Celebrating Excellence: 2024 OLC Accelerate Awards and Fellows Recognized for Pioneering Contributions to Online Learning
The Online Learning Consortium is proud to announce the distinguished recipients of the 2024 OLC Accelerate Awards and Fellows, recognizing their outstanding contributions to the field of digital leadership, digital education, and online learning. These exemplary individuals and institutions have demonstrated unwavering dedication, innovation, and leadership in advancing online, blended, and digital learning. The annual OLC Awards program continues to be a platform to celebrate their remarkable achievements and inspire others in the education community.
“Our awards and fellows program is a platform to highlight and thank these leaders in their respective fields, and their insights will inspire us to think beyond boundaries and embrace the limitless possibilities of collaboration and creativity,” shared Jennifer Mathes, CEO of the OLC.
That’s why each year the OLC launches a call for nominations for a variety of awards, to coincide with our Accelerate conference. We’re pleased to announce our 2024 awardees as inspirational models for our field.
2024 Class of OLC Fellows
For the 15th year, the OLC specially recognizes individual members for outstanding contributions. OLC Fellows cannot self-nominate, but instead must be nominated by others in the field. Nominees are then evaluated with a substantial set of criteria:
- Outstanding qualifications in the field of online learning
- Significant experience in online learning or an allied field
- Extraordinary contributions and leadership in the field of online learning
- Distinguished service to OLC or the field
For 2024, the Fellow Selection Committee recommended the following exemplary change-makers to the OLC Board of Directors to become OLC Fellows:
- Garvey Pyke, Ed.D.
Executive Director, Center for Teaching and Learning, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Garvey Pyke is recognized for his leadership in digital learning and faculty development. His innovative approach in integrating technology with pedagogy has significantly impacted online teaching practices and enhanced faculty engagement.
Andrew Shean, Ed.D.
Chief Learning Officer, Penn Foster Group
Andrew Shean has been pivotal in expanding access to education for non-traditional learners. His work in developing competency-based education programs has created new pathways for adult learners that enable them to achieve long-term success in the workplace.
Melissa Vito, Ed.D.
Vice Provost, Academic Innovation, University of Texas-San Antonio
Melissa Vito has led efforts to transform the student experience through the integration of digital learning tools and strategies. Her initiatives have focused on enhancing student success and engagement in a diverse learning environment.
Michele Gribbins, Ed.D.
Associate Provost for Institutional Research and Effectiveness, University of Illinois Springfield
Michele Gribbins has made substantial contributions to data-informed decision-making in digital education. Her work has supported the development of effective online programs and policies that drive academic quality and student achievement.
Accelerate 2024 Award Winners
This annual OLC Awards program is an opportunity to showcase leadership and innovation in the field of online, blended, and digital learning. The winners represent individuals who are pushing the envelope of creativity to empower learners. Inclusivity, digital transformation, and collaboration are key features inherent across these bodies of work.
Please join us in congratulating the selected winners:
Excellence in Faculty Development
Daylene Lauman, Ed.D., Alison Hancox, MET, Co-Heads of School, Ignite Centre for eLearning
The Ignite Centre for eLearning has developed a comprehensive faculty development program that includes trauma-informed practice, project-based learning, and the infusion of Indigenous ways of knowing. This initiative has led to significant improvements in student outcomes and faculty satisfaction by fostering a supportive and innovative teaching community.
Excellence in Instructional and Teaching Practice
Nicole Lapeyrouse, Ph.D., Lecturer, University of Central Florida
Nicole Lapeyrouse has transformed her Geology course by creating an engaging, multimedia-rich learning environment. Her innovative use of short videos, interactive content, and real-world case studies has significantly enhanced student learning and retention.
Gomory-Mayadas Award for Excellence in Online Educational Leadership
Eric Fredricksen, Ed.D., Associate Vice President for Online Learning & Professor of Educational Leadership, University of Rochester
Eric Fredricksen is recognized for his visionary leadership in online education across multiple universities. His work with the SUNY Learning Network (SLN) and his advocacy for quality online course design through initiatives like the Quality Matters program have set new standards for digital education leadership.
John R. Bourne Award for Excellence in Online Programs and Programming
Kathryn Becker-Blease, Ph.D., Director, School of Psychological Science, Oregon State University
The online B.A./B.S. Psychology program at Oregon State University has been a leader in integrating research methods, problem-solving, and data analysis into its curriculum. It offers a flexible, high-quality education tailored to adult learners balancing educational pursuits with work and family commitments. This program exemplifies excellence in online learning, with robust faculty development and innovative course design contributing to its success.
Accelerate 2024 Scholarship Winner
Bruce N. Chaloux Scholarship for Early Career Excellence
Ana Morrison, Ed.D., Clemson University
Ana Morrison has demonstrated remarkable achievements and dedication to scholarship that have earned her the prestigious Bruce N. Chaloux Scholarship. Her research and service to the profession showcase her commitment to advancing online and blended learning, particularly in supporting diverse student populations.
These esteemed individuals and institutions have illuminated the path toward a brighter future for online education. We commend them for their remarkable achievements and look forward to their continued contributions to the field. Their work serves as an inspiration to all who strive for excellence in digital leadership and education.
Congratulations to the 2024 OLC Accelerate Award winners and Fellows! Your dedication and innovation are shaping the future of online learning.
OLC Outstanding Volunteer Award
Rich Powers, Professional School of Education-Stuttgart University
Rich Powers has served in several key roles across the OLC, including volunteering for conferences and global events. He is one of OLC’s strongest advocates, particularly within and across the global community, consistently connecting people to the organization and fostering a sense of collaboration and inclusion.
A Special Thanks to the Accelerate 2024 Operations and Steering Committee
The success of Accelerate 2024 would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of our conference committee. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the following members for their contributions:
- Conference Chair: Tawnya Means, Ph.D., University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- Executive Conference Co-Chair: Tina Parscal, Ph.D., Colorado Community College System and OLC Board of Directors
- Program Co-Chairs: Florence Williams, Ph.D., University of Central Florida, and Jennifer Zaur, University of Arizona Global Campus
- Engagement Co-Chairs: Dorothy Loftin, Oregon State University, and Adam Davi, University of Arizona
- K12 Advisor and Track Chair: Heather Farmakis, Ph.D., Excel Education Systems
- Engagement Programming Support: Drew Santorello, George Washington University, and Carmen Beck, Risepoint
- Technology Test Kitchen: Phylise Banner, Champlain College, and Clark Shah-Nelson, DBA, University of Maryland
- Field Guides: Megan Kohler, Penn State University
About the OLC Awards
Since 2001, the OLC has recognized and celebrated the innovative efforts of educators worldwide. Submissions for the Innovate 2025 awards are now open. For more details, please visit our website.