About CEPE

Portland Oregon downtown cityscape with Mt Hood view

Portland State University’s Center for Executive and Professional Education (CEPE) combines the knowledge of the university with the real-world experience of industry professionals to deliver career-long learning that supports professionals in attaining their goals. CEPE delivers innovative educational programs that equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in today’s rapidly changing business landscape.

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Our mission is to: Serve the community by providing high-quality, inclusive professional education.

Our vision is to: Equip and inspire the workforce as the leading provider of professional development in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

Open to All Learners

The Center provides an inclusive, professional setting for collaborative learning. Short-term certificate programs are delivered in a condensed format to accommodate the schedules of working professionals. Online programs offer the flexibility of time and location. Certificate programs provide a practical and flexible alternative to the larger investment of a master's degree or MBA.

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Real-World Learning

CEPE’s approach to professional education is practical and relevant. Our public programs are open to professionals of diverse backgrounds without application or pre-assessment. Courses are highly engaging, combining the experience that students bring to the classroom with interactive exercises and instructor expertise to create sustainable learning that can be applied immediately on-the-job. Instructors provide the flexibility and support that students need to succeed.

Relevant Solutions

Organizations seeking to develop a team of employees can work with CEPE’s custom education team to design a program specific to the company’s needs and goals, delivered onsite, virtually, or a combination of the two with a schedule convenient for your workforce.

I gained the skills needed for my position, so much so that I'm coming back for another class in August. CEPE has helped me grow into my career!

- Emily Alkek

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CEPE’s Diverse Community

CEPE’s diverse learning network includes professionals from public, private, and non-profit organizations. Individuals from a wide variety of industries and positions connect and learn together in our classrooms.

+35

YEARS OF IMPACT

100+

CORPORATE CLIENTS

40,000+

CEPE ALUMNI

Top 10

MOST INNOVATIVE UNIVERSITY

60+

FACULTY & INDUSTRY EXPERTS

Meet CEPE's Instructors

Allison Brown

Judy Sebastian

Ron Sarazin

Allison Brown

Allison Brown has worked in senior roles in human resources, organizational development, and learning and development, including positions with Penske Truck Leasing, Rite Aid, and DentaQuest. She specializes in change management, strategic human resources, coaching, leadership, and...

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Judy Sebastian

Judy Sebastian is a principal consultant and senior advisor at Apex Consultants. She has worked as an international speaker, coach, instructor, and program designer for brands like Nestle, Nike, Providence, Hilton Group, Dubai Municipality, and Emirates...

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Ron Sarazin

Ron Sarazin, president of Olympic Performance, Inc., specializes in project management, business analysis, visual management, customer service, and strategic planning training and consulting. He has worked for PACCAR, Portland General Electric, and Mutual Health Systems. Ron earned a BS...

Meet all of CEPE's Instructors