Each year, the University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA) recognizes outstanding performance in professional and continuing education. To celebrate the exceptional activities, people, and programs in institutions in each region, UPCEA accepts nominations for awards in 10 categories.

Continuing Education Faculty Award

Wayne Whiteman, Ph.D., from the Woodruff College of Mechanical Engineering, who teaches four massive open online courses (MOOCs) on Coursera at GT Professional Education, was selected for the Continuing Education Faculty Award for his contribution to continuing education.

Whiteman is currently Director of the Office of Student Services and Senior Academic Professional in the School of Mechanical Engineering. He joined Georgia Tech after serving as an assistant, associate, and full professor at the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. During that time, Whiteman served as the Mechanical Engineering Program Director for an undergraduate program with approximately twenty-five faculty members in the fields of mechanical systems, thermal sciences, aeronautical systems, and engineering design.

Whiteman's award was one of four that GT received at the 2015 UPCEA South Region Awards. Georgia Tech Professional Education wins several notable UPCEA awards each year, but this year is the first time the unit has been recognized for faculty and program awards. This new acknowledgement reflects its commitment to transform education and optimize the learning experience for non-traditional learners.