The 2014 Class of Online Learning Consortium Fellows

Seven OLC members recognized for exceptional contributions to the field of online learning.

Recognizing unusual professional distinction, the OLC Board of Directors confers the distinction of OLC Fellow upon individual members of the Online Learning Consortium who have:

  • Outstanding and extraordinary qualifications in the field of online learning;
  • Significant experience in online learning or an allied field;
  • A record of distinguished service to the Online Learning Consortium or the field; and
  • Extraordinary contributions or leadership in the field of online learning.

The members of the 2014 Class of OLC Fellows have contributed to advancing quality, scale and breadth in online and blended education in areas represented by the OLC Pillars of learning effectiveness, access, faculty and student satisfaction, and scale. The new OLC Fellows were recognized at the 20th Annual Online Learning Consortium International Conference in Orlando, FL, on October 29, 2014.

The 2014 OLC Fellows are:

  • Thomas B. Cavanagh, Ph.D., University of Central Florida: “For exceptional contributions to the online learning community in the areas of scholarship, assessment, and administration.”
  • Catheryn L. Cheal, Ph.D., San Jose State University: “For visionary and courageous leadership in spearheading bold educational reform involving high-quality online programs that champion student needs.”
  • Marie A. Cini, Ph.D., University of Maryland University College: “For visionary contributions that have significantly advanced the field of online learning and enabled thousands of people to transform their lives and careers.”
  • Gerard L. Hanley, Ph.D., California State University, Office of the Chancellor: “For exceptional leadership and advancement of online learning through the development of the MERLOT repository for the international education community.”
  • David A. Sachs, Ph.D., Pace University: “For pioneering leadership in establishing a coalition to provide outstanding industry-driven online education to students across the globe.”
  • Wayne D. Smutz, Ph.D., University of California, Los Angeles: “In recognition of a career-long commitment to opening doorways of opportunity and avenues to success for non-traditional students through innovations in online learning.”
  • Murray Turoff, Ph.D., New Jersey Institute of Technology: “For his pioneering and visionary research in computer-mediated communications, learning management systems, and the effectiveness of online learning.”