The University of Michigan Center for Academic Innovation is bringing together faculty and senior administrators from campuses across the nation to share their experiences in establishing and working within models of alternative credentials in higher education. During a keynote panel discussion on March 5, 2024, we will showcase expert perspectives from experts on the benefits and challenges to implementing change and spearheading innovation.


Innovation Insights

The Center for Academic Innovation brings together people who want to transform education, share knowledge, and increase learner success by hosting inspiring talks, collaborative problem-solving workshops, and discussions on the latest in educational research and practice. The Innovation Insights series features a diverse lineup of topics, delivered by leaders in academia and private industry, united by the common goals of delivering insights into how to further academic innovation and build the future of education.


About Carissa

Carissa Little oversees the Stanford Center for Professional Development, the global and online education unit within Stanford Engineering, and Stanford Online, a robust portal of academic and professional education offered by schools and units throughout Stanford University. SCPD, a leader in global and online education, works closely with Stanford faculty to create and extend engaging, best-in-class online education including credit-bearing degree and certificate programs; group and custom cohort programs; credentialed professional education, as well as free and open learning opportunities. Her expertise, solution-oriented approach, and innovative vision has contributed to the SCPD’s enhanced ability to serve both campus-based students and learners worldwide. Prior to Stanford, she worked as an educator and in high-tech product management and was an entrepreneur and co-owner of a Silicon Valley-based venture. Little is a graduate of Boston University.


About Rovy

Rovy Branon is the vice provost leading the University of Washington’s Continuum College in Seattle. UW Continuum College serves over 45,000 learners annually through 400 programs spanning youth to senior offerings. He was appointed to the vice provost role in 2014 after serving as Associate Dean of Online Learning at Wisconsin-Extension. Dr. Branon is also a past president of the University Professional and Continuing Education Association board of directors (UPCEA 2020-2021). His advocacy for increasing access to higher education and workforce development has been featured in: The New York Times, Geekwire, Fox Business, CBS Tech Republic, The Seattle Times, USA Today, Portland NBC affiliate KGW, and numerous regional Publications. http://continuum.uw.edu


About Sean

Sean Gallagher is an internationally recognized expert on alternative credentials. Sean has nearly 25 years of higher education experience as a consultant, senior administrator, and faculty member. Prior to joining Huron Consulting Group, Sean worked at Northeastern University, where as a research faculty member he founded and led the Center for the Future of Higher Education and Talent Strategy, and also drove the university’s geographic expansion and program development efforts as chief strategy officer. He has authored hundreds of research reports and articles, including a book, The Future of University Credentials, published by Harvard Education Press (2016). Sean began his career at research firm Eduventures, where he led several of its research practices. Sean has been an advisory board member or invited contributor to numerous microcredential-related projects and forums led by organizations including the Council of Graduate Schools, UPCEA, the Non-Degree Credentials Research Network, and UNESCO.