#United States #Washington, D.C. #University of Phoenix #Credential Innovation #Learner Mobility

University of Phoenix Leaders Share Expertise at Convergence 2026

The University of Phoenix is set to make an impactful appearance at the upcoming Convergence Credential Innovation in Higher Education conference, scheduled from October 13-15, 2026, in Washington, D.C. Marc Booker, PhD, Vice Provost of Strategy, and Cate Tolnai, Director of Microcredentials & Innovation Credential Strategy, will be presenting critical insights on learner mobility, prior learning credits, and innovative credential pathways. This annual conference, jointly presented by UPCEA and AACRAO, serves as a hub for higher education leaders and practitioners to gather and discuss new approaches to credentialing and educational alignment with workforce needs.

During the conference, Tolnai is expected to engage in three sessions focusing on key topics such as credential innovation and credit for prior learning. Meanwhile, Booker will join Tolnai in demonstrating how their university connects prior learning experiences with skills recognition and microcredentials to enhance student success and career outcomes. As Tolnai emphasizes, “The conversation surrounding credentials is now shifting; it transcends mere documentation of learning and moves toward enabling learners to effectively convey their capabilities to potential employers and educators.”

Connecting Learner Value to Microcredentials

One of the significant sessions they will co-present will be titled “Connecting Value Chains for Mobility CPL to Skills to Microcredentials.” This session is set to delve into how educational institutions can foster learner mobility by acknowledging the complete spectrum of experiences that students bring to higher education. The discussion will highlight the importance of constructing robust connections between credits for prior learning (CPL), skill recognition, and microcredentials. Leveraging their findings and methods from the University of Phoenix, the presenters will outline a systematic approach to linking life experiences, academic learning, and career trajectories via CPL-to-skills-and-microcredential workflows.

“Effective innovation in education is most influential when it clearly illustrates the ties between learned information, acquired skills, and available opportunities,” Booker stated. “Establishing these connections not only enhances learner mobility but also enables institutions to provide more substantial value early in a student's educational journey, even before they achieve credential completion.”

Exploring Future Trends in Credential Innovation

In addition to their co-presentations, Tolnai will also lead another session, aptly titled “Badgelicious Futurism: Predicting What’s Next in #Credovation.” This interactive segment will explore the emerging trends influencing the landscape of credential innovation, such as the rise of skills-based hiring practices and the implementation of AI-driven assessments. Participants will adopt a future-casting mindset to evaluate current trends, their implications for ongoing initiatives, and potential strategies for further advancing credential innovation in their institutions.

Furthermore, Tolnai is slated to participate in a panel discussion called “Recognizing What Learners Know: Exploring the Full Spectrum of Credit for Prior Learning.” In this session, the focus will be on various CPL methodologies adopted by institutions across the educational spectrum, which includes features like portfolio assessments and challenge exams, aimed at improving learner mobility, expediting the completion process, and creating equitable pathways to credentials.

Attendees can anticipate revealing insights, including preliminary outcomes from the UPCEA Council for Credential Innovation's landscape study on prevailing CPL policies, practices, and strategies currently employed across higher education.

Marc Booker and Cate Tolnai are esteemed figures within the University of Phoenix who often share their insights at national gatherings and industry-related events. Their recent engagements included interactions at the AACRAO Annual Meeting, ASU+GSV Summit, 1EdTech Learning Impact Conference, SXSW EDU Conference, and PESC Data Summit, where they contributed foundational insights on learning innovation and efforts aligned with workforce demands.

To access the complete agenda for the Convergence Credential Innovation in Higher Education conference, participants can visit the conference's official website.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix has been a cornerstone of adult education for over 50 years, innovating to assist working professionals in enhancing their careers and cultivating skills needed in an ever-evolving environment. Through its flexible online learning platforms, relevant curricula, and academic AI frameworks, the University serves its active students and alumni with resources via its Career Services for Life® program. For further information, please visit phoenix.edu.