A Leader in Online Learning Recognized
Nancy Coleman, the powerhouse steering the ship at Harvard's Division of Continuing Education (DCE), has earned the 2026 UPCEA Ray Schroeder Leadership Award. The ceremony at Boston's Westin Seaport Hotel was more than a pat on the back—it was a full-on recognition of Coleman's game-changing role in digital education. In an age where online learning is no longer an afterthought but a necessity, Coleman's efforts stand tall. Since stepping into the role in 2020, Coleman has transformed how learners engage with education at Harvard beyond the Ivy-covered walls.
Decades of Transformation Led by Innovation
It's not just about picking up an accolade; it's about the journey. Harvard DCE's long-standing engagement with distance education has gone through a metamorphosis under Coleman’s stewardship. We’re talking about a heritage dating back to 1956 with television courses to modern AI-driven classrooms. Remember, this is the place that once broadcasted courses to Navy submarine crews in the ‘60s. Now it's a potent mix of distance learning programs enhanced by hybrid tech—something that’s boosted student success and kept the wheels turning even during the COVID-19 storm. Coleman echoes it well, "The tools keep changing—television, submarines, the internet, now AI-driven classrooms—but the mission hasn’t: real rigor, real access, real outcomes."
Enabling Access to a World of Learning
The numbers speak for themselves—over 25,000 learners from more than 120 countries walk through the digital doors of Harvard DCE annually. This isn't just a sprinkling of courses; it’s a cascade. Harvard DCE opens its courses to anyone 16 to 90+. Programs like the Crimson Summer Academy are not simply ticking boxes—they’re launching students from public schools into four-year colleges, claiming a near-flawless 99.8% success rate in college enrollments. And don't forget about the crew still grinding it out in the workforce; they're prepping for tomorrow through Harvard's professional and executive development programs designed with employers, with a whopping 74% of 2026 clients returning for more.
Shaping the Narrative of Continuing Education
By the look of things, Coleman isn’t merely a pen-pusher; she’s shaping the larger conversation around continuing education. Her recent literary contribution in the form of a book chapter, "Yes, That Harvard," digs deep into DCE's legacy and where it's headed—a testament to the broader impact and thought leadership she brings. It's an ever-evolving story of academic and professional rigor, all anchored by the hands-on admissions model Harvard DCE lives by—where achievements speak louder than recommendations.
"In this digital age, it's the visionaries like Coleman who redefine the landscape, merging tradition with innovation," an industry observer might remark.
Beyond the Show and Shine
But let's not get swept away in just the laurels. This recognition isn't just about one individual's leadership; it's a nod to the backbone of the institution—the on-ground staff and the ambitious students making their mark. Coleman is the first to praise her team and students. It's not a one-woman show; it's a finely tuned orchestra with each player hitting their mark.
As the landscape of education veers increasingly toward the digital realm, there’s a lesson here for those eyes locked on traditional models. The journey is paved with adaptation, seeing that risk doesn’t deter, but instead opens new opportunities. In the marathon of education, adaptability is the fuel, and leaders like Coleman are the ones filling the tank.
