equity and inclusion practices across course curricula at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. As a researcher, Washington aided in securing Title VI grants from the U.S. Department of Education to support language and cultural exchange initiatives for graduate students, in addition to Title II Workforce Investment grants to grow adult education and family literacy projects.

Bradshaw and Washington will serve alongside Tiffany Townsend, Ph.D., Vice President of Organizational Culture and Chief Diversity Officer at Purdue University Global and Carol Hoshiko, Ph.D., Dean of Community and Continuing Education at Kapiolani Community College who were asked to renew their one year (2024-2025) terms on the Diversity and Inclusive Excellence Committee. Their second and final terms on the committee will conclude in 2026.

 

Michele Gribbins, Ed.D., Associate Provost for Institutional Research and Effectiveness at the University of Illinois Springfield, joins the Finance Committee as a member for a one-year term (2025-2026). Dr. Gribbins oversees institutional research and effectiveness activities and also serves as accreditation liaison officer. Before joining the Provost’s Leadership Team at UIS, she was the Director of the Center for Online Learning, Research, and Service and taught in the Department of Management Information Systems. Dr. Gribbins holds a Doctorate of Education from Indiana University-Bloomington, a Master of Business Administration from Eastern Illinois University, and a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Illinois State University.

 

Sherri Whaley, Director of Finance and Operational Services at Washington University in St. Louis, joins the Finance Committee as a member for a one-year term (2025-2026). Whaley has worked at Washington University in St. Louis in various finance roles for over 12 years. She was recently promoted to the Director of Finance and Operational Services at the School of Continuing and Professional Studies. Whaley earned an MBA from Fontbonne University and BS in accounting from the University of Missouri-Saint Louis.

Dr. Gribbins and Whaley will serve alongside Ashley Law, BS, Business Program Manager at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine  and Christa Payne, MBA, Chief Business Officer, School of Professional Advancement at Tulane University, who were asked to renew their one year (2024-2025) terms on the Finance Committee. Their second and final terms on the committee will conclude in 2026.

 

Justin Louder, Ed.D., Associate Vice President for Academic Innovation at Anthology, joins the Membership Committee as a member for a one-year term (2025-2026). As associate vice president for academic innovation at Anthology, Dr. Louder collaborates with North American campuses to enhance online learning, design new programs, and implement technologies. He has authored white papers and presentations on AI in Higher Education, Trauma-Informed Instruction, micro-credentials, and culturally responsive online teaching. Previously Associate Vice Provost of Texas Tech University’s Worldwide Learning, Dr. Louder transformed TTU, expanding regional sites, offering 100+ online degrees, and growing online enrollments to 4,000. He holds a Doctorate in Education in Instructional Technology and Higher Education Administration from Texas Tech University, has an undergraduate degree in communication, and has completed additional graduate work in Public Administration and Management Information Systems.

 

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, joins the Membership Committee as a member for a one-year term (2025-2026). 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.

Dr. Louder and Dr. Taylor will serve alongside Christine Cicio, MPA, Director, Continuing Education at Pennsylvania State University Abington and Yakut Gazi, Ph.D., Vice Provost for Learning Innovation and Digital Education at Duke University, who were asked to renew their one year (2024-2025) terms on the Membership Committee. Their second and final terms on the committee will conclude in 2026.

 

Curtis Brant, Ph.D., Executive Director Online and Professional Programs at Bowling Green State University, joins the Policy Committee as a member for a one-year term (2025-2026). Dr. Brant has served as tenured faculty member in Psychology at Baldwin Wallace University and an academic leader serving roles as faculty chair, assistant dean, associate dean, dean, and accreditation liaison officer for Capella University. Dr. Brant earned his B.A. in Psychology from Kent State University and Ph.D. in Social Psychology from Bowling Green State University. His expertise lies in online education, accreditation, policy, research compliance, assessment, and decision making.

 

Kristen Brown, M.Ed., Director of Online Learning at the University of Louisville, joins the Policy Committee as a member for a one-year term (2025-2026). Brown oversees and provides strategic direction for the planning, marketing, recruiting, budgeting, compliance, data analysis and reporting for online programs. Since joining UofL in 2009, she has grown online enrollment to over 3,100 students in 70 programs. Her team is a five-time UPCEA Marketing Award winner and three-time WCET State Authorization Network SANsational Award winner. She currently serves as chair of 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.

