University of Phoenix Leaders Spotlight Learning-to-Workforce Alignment and Culture at UPCEA 2026 Conference

Executives share strategies for translating education into real-world success, building agile operations, and navigating federal policy developments.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 11:00pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a stack of textbooks and a graduation cap repeated in a tight grid pattern, conceptually representing the University of Phoenix's focus on aligning education to workforce needs and adapting to regulatory changes.University leaders share strategies for translating education into real-world success and navigating evolving federal policy at the UPCEA 2026 conference.New Orleans Today

University of Phoenix announced that several of its top leaders are participating in programming at the 2026 UPCEA Annual Conference in New Orleans. Dr. Marc Booker, Vice Provost of Strategy, is presenting on how institutions can design learning pathways that lead to meaningful career outcomes and build a culture of strategic planning and disciplined change management. Bridget Beville, Vice President of Resolution Services and Title IX Coordinator, contributed to UPCEA's federal policy update discussion, framing how legislative and regulatory developments may shape priorities for online and professional continuing education. Additionally, McCeil Johnson, Vice President for Accreditation and Regulatory Compliance, serves in UPCEA leadership as the Engagement and Opportunity Committee's representative on the UPCEA Board of Directors.

Why it matters

As higher education institutions navigate an evolving workforce landscape and increasing federal oversight, the University of Phoenix's participation in the UPCEA conference underscores its commitment to thought leadership on critical issues facing the sector. The University's focus on aligning education to employment, cultivating organizational agility, and staying ahead of regulatory changes positions it to better serve the needs of working adult learners.

The details

During the conference, Dr. Booker shared practical strategies for translating learning pathways into real-world success, including ways to align education-to-employment pipelines with evolving workforce needs. He also presented on how a culture of strategic planning and disciplined change management can support agility, engagement, and outcomes across higher education operations. Meanwhile, Beville contributed to UPCEA's federal policy update discussion, framing how legislative and regulatory developments may shape priorities for online and professional continuing education leaders. Additionally, Johnson supported UPCEA's Engagement and Opportunity priorities through her Board service as the committee's representative for a two-year term.

  • The 2026 UPCEA Annual Conference was held from April 15-17 in New Orleans.
  • Dr. Booker presented on Wednesday, April 15 and Friday, April 17.
  • Beville participated in the federal policy update session.
  • Johnson's two-year term on the UPCEA Board of Directors runs from 2025-2027.

The players

Dr. Marc Booker

Vice Provost of Strategy at the University of Phoenix, responsible for designing and executing strategies that translate institutional activities into meaningful progress to deliver learners more value.

Bridget Beville

Vice President of Resolution Services and Title IX Coordinator at the University of Phoenix, leading institutional efforts related to Title IX compliance, investigations, complaint resolution and response, student and faculty conduct, and academic appeals.

McCeil Johnson

Vice President for Accreditation and Regulatory Compliance at the University of Phoenix, providing leadership and management for the University's institutional and college-specific accreditation and regulatory initiatives.

UPCEA

The University Professional and Continuing Education Association, a leading organization for online, professional, and continuing education leaders.

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What they’re saying

“Across both sessions, Booker's focus centers on how institutions can design and execute strategies that translate institutional activities into meaningful progress to deliver learners more value — and how culture and operational discipline can serve as the engine for sustained improvement.”

— Dr. Marc Booker, Vice Provost, Strategy

“In her University role, Beville leads institutional efforts related to Title IX compliance, investigations, complaint resolution and response, student and faculty conduct and academic appeals — experience that informs an operating lens grounded in clear processes, accountability and student-centered practice.”

— Bridget Beville, Vice President of Resolution Services and Title IX Coordinator

“Her service reflects ongoing engagement in the association's governance and priorities related to welcoming, student-centered educational practices.”

— McCeil Johnson, Vice President for Accreditation and Regulatory Compliance

What’s next

University leaders will continue their participation in industry events throughout 2026, including the ASU + GSV Summit, AACRAO Annual Meeting, and PESC Data Summit, to share insights and engage with the broader higher education community.

The takeaway

The University of Phoenix's involvement in the UPCEA conference demonstrates its commitment to thought leadership on the critical issues facing higher education, including aligning education to workforce needs, building agile operations, and navigating evolving federal regulations. This positions the University to better serve the needs of its working adult learners.