UPCEA takes great pride in honoring exemplary colleagues, students, programs, and research. The Association recognizes institutional excellence, individual achievement, and contributions to the field of online and professional continuing education through its awards program.
The Association Awards Program includes recognition of both individual and institutional achievement across the UPCEA membership. Awards are given for the following:
Individual Awards
Julius M. Nolte Award for Extraordinary Leadership
Ray Schroeder Leadership Award for the Advancement of Digital Learning
Walton S. Bittner Service Citation for Outstanding Service in UPCEA
Dorothy Durkin Award For Strategic Innovation In Marketing and/or Enrollment Management
Phillip E. Frandson Award For Literature [Note: Frandson Award Call for Nominations are opening October 7 and will be due December 6]
UPCEA Business & Operations Award for Operational Excellence
UPCEA Excellence In Teaching Award
UPCEA International Leadership Award
UPCEA Leadership In Diversity and Inclusive Excellence Award
UPCEA Outstanding Service in Postsecondary Instructional Design Award
UPCEA Research and Scholarship Award
Adelle F. Robertson Emerging Professional Continuing Educator Award
UPCEA Outstanding Professional, Continuing, and/or Online Education Student Awards: Credit and Noncredit
Program/Institutional Awards
UPCEA Excellence In Advancing Student Success Award
UPCEA Global Program Award For International Partners
UPCEA International Program Of Excellence or Innovative Practice Award
UPCEA Outstanding Program Awards: Credit and Noncredit
UPCEA Research and Scholarship Award
UPCEA Strategic Innovation In Online Education Award
UPCEA Engagement Award
UPCEA Innovation in Alternative Credentials Award
Click here for detailed award descriptions and criteria.
To see member-curated resources for submitting award nominations, click here.
Award recipients will be honored at the Association's largest gathering: the 2025 UPCEA Annual Conference, March 24-26, 2025, in Denver, CO.
You can find more information about the UPCEA awards program and peruse the accomplishments of past award recipients on the UPCEA Awards website.
Click here to view the 2024 Association Award Recipients.