Cate Tolnai Appointed to UPCEA Council for Credential Innovation

Tolnai joins a cohort of higher education professionals tasked with refining non-degree pathways and improving learner mobility. The Council focuses on integrating noncredit-to-credit models, ensuring academic outcomes align with the evolving requirements of modern employers. According to Amy Heitzman, deputy CEO at UPCEA, Tolnai’s background in education technology and student success will be critical as the organization shapes future credentialing strategies.

At the University of Phoenix, Tolnai spearheads initiatives to expand credentialing ecosystems, a role underscored by the university's recent milestone of issuing its one-millionth digital badge. With over 170 active academic badge offerings, the institution continues to prioritize skills-based recognition. Tolnai, who brings more than 20 years of experience across TK-16 education, will leverage her expertise in competency-based learning to influence national conversations regarding how institutions validate and communicate student achievements.