University of Arizona Outreach, Distance, and Continuing Education division reaches learners of all ages, multiple locations

Aug. 8, 2024
Collection of images of students in classroom environments and a banner that reads Outreach, Distance & Continuing Education with the school logo beside it

The University of Arizona has announced the renaming of its division dedicated to lifelong learning: Outreach, Distance and Continuing Education (ODCE). This new name reflects the university's commitment to providing a wide range of educational opportunities to a myriad of learners.

ODCE encompasses three units: Outreach, Distance (Near You Network) and Continuing and Professional Education. Each unit serves distinct educational needs while collectively contributing to the division's goal of supporting individuals’ lifelong learning journey. From pre-collegiate to collegiate programs, to noncredit microcredentials and industry certifications, ODCE offers learners of multiple ages and stages of a life a modern approach to covering a solid “60-year curriculum” covering individuals’ professional aspirations and beyond. Through the division’s efforts, thousands of students are receiving an education from Arizona. ODCE also serves the community by providing life-enrichment courses to retirees, a vital part of healthy aging, and professional testing services for high stakes exams like AP, ACT, GRE, LSAT, TOEFL, and more.

“Our division thrives on collaboration; partnering with local schools, community colleges, and organizations to deliver tailored educational opportunities that meet the unique and evolving needs of learners,” said Dr. Craig Wilson, Vice Provost of Outreach, Distance, and Continuing Education. “We see ourselves as a versatile pathway to the university, ensuring every student can access the education they need to succeed and live fuller lives.”

Through ODCE, access to U of A’s prestigious education is available to over 3,200 learners in a variety of delivery modes including in-person, hybrid and on-premises for organizations’ employees. What’s more is the division’s ability to offer credit and noncredit programs that meet community needs throughout Arizona including Chandler, Douglas, Gilbert, Nogales and Yuma locations.

“We are excited to see the University of Arizona continue to expand its offerings in Chandler through the Outreach, Distance and Continuing Education division” said Micah Miranda, City of Chandler Economic Development Director. “We are fortunate to have such a strong relationship with the ODCE team. Their efforts are critical to providing quality higher education opportunities for our residents, workforce and business community.” 

In furtherance of ODCE’s focus on lifelong learning, the Continuing and Professional Education (CaPE) unit not only provides noncredit programs and preparation for industry certifications, it also provides life enrichment programming to over 1,400 learners ages 50 and up through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.

The division’s commitment to expanding outreach and community engagement has been heralded by several organizations from Yuma to Maricopa to Cochise Counties including 4FRONTED, a binational education and economic development organization, and the Arizona Regional Economic Development Foundation.

“The Arizona Regional Economic Development Foundation looks forward to partnering with the University of Arizona’s Outreach, Distance and Continuing Education division to bring more education opportunities to our region in support of increased industry growth and economic development,” said Executive Director Mignonne Hollis. 

The ODCE division, led by Vice Provost Craig Wilson, reports to the Office of the Provost, which oversees all academic programs and units at the University. In tandem with the Provost, ODCE exemplifies the dedication to academic excellence, continuously innovating so learners have an enriched educational experience. 

“In support of the University of Arizona’s land-grant mission, the Outreach, Distance and Continuing Education Division is dedicated to expanding access to quality education for students across Arizona and beyond,” stated Joseph Glover, Ph.D., Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs. “The division meets the evolving educational needs of lifelong learners through innovative instructional methods, fulfilling a crucial role in extending the reach of the University’s prestigious programs. Through ODCE’s efforts, more students can succeed and thrive in their academic and professional journeys.” 

Information about the division can be found at odce.arizona.edu.