University of Phoenix leadership appointed to UPCEA Council for Credential Innovation

Vice Provost Doris Savron joins the team dedicated to alternative credential development in higher education 

University of Phoenix is pleased to share that Vice Provost of Colleges, Assessment and Curriculum Doris Savron has been appointed to the UPCEA Council for Credential Innovation. UPCEA, the online and professional education association, announced the 2024-2025 leadership teams for the Council for Chief Online Learning Officers and Council for Credential Innovation with Savron named among the member volunteers serving in leadership roles for the two bodies.  

“I am deeply honored to join the UPCEA Council for Credential Innovation and collaborate with fellow leaders committed to advancing alternative credentials," shares Savron. "In today's labor market, an emphasis on tangible skills benefits both employers and job seekers by helping align skills with demand. Credentials play a pivotal role in this approach by equipping students with the necessary skills and empowering them to showcase their abilities, via credentials, to prospective employers.”

According to UPCEA, the Council for Credential Innovation is composed of senior leaders charged with driving non-degree credential strategy at the unit or campus level, and key thought leaders from nonprofit organizations who are actively contributing to the development of the alternative credential space. The Council and its leadership will focus on leveraging the strategic potential of non-degree credentials and non-credit education and training to transform institutions of higher education as well as the talent marketplace.

Savron brings a wealth of experience to the UPCEA Council role, as she and her team, along with leaders from across University of Phoenix, championed the university’s transition to a skills-mapped curriculum and implementation of a skills dashboard to help students acquire and identify skills as they progress through courses rather than just at the point of graduation. Savron also co-authored a white paper on the subject which provided a foundational reflection of the University of Phoenix focus on providing career-relevant, skills-based education and authentic assessment for working adult students.

“UPCEA is extremely fortunate to have Doris Savron join the leadership team for the Council for Credential Innovation, as her experience at the intersection of skills mapping and learner records is truly groundbreaking and puts today’s student at the forefront of institutional priorities,” said Amy Heitzman, Deputy CEO and Chief Learning Officer at UPCEA.

Savron currently serves as Vice Provost for University of Phoenix, overseeing the strategy for the University’s academic programs and curriculum design, institutional assessment and faculty. Her role includes oversight of strategy for degree, certificate and course offerings, design of curriculum and student learning outcomes for the University. Savron works collaboratively with her team members to innovate academic solutions that enable the University to provide exceptional student experiences and learning environments to support student success. 

Savron is often sought out as a speaker for her expertise on mapping relevant skills in programs and building an infrastructure to support career tools in curriculum design, micro credentialing and other innovations in curriculum (1EdTech, PACRAO). Savron earned her MBA from Cleveland State University and is completing her doctorate in management in organizational leadership.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, skills-mapped curriculum for our bachelor’s and master’s degree programs and a Career Services for Life® commitment help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit  phoenix.edu.