Nancy Coleman

Nancy Coleman
Nancy Coleman
Dean of the Division of Continuing Education

Dr. Coleman is a senior PCO (professional, continuing and online education) leader, deeply committed to technology and innovation in online and place-based education that creates access and opportunities for learners of all ages, types and socio-economic backgrounds.   She brings diverse expertise to her leadership of the division, having previously served in roles in both small and large institutions, corporate and start-up ventures; and taught both online and in the classroom.

Before joining Harvard, Coleman created Wellesley Extended, a unit of Wellesley College encompassing summer term, professional and executive education.  In 2017, she founded the Contemporary Women’s Leadership Institute, a global program for undergraduate women.   

Coleman also served as Director of Distance Education at Boston University, and as VP of Academic Services at Keypath, an online program management firm, overseeing all instructional design and student services operations for the organization’s global offices.

Dr. Coleman is currently President-Elect of UPCEA (University Professional Continuing Education Association), the nation’s largest PCO association.  She is a co-author of the “Hallmarks of Excellence in Online Leadership” published by UPCEA, March 2015.  

Coleman holds a doctorate in Human and Organizational Learning from George Washington University, and an MBA from Boston University Questrom School of Management.