#USA #Phoenix #Competency-Based Education #University of Phoenix #CBExchange 2026

University of Phoenix's Progress in Competency-Based Education

The University of Phoenix, a pioneer in adult education, is set to highlight its remarkable achievements in competency-based education (CBE) during the upcoming CBExchange 2026 event, scheduled for September 30 to October 3 in Orlando, Florida. This year's conference gathers educators, employers, and policymakers focused on enhancing skills-based learning approaches that interlink education with workforce requirements.

Key Presenters

Marc Booker, Vice Provost of Strategy, and Justin Hallock, Senior Director of Change Management, will lead the session titled "Creating 5,000 CBE Graduates in 6 Years" on October 3. Their presentation aims to unpack the comprehensive strategies deployed to develop a robust CBE ecosystem that has successfully produced over 5,000 graduates since its inception. By aligning academic frameworks with operational and technological aspects, the University has championed a learning model that remains receptive to the evolving needs of its student base.

Insights on Competency-Based Education

Dr. Booker emphasized the flexibility that CBE introduces: "Over the past six years, we've witnessed how competency-based education can create more flexible pathways for learners to demonstrate their skills and knowledge while making progress toward their educational goals." He underlines the need for collaboration across various functions—academic, operational, and technological—to effectively scale CBE initiatives, ensuring that they are tailored to support learners in their educational journeys.

This commitment translates into a strong focus on quality, relevance, and accessibility, aligning educational goals with real-world skills that are increasingly valued by employers.

Focused Outcomes for Working Adults

University of Phoenix has a long-standing mission centered around supporting working adult learners. Its CBE programs are specifically designed to provide adaptable pathways that correspond with the dynamic landscape of career aspirations and workforce demands.

This proactive approach is further complemented by the institution's recent publication, A Holistic Perspective to Creating Successful CBE Programs at Scale, co-authored by Booker and Hallock. This whitepaper derives from extensive experiences in the design and implementation of CBE programs, providing vital insights for educational institutions navigating the shift towards skills-centric learning frameworks.

Shaping the Future of Education

As companies increasingly prioritize skills and competencies in hiring practices, the University of Phoenix is actively participating in shaping the future of higher education and workforce readiness. Both Booker and Hallock are frequently invited to share their experiences and insights at various national conferences, including the AACRAO Annual Meeting and the SXSWEDU Conference in 2026.

Through such engagements, the University continues to propel discussions surrounding educational innovation, student success, and the necessity for workforce-aligned educational models.

Conclusion

Participants interested in learning more about the CBE approach are encouraged to attend CBExchange 2026 and explore the agenda for discussions on developing educational practices that integrate skills-based learning.

For additional information on the University of Phoenix and its initiatives, visit phoenix.edu.

This commitment to redefining educational paradigms stands testament to the institution's belief that education should evolve to meet the challenges and demands of modern professional environments.