UPCEA Announces National Search for New CEO

UPCEA, the leading association for online and professional education, announced that its CEO, Robert J. Hansen, will retire in 2027. The organization's board has initiated a national search to find Hansen's successor, aiming to build on the association's success and continued growth.

Hansen joined UPCEA in 2010, bringing with him extensive experience in higher education. Prior to UPCEA, he held senior leadership roles at both public and private universities and served as an education policy aide to former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar. Hansen holds a Ph.D. in English from the University of Notre Dame.

During Hansen's tenure, UPCEA has transformed from a provider of continuing education to a national leader in online and professional education. The association's annual revenue has nearly quadrupled, and its staff has more than doubled. Key achievements under Hansen's leadership include:

- Leadership in online learning through the Center for Online Leadership and Strategy and the Summit for Online Leadership and Administration (SOLAR), which has become the premier event for chief online learning officers and their teams. - The establishment of vibrant professional networks aligned with nine core areas of practice, including marketing, enrollment, student success, instructional design, business operations, and graduate education. - The development of the UPCEA Hallmarks of Excellence, a set of field-defining frameworks for digital learning enterprises, professional and continuing education, and credential innovation. The newest framework, the Hallmarks of Excellence in Digital Learning Enterprises, was developed with input from more than 80 chief online learning officers and has been endorsed by nine national organizations, including the American Council on Education, EDUCAUSE, and Quality Matters. - The Convergence: Credential Innovation in Higher Education initiative, presented in collaboration with AACRAO, which helps institutions develop credential strategies that serve learners and employers. - Leadership development programs, including a flagship certificate program that prepares professionals to lead online and professional education enterprises. - UPCEA Research and Consulting, which provides market research, benchmarking, and consulting services to help institutions make informed decisions about program launches and investments.

UPCEA enters this transition in a strong position, with a diversified revenue base, record cash and investment balances, and no outstanding debt. The organization's members are facing significant challenges, including enrollment pressure, tighter budgets, new federal and state policies, and rapid changes driven by artificial intelligence and credential innovation. The board is committed to finding a leader who can build on UPCEA's momentum and continue to support members through these changes.

The search for the next CEO will be led by a CEO Search Committee of UPCEA Board members, supported by a national executive search firm. Hansen will lead UPCEA through the transition. The search will open in February 2027, and UPCEA members and others may apply for the role or nominate candidates. All inquiries, nominations, and applications will be held in strict confidence.