Dr. Nancy Coleman, Ed.D.

Dean, Harvard Extension School and Continuing Studies at Harvard University

Dr. Coleman is Dean, Harvard Division of Continuing Education and Harvard Extension School. As the lifelong education unit at Harvard, the Division of Continuing Education (DCE) offers programs for learners at many stages of life, from pre-college and career development through retirement. As Dean, Coleman leads a multi-faceted 340 plus member organization including the Harvard Extension School, one of the twelves degree granting schools at Harvard University, the Harvard Summer School, Professional and Executive Education and the Institute for Learning in Retirement.

Dr. Coleman is deeply committed to technology and innovation in online and place-based education that creates access and opportunities for learners of all ages, types, and socio-economic backgrounds. She is passionate about leadership, education entrepreneurship and international education, and an enthusiastic supporter of women and girls in their personal and professional development journeys.

Coleman brings diverse expertise to her leadership of the division, having previously served in roles in both small and large institutions, as well as corporate and start-up ventures; and has taught both online and in the classroom. Before joining Harvard, Coleman foundedWellesley Extended, an entrepreneurial unit of Wellesley College encompassing summer term, professional, and executive education, as well as the Nehoiden Golf Club. In 2017, she created the Contemporary Women’s Leadership Institute, a global program designed to help undergraduates enhance leadership skills and build global support networks.

Dr. Coleman also served as Director of Distance Education at Boston University, overseeing a business unit responsible for supporting the schools and colleges at BU with online learning initiatives. She was VP of Academic Services at Keypath, an online program management firm, overseeing all instructional design and student services operations for the organization’s global offices in the US, UK and Australia. Prior to her time in academia, Coleman held a variety of leadership positions in corporate America and co-founded a leadership development consulting firm.

Dr. Coleman’s contributions to the field of online education earned her a position as board president of UPCEA in 2021-2022, the leadingPCO association in the nation. She remains an active member of the industry advocacy committee. She is a co-author of “Hallmarks of Excellence in Online Leadership,” a groundbreaking publication by UPCEA in March 2015 and author of “Yes, that Harvard. Over a Century of Expanding Access and Innovation at the Nation’s Oldest Ivy” in Extending the University, The Governance of Adult and Continuing Education Units at Research Universities to be published in 2025.

Coleman holds a doctorate in Human and Organizational Learning from George Washington University, and an MBA from Boston University Questrom School of Management.

Her research has focused on organizational structures and leadership in higher education.

A sought-after domestic and international conference speaker, Dr. Coleman regularly shares her insights on the organizational design of PCO units, leadership and innovation in higher education, and agile career models. Her unwavering commitment to educational excellence continues to inspire learners of all ages, types, and socio-economic backgrounds around the globe.

Episode 3: A Conversation about Lifelong Learning with Dean Coleman

by The Pod Team | Aug 21, 2025 | Coleman, Podcast Episodes

Facts in Mind - Episode 3 Guest: Dr. Nancy Coleman Ed.D, Dean of Extension School and the Division of Continuing Education (DCE) at Harvard University.Hosts: Kimia Grigoriev & Amber ParrowTopic: The Power of Lifelong Learning In this episode, we explore the...