Robert Bruce, dean of the Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies at Rice University, was recently elected to serve as president-elect of the UPCEA Board of Directors.
UPCEA, formerly known as the University Professional and Continuing Education Association, is an online and professional education association with over 13,000 higher education and corporation members.
“UPCEA brings together higher education and industry leaders across the spectrum of lifelong learning in both personal and professional fields, and there has never been a time when continuing education was more critical as in this rapidly evolving knowledge economy,” Bruce said. “Accordingly, this is not only an honor; it is an incredible opportunity. I look forward to serving alongside my fellow board members and bringing Rice’s unconventional wisdom to the broader continuing and professional education community.”
Bruce will assume the role at the conclusion of the 2024 UPCEA Conference in Boston on March 28. He will serve as board-elect president for a one-year term (2024-25) then ascend to the role of board president in 2025-26.
The organization announced Dec. 7 the election of new officers and new directors to serve on the board.
Bruce joined Rice Nov. 1, 2017, as dean of the Glasscock School and adjunct professor of humanities. As dean, he leads the school in offering graduate degrees and certificates, personal and professional development programs, online and hybrid courses and innovative credential approaches.
Bruce previously held leadership positions at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the University of Texas at Austin. He earned a bachelor’s degree in English from UT Austin and a master’s and a doctorate in English from Texas A&M University.