University of Phoenix Leadership Joins 2025 UPCEA Convergence Conference in Washington, DC

Vice Provosts and Director join proceedings focused on microcredentials and innovation in higher education

PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--University of Phoenix is pleased to share that Vice Provost for Strategy Dr. Marc Booker, and Director of Micro Credentials & Credential Innovation Strategy Cate Tolnai, Ed.D., presented at the Convergence: Credential Innovation in Higher Education conference, while Vice Provost for Colleges, Assessment and Curriculum, Doris Savron, MBA, served as co-chair for the event taking place September 29 through October 1 in Washington, DC.

The annual event, presented jointly by UPCEA and AACRAO, convenes higher education leaders and stakeholders to explore strategies for implementing innovative credentials that meet the evolving needs of learners and employers.

Booker co-presented the session titled, “Approaches to and Benefits from Differentiated Microcredential Strategies.” The session explores how institutions can develop and scale microcredential programs that deliver meaningful value to learners. Booker shared insights from University of Phoenix’s approach to building a sustainable microcredential ecosystem that supports learner outcomes and institutional goals.

“The Convergence Conference offers a platform for institutions to exchange ideas, highlight effective practices, and shape the future of credentialing to deliver real-time value to students,” says Booker. “Microcredentials are most effective when they are thoughtfully designed to reflect learners’ goals and provide meaningful value for their learning. I am pleased to share how University of Phoenix has intentionally built its microcredential strategy to help learners be provided the most direct path to demonstrate the value for the skills they have learned and earned in the classroom.”

Tolnai delivered two presentations at the conference, each highlighting different dimensions of credential innovation. Her first session, “Recognitionist History: Viewing Credential Innovation’s Future through its Past,” offered a dynamic and engaging look at the evolution of the Open Badges and microcredentials movements. Presented in an engaging narrative gameshow format, the session invited attendees to explore the historical context of credentialing while earning badges along the way.

Tolnai’s second session, “From Classroom to Career: How Microcredentials Empower Modern Learners,” focused on the transformative role of microcredentials in supporting diverse learner pathways. The session examined strategies for upskilling and reskilling, emphasizing how institutions can create flexible learning models that bridge the gap between academic knowledge and career readiness.

“Microcredentials provide learners with targeted opportunities to build and showcase skills that align directly to workforce demands,” shares Tolnai. “By building credentials and pathways around real-world competencies and employer expectations, we empower students to tell their learning stories with confidence and clarity.”

Booker oversees critical path academic initiatives at University of Phoenix, including learning platform implementations, curricular enhancements, and the development of empathetic solutions to improve student outcomes. His leadership has been recognized by multiple professional associations, including UPCEA, PACRAO, and AACRAO, for his contributions to operational excellence and credential innovation.

Tolnai leads the development and implementation of credentialing programs at University of Phoenix designed to meet evolving workforce needs while maintaining alignment with accreditation standards and state regulations. She collaborates across academic departments and with industry partners to design stackable, career-relevant credentials that support learner mobility and professional growth.

View the complete conference program here.

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/blog.html.