About 

UPCEA Names Dr. Cheryl M. Simpson
Director, Institutional & Corporate Relations and
Associate Director, Center for Research & Consulting

July 26, 2011

WASHINGTON -- The University Professional & Continuing Education Association (UPCEA) announced today that Cheryl M. Simpson has been hired to provide leadership in institutional and corporate relations, and to assist the Director, Center for Research & Consulting (CRC), fulfill its mission. In addition, Simpson will serve as the senior liaison to UPCEA’s Global Associates program.

Simpson complements a team the Association has been building steadily since Dr. Robert J. Hansen was named CEO of UPCEA in September 2010. Hansen hired Lori B. Derkay, Chief Operating Officer, in February 2011 and Jim Fong, Director for UPCEA’s Center for Research and Consulting, in March 2011.

“The Association had several critical needs,” said Hansen. “I did not expect to address so many of them in one individual, but Cheri has a rare combination of skills and professional experiences.”

Simpson previously worked as an instructor, research assistant, and event planner at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (UM) while pursuing her doctorate in Higher Education Administration from the Center for the Study of Higher & Postsecondary Education. Prior to UM, Simpson taught at the University of Nevada, Reno, worked as an Expo Organizer for a New England Expo Company, and worked for Continental Cablevision (now Comcast) as an Executive Assistant, Event Planner, and Staff Supervisor in the New England Regional Office.

“Cheri’s expertise in the higher education field, coupled with her background in the corporate world, makes her the perfect addition to the Association,” said UPCEA President Jim Shaeffer. “She is well positioned to help UPCEA grow its membership and provide top-notch service and support to members. I am thrilled to welcome her to the UPCEA team.”

“I am excited about the opportunity to contribute my experience, ideas, and expertise to the success of this important association,” said Dr. Simpson. My aim is to provide exceptional service to all member institutions, secure mutually beneficial corporate relationships, offer high quality support to the CRC Director, Jim Fong and CRC members, and add salutary value to the Global Associates program.”

Simpson earned a B.S. in Business Administration and an MBA with a Graduate Certificate in International Business from Southern New Hampshire University; an MA in Political Science from the University of Nevada, Reno; and a PhD. in Higher Education Administration from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

Founded in 1915, the University Professional & Continuing Education Association (formerly the University Continuing Education Association) is the principal U.S. organization for adult, professional, online and continuing higher education. The Association assists institutions of higher learning and affiliated nonprofit organizations to increase access through a wide array of educational programs and services. UPCEA also provides national leadership in support of policies that advance workforce and professional development.

###