Nancy Coleman: Pioneering Leadership in Digital Learning at Harvard

Dean Nancy Coleman Receives UPCEA's Highest Honor

On July 30, 2026, Nancy Coleman, Dean of Harvard's Division of Continuing Education (DCE), was awarded the esteemed Ray Schroeder Leadership Award for the Advancement of Digital Learning at the SOLAR conference in Boston. This recognition by UPCEA highlights Coleman's exemplary leadership in enhancing digital education.

Coleman's journey as Dean began in 2020, making her the first woman to hold this prestigious position. Under her guidance, DCE has transformed its approach to digital education, reflecting over six decades of commitment to distance learning, starting from the first broadcast course in 1956 to pioneering the use of AI-driven classrooms today.

In her acceptance speech, Coleman expressed her gratitude, stating, "I'm thrilled to share this award with the Harvard DCE staff who make it possible, and with the students whose lives have changed through online education. The tools keep changing — from television to submarines, to the internet and now AI-driven classrooms — but our mission remains focused on achieving real rigor, access, and meaningful outcomes."

DCE engages more than 25,000 learners from over 120 countries each year. Programs offered range from those in the Harvard Extension School to the Harvard Institute for Learning in Retirement. A notable accomplishment includes the Crimson Summer Academy, which has supported high-achieving students from local public schools for 40 years and boasts a remarkable 99.8% of graduates proceeding to four-year colleges.

Coleman also highlighted the effectiveness of professional development programs, where 74% of clients returned for further engagements. This success indicates the high quality and relevance of training provided under her leadership.

Moreover, Coleman documented the evolution of DCE in a recent book chapter titled “Yes, That Harvard,” which addresses its history and future trajectory in shaping continuing education at a national level.

About the Ray Schroeder Leadership Award

The Ray Schroeder Leadership Award is an annual accolade presented by UPCEA at the SOLAR conference to leaders who significantly advance digital learning. The award honors those committed to ensuring quality, accessibility, and innovation in online education.

About Harvard’s Division of Continuing Education

Established in 1910, Harvard’s Division of Continuing Education is dedicated to lifelong learning and serves a diverse population through over 900 open-enrollment courses and programs annually. With a focus on an 'earn your way in' admissions model, the DCE prioritizes academic ability, making higher learning accessible to a wide audience, from teenagers to seniors.

For more information on their programs and offerings, visit extension.harvard.edu.

In conclusion, Nancy Coleman's recognition with the Ray Schroeder Leadership Award not only underscores her impactful role in digital education but also highlights Harvard DCE's long-standing tradition of excellence in lifelong learning. Her leadership continues to shape the future of education in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.