The University Professional & Continuing Education Association (UPCEA), the leading organization for universities engaged in professional, continuing, and online education, has selected Joe Shapiro, dean of San Diego State University College of Extended Studies, to be the chair of the UPCEA International Network.
The International Network is one of six UPCEA Networks that serve UPCEA members through providing professional development, research and information, networking and communication, and awards and recognition of excellence in their practice areas.
CEO Robert Hansen of UPCEA praised Shapiro for his leadership in the association. “Joe has distinguished himself for several years by actively supporting and building UPCEA programs, and his appointment as chair of this network will enable him to continue his leadership contributions to the association, “ he said. “He is one of the rising stars of UPCEA.”
“I am honored to be named to lead the International Network,” Shapiro said. “I plan to strengthen the connections between international continuing education professionals across the globe and share best practices and ideas that will help all of us better serve our students.”
Shapiro added, “The UPCEA Networks will provide a vital professional home for university professional, continuing education and online educators. Once developed, the networks will offer what educators value: professional development, research and information, networking opportunities, and recognition of excellence.”
Shapiro has been the dean of the College of Extended Studies (CES) since July 2007.
With more than 27,000 enrollments from more than 70 countries, CES serves as a principal university liaison with the greater San Diego community and provides a wide variety of traditional and nontraditional, credit and noncredit education experiences for working adults and other lifelong learners.
Prior to joining SDSU in December 2001 as the CES associate dean, Shapiro worked in adult and continuing education for more than 30 years serving the U.S. overseas active duty military community with University of Maryland University College (UMUC)-Europe, Boston University Overseas Programs, and Ball Sate Programs-Europe. He earned a doctorate and a master of arts in education at Ball State University, specializing in the field of counseling and guidance. He has lived and/or worked in over 40 countries and currently resides in San Diego with his wife and their two children.
