The Online Learning Consortium (OLC), a global nonprofit leadership organization dedicated to advancing digital teaching and learning, has selected the University of Florida (UF) to host the 2027 Institute for Emerging Leadership in Online Learning (IELOL).
Serving as the nation’s premier blended-learning leadership development program for online and digital education professionals, IELOL equips participants with the strategic tools, networks, and leadership frameworks required to navigate complex institutional landscapes and drive innovation in higher education.
As host, UF will welcome the 2027 cohort to its Gainesville campus for the program’s intensive, weeklong onsite residency phase, where cohort members will collaborate directly with national leaders, engage in peer learning, and work through real-world case studies with renowned IELOL faculty members.
“Online learning is fueled by transformative leaders, those willing and equipped to drive change,” said Melissa Allen, Director of UF Online. “One of our strategic priorities at UF Online is to sustain excellence, and we believe that responsibility extends beyond our institution to investing in the leaders, ideas, and relationships that will move our field forward. Hosting IELOL is a natural fit for UF, and we look forward to sending the 2027 cohort home more confident, ready to act boldly, and prepared to lead change within their own institutions.”
UF brings a robust ecosystem of enterprise digital learning leadership to the partnership. Designed around coordinated governance, academic rigor, and scalable innovation, UF’s framework supports quality student outcomes while maintaining the same academic standards and faculty oversight across all learning modalities.
“Leadership requires confidence, especially when making decisions in an environment where the pace of change continues to accelerate,” noted Dr. Brian Harfe, Associate Provost for the Office of Teaching and Technology at UF. “IELOL creates an intentional space for the next generation of leaders to sharpen their skills, strengthen their judgment, and build the confidence to lead alongside peers and experienced mentors. We are excited to partner with the OLC to balance academic quality, operational excellence, and innovation for the 2027 program.”
Applications for the 2027 IELOL cohort will open soon. For more information about the program, curriculum phases, and application timelines, visit onlinelearningconsortium.org/ielol or reach out to Sherri Restauri at OLC at sherri.restauri@onlinelearning-c.org.
