Academics

Faculty & Staff

photo of Philip DiSalvio

Philip DiSalvio, EdD

  • Dean, University College
  • Telephone: 617-287-7926
  • Office Location: Wheatley Hall, W-1-003

Areas of Expertise

Higher education policy, disruptive technologies, academic leadership, online and distance learning, continuing education, and professional development

Degrees

EdD, Administration, Planning and Social Policy, Harvard Graduate School of Education
Post-doctoral fellowship, Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins University

Professional Publications & Contributions

Additional Information

Philip DiSalvio is the founding dean of University College at UMass Boston. As dean he brings his more than 20 years of experience in graduate teaching and academic leadership to bear as University College expands and explores new and exciting ways to provide quality education to adult learners.  

Overseeing the transition from what was once the division of continuing education into what is now a degree-granting college, Dean DiSalvio is leading the charge into new and innovative ways for adult and non-traditional learners to advance their professional and explore new horizons.

Before coming to UMass Boston, Dean DiSalvio served as dean of the Division of Continuing Education and Professional Studies at Seton Hall University building upon his academic work as a tenured faculty member, graduate director and chair.  He was influential in expanding Seton Hall’s national reputation as a leader in adult professional education and web-enhanced learning.

Dean DiSalvio is frequently interviewed by local and national media on higher education trends, and speaks extensively on the transformations happening in higher education today. He writes broadly on the structural changes and challenges facing higher education today, and his article “Will MITx Change How We Think About Higher Education?” in the New England Journal of Higher Education has been followed by a series of articles entitled “Shifting Landscapes, Changing Assumptions Reshaping Higher Education.”

Recent Presentations

'What Do Research Universities Really Bring to the Online Learning Table?” Panelist, 18th Annual Sloan Consortium International Conference on Online Learning (upcoming)

“Reconstituting a Continuing Education Division to Degree-Granting Academic Unit: Opportunities & Challenges,” University Professional & Continuing Education Association (UPCEA) 2012 Annual Conference

“Teaching Presence: Building Your Adult Student Online Learning Capacity” Presenter, University Professional & Continuing Education Association (UPCEA) 2011 Annual Conference

 “Creating a Data Driven Web Analytic Recruitment Tool: Key Metrics for Better Decisions”  Presenter, University Professional & Continuing Education Association (UPCEA) 19th Annual Marketing Seminar

“Pathways to Growth and Retention in an Evolving Organizational Restructure,”, 16th Annual Sloan-C International Conference on Online Learning

“Aligning Faculty Incentives with Shifting Modes of Delivery,” Featured Presenter, Academic Leader Magna Online Seminar

Recent Media Interviews

WUMB 91.9 program Commonwealth Journal.  Featured interview on the topic of “The Paradigm Shift in Higher Education”

The EvoLLLution (online publication that addresses the impact of non-traditional programs on the higher education industry and society-at-large). Featured interview on the topic of “Restructuring and Organizational Realignment Strategies in Higher Education”

"Certificate Programs Increasing in Popularity," Interview, Boston Globe (May 6, 2012)

“Rewarding Careers that Serve the Public,” Interview, Boston Globe (March 25, 2012)

“Certificate Programs Multiplying - An Alternative to Degrees,” Interview, Boston Globe (October 9, 2011)