General Sessions

2022 Mid-Atlantic Region Conference

 

October 12 | 1:00 PM

Filling the Gap at the Heart of IDEA: Uplifting PCO Students with Disabilities

PCO education, like all higher education, has moved decisively to embrace the principles of inclusion, diversity, equity, and access (IDEA) in recent years. These efforts have been valuable for maximizing learned experiences for many traditionally underserved groups; however, individuals with disabilities - including developmental, learning, cognitive, and physical disabilities - have often been left behind in these efforts. In this keynote, the presenters will first highlight the traditional access gap most commonly associated with disability inclusion in higher education. They will then introduce the importance of recognizing disabilities as part of the identity of many PCO learners, even and especially when those identities are not disclosed. Finally, they will discuss the opportunities that arise from moving towards ultimately valuing the unique experiences of learners with disabilities, and demonstrate how doing so can manifestly increase the value of PCO education to other students, educators, and themselves.

• Matthew Lerner, Stony Brook University

  Dr. Matthew Lerner is an Associate Professor of Psychology, Psychiatry, and Pediatrics in the Department of Psychology at Stony Brook University, where he directs the Social Competence and Treatment Lab. He is a Founder of the Stony Brook Autism Initiative and Co-Director of the Stony Brook LEND Center. In his nearly 20 years of autism practice, Dr. Lerner has published over 100 articles and delivered hundreds of scholarly and community presentations on the science and understanding of autism.
  
  
  

• Ava Gurba, Stony Brook University

  Ava Gurba is a masters student in neuroscience at Stony Brook University working in the Social Competence and Treatment Lab (SCTL). She is currently working on various research and advocacy projects in the areas of autism and disability. She is also a founding instructor of the Introduction to the Science and Lived Experience of Autism, offered through the Autism Initiative and the School of Professional Development at Stony Brook University.
  
  
  

• Brooke Ellison, Stony Brook University

  Dr. Ellison is a new investigator, receiving her PhD in sociology in 2012. Dr. Ellison’s interests lie in the intersection of society, public policy, and ethics from a health and science standpoint, and her interest in this field lies in intellectual and personal experiences. At the age of 11, Dr. Ellison was in an accident that left her paralyzed from her neck down and dependent on a ventilator to breathe. However, despite these circumstances, Dr. Ellison received her undergraduate and masters degrees from Harvard University, and her PhD from Stony Brook University. In 2002, Dr. Ellison published an autobiography, Miracles Happen, which was later made into a movie directed by Christopher Reeve. In 2006, Dr. Ellison was a candidate for New York State Senate, focusing on issues like healthcare and stem cell research. This interest carried over to her academic career, as Dr. Ellison wrote her dissertation on the social construction of stem cell research policy. At present, Dr. Ellison is the Director of Education and Ethics of Stony Brook University's Stem Cell Facility, and is an Assistant Professor in Stony Brook University's PhD program in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. Dr. Ellison is also Associate Director of the Stony Brook University Center for Community Engagement and Leadership Development and co-founder of Stony Brook University's VENTure Think Tank. In 2014, as a result of the work Dr. Ellison has done in stem cell research and disability, she was chosen to be a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader. The Forum of Young Global Leaders is a unique, multi-stakeholder community of more than 900 exceptional young leaders.  Bold, brave, action-oriented and entrepreneurial, these individuals commit both their time and talent to make the world a better place. Nominated and selected for her work on stem cell research, Dr. Ellison will use this forum as a vehicle to advance broader social acceptance of this research and bring important stakeholders into it. Using her PhD dissertation as a guide, Dr. Ellison fosters the important relationships so that stem cell research policy and science can move forward unimpeded. Dr. Ellison also uses her position as a Young Global Leader to elevate the voices of people living with disability around the world, and develops partnerships to help build social capital. The details of her life have been widely covered in such publications as The New York Times, People Magazine, USA Today, Newsday, Biography Magazine, and The International Herald, as well as, such programs as Entertainment Tonight, Access Hollywood, The Today Show, Good Morning America, The Early Show, and Larry King Live.  In each of these appearances, Dr. Ellison has expressed a desire to make an impact on the world, stating “wherever there is a condition of discouragement or inopportunity, that’s where I hope to be”.

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October 13 | 8:30 AM

The Alternative Credentials Landscape 

In this dynamic, facilitated panel discussion, learn from PCO leaders how they are building the case for alternative credentials on their campuses, leveraging legacy structures and policies, partnering internally and externally to address workforce needs, and cultivating quality across non-degree credentials. Audience questions will play a critical role in this conversation—bring yours!

 

• Bili Mattes, Harrisburg University
  
  
  
  
  

• Nora Lewis, University of Pennsylvania
  
  
  
  
  
  

• David Schober, Rutgers University 
  
  
  
  
  

Moderator:

• Bob Hansen, UPCEA

 

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October 13 | 3:15 PM

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Higher Education

Join us for a look into the big picture of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in higher education as presented by an esteemed group of Mid-Atlantic member institutions. This general session will provide an opportunity to hear from Dr. Christina Sax, Maryland University of Integrative Health, Dr. Judith B. Clarke, State University of New York at Stony Brook, and Dr. Brighid Dwyer, University of Pennsylvania on each of their institution's DEI strategies, overall trajectory (where they've been and where they're headed), challenges, and opportunities, along with their ideas for the future of DEI in higher education. Q & A to follow the presentations.

