Nancy Coleman

Nancy Coleman is Dean of the Division of Continuing Education and University Extension.

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 is passionate about leadership, international education and an enthusiastic supporter of women and girls in their personal and professional development journeys.

Coleman 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, Nancy created Wellesley Extended, a unit of Wellesley College encompassing summer term, professional and executive education and Nehoiden Golf Club. In 2017, she founded the Contemporary Women’s Leadership Institute, a global program designed to help undergraduates develop leadership skills and find their unique voices.

Coleman also served as Director of Distance Education at Boston University, directing a business unit responsible for supporting the schools and colleges at BU with online learning initiatives. She was also 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.

She is a frequent domestic and international conference speaker covering such topics as the organization and leadership of nontraditional programs, establishment of best practices and formulating successful partnerships.

Coleman holds a doctorate in Human and Organizational Learning from George Washington University, and an MBA from Boston University Questrom School of Management. Her research has focused on ambidexterity and innovation in online learning units.