OnlineEd 2026

Carissa Little is a leader in global and online education with over 20 years at Stanford University, where she works to expand access to learning and help working adults overcome barriers to education. As Associate Dean of Global and Online Education in the Stanford School of Engineering, Executive Director of Stanford Online and the Stanford Engineering Center for Global & Online Education, she drives the integration of emerging technologies like AI and immersive learning into credentialed, non-degree programs.

She played a central role in creating the Stanford University Credential Framework, a stackable system linking non-degree credentials to career advancement and higher education. Under her leadership, Stanford Online has grown from pioneering internet-based education in 1996 to reaching over 21 million learners worldwide, offering pathways from professional and lifelong learning to graduate degrees.

Carissa also serves on UPCEA’s Council for Credential Innovation, has spoken at major conferences, and advises organizations including Coursera, edX/2U, The Concord Consortium and Critical Reach. Her work focuses on workforce upskilling, educational access, and preparing learners for the impacts of AI on employment.