Renae Jacob

Executive Director, Center for Professional Development

In an era where alternative credentialing is becoming more accepted within certain industries and sought after by younger professionals, DU’s CPD provides the “space” and structure for DU to deliberately experiment with new configurations of professional programming that uphold the University’s standards of exceptional quality and value. While the CPD was initially conceived from a common goal of four graduate units at DU—the Graduate School of Social Work, the Graduate School of Professional Psychology, University College, and the Morgridge College of Education—the implementation team researched opportunities and barriers that will allow CPD to expand its offerings to represent to all units across the university. We are collaborating with key units across campus:

• Registrar’s Office
• Office of Graduate Studies
• University Counsel
• Office of Sponsored Research and the Associate Provost for Research
• University Advancement
• Global Networks
• Senior Associate Provost for Budget and Planning
• Deans’ Council
• Office of Academic Innovation

Ultimately, the CPD will provide high-quality and unique professional development options, create alternative revenue streams, and engage alumni in a meaningful way. If we are truly successful, satisfied participants will view the University as a lifelong partner to help them successfully retool and navigate their professional pathways, and enroll in degree- or certificate-bearing graduate programs. We continue to work with the following individuals on a regular basis:

• Karen Riley, Dean, Morgridge College of Education
• Paul Michalec, Clinical Professor, Morgridge College of Education
• Amanda Moore McBride, Dean, Graduate School of Social Work
• Abby Howard, Assistant Director of Community Engagement, Graduate School of Social Work
• Trish Becker, Director of Community Engagement, Graduate School of Social Work
• Shelly Smith-Acuna, Dean, Graduate School of Professional Psychology
• Brian Gearity, Director of Coach and Sport Education
• Michael McGuire, Dean, University College

CPD Offerings