University of Phoenix Vice Provost Doris Savron Promoted to Co-Chair of UPCEA Council for Credential Innovation

Savron builds on 2024 council appointment to help lead national effort advancing nondegree and alternative credential strategies

PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--University of Phoenix proudly shares that Vice Provost of Colleges, Assessment and Curriculum Doris Savron has been appointed one of three co-chairs of the UPCEA Council for Credential Innovation. Savron was first appointed to the council in May 2024, and her new role as co-chair reflects her continued leadership in advancing credential strategies that align education with workforce needs.

The council brings together leaders from higher education, nonprofit organizations, and industry to explore and advance strategies for alternative and nondegree credentials. It offers a space for leaders to exchange insights on the value these programs bring to learners and employers, while also focusing on how noncredit education and training can help reshape both higher education institutions and the talent marketplace.

“I am honored to serve as co-chair of the UPCEA Council for Credential Innovation alongside my esteemed colleagues,” Savron said. “The council’s work is vital to helping institutions design credentials that reflect the skills employers want and empower learners to showcase their abilities. We are focused on strengthening the connection between higher education and the labor market in meaningful ways, and I look forward to continuing that work.”

Savron brings a wealth of experience to the UPCEA Council role, as she and her team, along with leaders from across University of Phoenix, guided the university’s transition to a skills-mapped curriculum and implementation of a skills dashboard to help students acquire and identify skills as they progress through courses rather than just at the point of graduation. Savron co-authored a white paper on the subject which provided a foundational reflection of the University of Phoenix focus on providing career-relevant, skills-based education and authentic assessment for working adult students. Under her leadership, University of Phoenix recently completed a successful pilot testing verifiable digital credentials for learner records, with the goal of empowering learners with experiences and tools that will enable them to pursue their goals and give employers a clearer picture of their capabilities.

“Doris Savron’s appointment as co-chair reflects the kind of visionary leadership our field needs,” said Deputy CEO and Chief Learning Officer at UPCEA, Amy Heitzman. “Her work at the intersection of skills mapping and learner records is helping shape a future where credentials are not just educational milestones, but powerful tools supporting a talent pipeline and employee engagement.”

Savron is a frequent speaker on curriculum design, micro-credentialing and credential innovation. She also serves on the boards of Career Connectors and the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation, as well as several professional advisory councils. She holds an MBA from Cleveland State University and is completing a doctorate in management in organizational leadership.

Learn more here about the UPCEA Council for Credential Innovation.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, skills-mapped curriculum for our bachelor’s and master’s degree programs and a Career Services for Life® commitment help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit phoenix.edu.