Transformative Strategist and Experienced Higher Education Operations and Finance Executive to Join Nation’s Largest Online Public University
Adelphi, Md. (March 23, 2021) — Joseph A. Sergi, a senior executive with nearly 30 years of experience leading operations and administrative functions at innovative higher education institutions, has been named senior vice president and chief operating officer at University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC), effective on March 29.
“Joe comes to UMGC with a proven track record of implementing transformative strategies and generating sustainable growth in institutions of higher education,” said UMGC President Gregory Fowler. “His wisdom through experience and insights through performance will serve our university well as we compete and grow in a challenging higher education environment.”
Sergi served most recently as chief operating officer and chief financial officer of UMassOnline, the online arm of the five campuses of the University of Massachusetts. During his tenure at UMassOnline, Sergi implemented innovative support services that addressed the unique challenges and demands of adult learners, introduced personnel best practices for online learning, and identified and implemented operational efficiencies that optimized the student experience.
“I cannot think of a university that is better positioned than UMGC to handle this extremely transformative period in higher education,” said Sergi. “I am excited, and I look forward to developing strategies that will help produce positive and meaningful change. As we turn the corner on the devastating effects of this horrible pandemic, with unprecedented unemployment, communities of color unfairly impacted and employers demanding a transformation in higher education with outcomes that provide employees a retooled learning portfolio, I am joining a dedicated staff and faculty that are even more committed to student success!”
Prior to UMassOnline, Sergi was executive vice president and chief financial officer at Southern New Hampshire University, where he played a key role in launching its new competency-based program and integrating administrative functions after the private university acquired Daniel Webster College.
Before SNHU, Sergi served as vice president of finance and administration for Hesser College in Manchester, New Hampshire, and as senior director of administration and finance at Massbiologics, an innovative developer and manufacturer of vaccines and other biologic products at the University of Massachusetts Medical School.
In some 20 years of public service, Sergi held both elected and volunteer positions with the Town of Pepperell, Mass., serving as selectman and as a member of the Planning Board and the Land Use Committee.
In 2018, Sergi received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Massachusetts Bay Community College, where he earned an Associate of Science degree in business administration in 1993.
A U.S. Air Force veteran, Sergi also holds a BS in management and an MBA in finance from Bentley University in Waltham, Massachusetts.
About University of Maryland Global Campus
University of Maryland Global Campus (formerly University of Maryland University College) is a world leader in innovative educational models, with award-winning online programs in disciplines including biotechnology, cybersecurity, data analytics, and information technology that are in high demand in today’s increasingly technical, global workplace.
With an enrollment of some 90,000 students, UMGC offers open access with a global footprint and a specific mission—to meet the learning needs of students whose responsibilities may include jobs, family, and military service. The university offers both undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs, including doctoral programs.
A pioneer in distance education since 1947, UMGC today is harnessing the power of learning science and technology to deliver high quality, low cost, accessible higher education.
In 1949, UMGC became the first institution to send faculty overseas to teach active-duty military personnel at installations in Europe. The university expanded overseas operations to Asia in 1956 and to the Middle East in 2005. UMGC faculty have taught in the war zones of Vietnam, Kosovo, Kuwait, Afghanistan and Iraq.
UMGC now offers classes to military service personnel and their families at more than 175 locations in more than 20 countries. Today, more than half of the university’s students are active-duty military personnel and their families, members of the National Guard and veterans.
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