PACE director wins UPCEA leadership award

Lori Crose, director of Professional and Continuing Education at OU, was recently honored at the University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA) Super Regional Conference with the Outstanding Leadership Award for the association's Central Region.  

Crose was recognized for helping create customized professional and continuing education programs to support workforce development for area businesses and nonprofits. In collaboration with OU’s Department of e-Learning and Instructional Support, she has also been highly instrumental in developing online curriculum to meet the needs of working professionals, including a nationally recognized Certified Financial Planner program. 

Crose is a leader for the UPCEA, having served as president of the Central Region and on various conference committees, including chairing the conference committee in Detroit. She has also worked to raise awareness of the organization on OU’s campus by encouraging faculty members to attend UPCEA conferences, and create professional and continuing education programs that are targeted to community needs.

“Lori has demonstrated the power of professional and continuing education to create valuable programs, transform curriculum and change lives,” Associate Provost Michelle Piskulich wrote in a letter to the award selection committee. “Our colleagues across campus acknowledge her good work and our community partners seek her out.” 

Founded in 1915, the UPCEA is among the oldest college and university associations in the United States. Since its inception, the association has been committed to making higher education available to everyone, as well as to ensure that programs and services address societal needs and economic trends.