Dr. Judy C. Ashcroft, dean of continuing and innovative education at The University of Texas at Austin, became president of the University Continuing Education Association (UCEA) Saturday, April 10, at the conclusion of the association’s annual meeting in San Francisco.
Ashcroft, who has been president-elect of the organization for the past year, will serve a one-year term as president. The UCEA includes more than 450 organizations of public and private degree-granting colleges and universities and nonprofits with a significant commitment to professional and continuing education.
“Professional and continuing educators are actively addressing the challenges facing universities and our communities today,” said Ashcroft. “We are creating opportunities that assure access to education, relevant curricula and excellence in our programs and operations. We come together in a strong and vibrant association to make an impact. “
Ashcroft said she brings optimism, vision and entrepreneurial experience to the position. She sees her greatest challenge as continuing the feeling of community in an international organization when budget cuts are limiting traditional face-to-face meetings. Ashcroft said her expertise in teaching, organizational development, instructional technologies, administration and new business development should be of great value in leading the organization forward.
Prior to becoming president-elect of UCEA, Ashcroft was chair of UCEA’s Independent Study Division, Distance Education Community of Practice, and Futures and Markets Commission. Ashcroft previously represented all commissions on the organization’s finance committee, the executive committee and the UCEA Board of Directors. She has received the Gail Childs Award, the Roger Williams Award and the International Futures and Change Award for Exceptional and Innovative Leadership.