 

Amy Collier, Ph.D., Associate Provost for Digital Learning at Middlebury College, joins the Policy Committee as a member for a one-year term (2025-2026). In her role, Dr. Collier provides strategic vision and leadership in digital pedagogies and technologies. Her work focuses on positioning Middlebury as a leader in creating a global learning community through a variety of digital learning initiatives, including online and hybrid/blended courses and programs. A recognized thought leader in higher education’s digital transformation, Dr. Collier emphasizes critical, ethical, and socially just approaches to education technology.

 

Christopher Davis, Ph.D., Vice President of Academic Services and Quality at the University of Maryland Global Campus, joins the Policy Committee as a member for a one-year term (2025-2026). In over two decades in higher education, Dr. Davis has served in a variety of leadership and faculty roles at multiple universities in both the non-profit and for-profit sector. Dr. Davis did his undergraduate work in sociology and Ph.D. in urban, technological, and environmental planning at the University of Michigan. He has also earned a Master’s of Science in Higher Education Leadership from Capella University, a Master’s of Science in Psychology from Walden University, and a Master’s of Business Administration in IT Management and Accounting from Western International University. 

 

Ilona Marie Hajdu, Senior Associate Director, Compliance at Indiana University, joins the Policy Committee as a member for a one-year term (2025-2026). Hajdu is an experienced and engaged compliance leader expert with over thirty years of legal experience in the public and private sectors. Joining IU Online in 2012, she is currently the senior associate director and compliance officer for distance education, ensuring compliance with state, federal and accreditor regulations for over 230 online degree programs. Her expertise includes federal regulations, state agencies and authorizations, NC-SARA, and professional licensure disclosures. She received her B.A. in Political Science from the University of Illinois – Chicago, M.S.Ed. in Adult Education from Indiana University, and Ed.S. in Instructional Systems Technology from Indiana University.

 

Laura Hendley, J.D., Executive Director, Office of Online Education at Wake Forest University, joins the Policy Committee as a member for a one-year term (2025-2026). Hendley has over sixteen years of experience providing practical and strategic expertise in the areas of online program development, program management, and online teaching and learning. Her experience includes guiding campus online strategy at Wake Forest University and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, leading online operations for the University of Alabama as Director of Bama By Distance and managing the online Master of Studies in Law (MSL) program at Cumberland School of Law, a program she helped launch in 2016. Hendley earned a Juris Doctor from Hamline University, and a Master of Science in Education from Samford University.

 

Gloria Niles, Ph.D., Director of Online Learning for the University of Hawaii System, joins the Policy Committee as a member for a one-year term (2025-2026). Dr. Niles is a visionary leader in online education and a pioneering strategist and policy advocate. Through collaborative efforts, she leads strategic initiatives in academic technologies, micro-credentials, and generative AI, harnessing the power of emerging technologies to enhance the educational experience for students and faculty across ten campuses. Her goal is to ensure that faculty and students thrive. In addition to her collaborative efforts within the University of Hawaii, Dr. Niles plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of higher education on regional and national levels.

 

Kelly Otter, Ph.D., Dean of the School of Continuing Studies at Georgetown University, joins the Policy Committee as a member for a one-year term (2025-2026). Dr. Otter oversees professional graduate programs; liberal studies programs at the undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels; professional certificate programs and custom education; and summer and special programs. Before coming to Georgetown in 2014, she served in academic dean roles at Northeastern University, the University of Pittsburgh, and the College of New Rochelle, and previously held positions in academic administration at New York University. She also taught at each of these institutions in the fields of media studies and interdisciplinary research. Dr. Otter’s professional portfolio comprises academic program development, the design and management of technology-mediated education infrastructures and programs, veterans support services, international education and partnerships, and adult and workforce education. 

 

Erika Swain, Assistant Director of Academic Compliance and Authorization at the University of Colorado Boulder, joins the Policy Committee as a member for a one-year term (2025-2026). Swain leads CU Boulder’s academic compliance efforts by ensuring the university meets the regulatory requirements, including accreditation, and state authorization. She is also the associate director for state authorization for the CU System, advising the CU System on associated regulations and requirements. Prior to joining CU Boulder in 2019, Swain worked in institutional accreditation, in roles at both the Higher Learning Commission and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. She also previously served as the Registrar at North Country Community College (NY). Erika earned an MLIS from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and a BA from Ithaca College.

The 2025-2026 members of the Policy Committee will serve alongside Bridget Beville, J.D., Vice President, Resolution Services & Title IX Coordinator at University of Phoenix who was asked to renew her one year (2024-2025) term on the Policy Committee. Her second and final term on the committee will conclude in 2026.

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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.