• Christina Sax, Maryland University of Integrative Health
  
  
  
  
  
  

• Judith B. Clarke, Stony Brook University
  
  
  
  
  
  

• Brighid Dwyer, University of Pennsylvania
  








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October 14 | 10:00 AM

Senior Leaders

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” –John Quincy Adams

Join three of Mid-Atlantic's prestigious leaders as they discuss their perspectives on managing challenges in recent years and their ability to help their institutions rebound and look towards the future.

• Margo DelliCarpini, Penn State Abington
  

  Margo DelliCarpini, Ph.D. assumed the position of chancellor and dean of Penn State Abington on Jan. 4, 2021. She has compiled an accomplished record of strategic leadership and a demonstrated commitment to student access and success, academic scholarship, community outreach, and diversity, equity and inclusion.

  As chancellor of Penn State Abington, she oversees more than 3,000 students, more than 320 faculty, 23 bachelor's degree programs, an MBA partnership with Penn State Great Valley, the NCAA Division III athletics program, and numerous outreach initiatives and partnerships that benefit the region and beyond.

  Prior to arriving at Abington, Dr. DelliCarpini was vice provost for strategic educational partnerships and dean of the College of Education and Human Development (COEHD) at The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). As dean, she grew the full-time faculty complement, oversaw the development of new degree programs including a doctoral program in school psychology; and led the launch of the Department of Race, Ethnicity, Gender and Sexuality Studies.

  As a first generation, nontraditional student, Dr. DelliCarpini experienced firsthand the opportunity that higher education provides for students, the role institutions of higher education play as cultural and intellectual hubs in their communities, and the impact of higher education on the economic mobility of graduates.

  Dr. DelliCarpini earned her bachelor’s degree in linguistics, master’s degree in TESOL, and doctorate in linguistics all from the State University of New York at Stony Brook. She is a licensed English as a Second Language educator and school district administrator through the New York State Education Department.
  
  

• Nora Lewis, University of Pennsylvania
  

  Nora Lewis is Vice Dean for Professional and Liberal Education in the School of Arts and Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania, a post she has held since 2010. She oversees Penn’s College of Liberal and Professional Studies, which enrolls more than 8,000 individuals annually in degree, non-degree and online programs. Ms. Lewis has 35 years of experience in professional, continuing, online and international education. Her responsibilities have included teaching, program development and coordination, marketing, recruitment, admissions, student services and advising, and general administration. 

  Ms. Lewis holds a B.A. in English from the College of William and Mary and a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Linguistics from the University of Pennsylvania. She previously served as representative for the Mid-Atlantic region to the board of directors of UPCEA.
  
  

• Vicki McGarvey, Temple University

  Dr. Vicki Lewis McGarvey is a first-generation college student who earned both her master’s and doctoral degrees while working full-time. As Vice Provost for Temple’s University College, Vicki wears many hats, overseeing a wide variety of programs for learners of every age — from Temple’s Summer and Pre-college Programs to the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.

  Dr. McGarvey also directs the ProRanger Philadelphia program, a partnership between Temple and the National Park Service to train law enforcement rangers. She has a personal passion for the nation’s natural treasures. In her free time, you can find her in a state or national park camping with her family.

  Prior to joining Temple University in 2001, Dr. McGarvey held positions in scientific, financial and research administration in the medical schools at the Johns Hopkins University and the University of Pennsylvania. She also served as the administrative and financial officer for the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Social Work.

  Dr. McGarvey holds a B.A. in natural sciences and an M.B.A. from the Johns Hopkins University and an Ed.D. in higher education administration from the University of Pennsylvania.

  
  

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October 14 | 11:00 AM

The New Adult Learner: Actionable Insights

In the post-pandemic world, the New Adult Learner will be the difference on whether colleges and universities thrive or survive.  To better prepare our members, Jim will present the results of a meta-analysis UPCEA and corporate partner sponsored research on the New Adult Learner. The research will show the complexities of the adult learner and the breadth of segments they represent. Jim will offer insights on motivating factors, delivery and credential preferences, support services and needs and how these might relate to marketing, recruitment and retention. In a competitive market, understanding the differences of the many adult learner segments is critical to institutional success.

• Jim Fong, Founding Director
  UPCEA Center for Research and Strategy

Jim Fong is the founding director of UPCEA’s Center for Research and Strategy. In his role, Jim has analyzed demographic, occupational, technological and societal trends and data to help the higher education community better serve the adult and corporate learner. As the Center’s director, he works closely with dozens of colleges and universities annually in new program development initiatives, enrollment management and marketing process analyses and the review of online and continuing education portfolios.

Prior to joining UPCEA, Jim worked as a higher education strategic marketing and CRM consultant and researcher for two firms and prior to that was the Director of Marketing, Research and Planning for Penn State Outreach. At Penn State Outreach, he was responsible for strategic marketing, marketing management, research, creative and database teams. Jim played a major role in the early launch of Penn State’s World Campus by assessing new program needs and the development of marketing strategies and systems. 

Jim holds an M.B.A., an M.S. in Applied Statistics and a B.S. in Mathematics, all from The University of Vermont. In 2004, UPCEA awarded him the Adelle Robertson Award as its Continuing Professional Educator for the year. That year, he also received the Mid-Atlantic Region’s Distinguished Service Award.





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