Topic: Online Education
February 20, 2014
Ball State University’s online education program won national honors for innovation this week from one of the industry’s largest and most significant professional organizations.
The University Professional & Continuing Education Association announced Feb. 18 that Ball State had been selected as a co-recipient of the UPCEA Strategic Innovation in Online Education Award. The University of Missouri was the other winner. The UPCEA also announced awards in about a dozen other categories.
“This award from our peers recognizes that Ball State is providing innovation in online learning,” said Jennifer Bott, Ball State’s associate provost for learning initiatives. “Even more importantly, it shows that our innovation is sustainable and based on strategic planning, led by an understanding of what our students need.
“In less than three years, we reimagined and then, from top to bottom, restructured Ball State’s already robust support for online education in a way that puts students and the quality of their experience at the center.”
One key change was the creation of Bott’s associate provost position, which now oversees faculty development, instructional design, student services and a variety of other functions critical to running a top-tier online education program.
Recipients of the innovation award — along with winners in 12 other categories — will be honored at the UPCEA’s 99th annual conference on March 27 in Miami.
Ball State offers more than 60 degrees and certificates through its online and distance education program.
For further information, contact Jennifer Bott, associate provost for learning initiatives, at 765-285-5323 or jpbott@bsu.edu.