Online Learning Consortium Announces New Board Members
Boston, MA – December 30, 2024 – The Online Learning Consortium (OLC) is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Yan Xu and Dr. Gloria Niles to the OLC Board of Directors. These esteemed leaders bring a wealth of expertise and passion for innovation in online learning and will play pivotal roles in advancing the OLC’s mission to support high-quality online education.
Yan Xu, Ph.D., PMP, Spelman College
Yan Xu, Ph.D, PMP, Associate Professor of History and Director of the eSpelman Online Program and Online Undergraduate Program at Spelman College, has been named an officer on the OLC Board. Dr. Xu’s contributions to online learning include enhancing the online education experience for learners of diverse backgrounds through wintermester and summer online undergraduate courses, and online certificate programs designed for working adult learners.
An alumna of the OLC’s prestigious Institute for Emerging Leadership in Online Learning (IELOL), Dr. Xu exemplifies leadership in fostering inclusive educational environments. She is also an active member of the Harvard Business Review Advisory Council, contributing valuable insights to the field of education. Dr. Xu previously served as Chair of the History Department at Spelman College and Vice President of Professional Development for the Project Management Institute Silver Spring Chapter. She continues to inspire innovation and collaboration in her ongoing work.
Gloria Niles, Ph.D., University of Hawai‘i System
Dr. Gloria Niles, Director of Online Learning for the University of Hawai‘i System, joins the OLC Board as an officer, bringing over 30 years of transformative experience in education. At the University of Hawai‘i, Dr. Niles leads strategies to integrate cutting-edge technologies and inclusive teaching practices across the system’s ten campuses, ensuring equitable access to quality online education for Hawai‘i’s diverse student population.
Renowned for her dynamic approach as a speaker, facilitator, and coach, Dr. Niles focuses on collaborative leadership and the professional growth of educators in higher education. Her efforts to implement best practices in teaching and learning—from open educational resources to competency-based education—have set new standards for academic excellence. Her vision and leadership continue to inspire faculty and students alike.
A Shared Commitment to Excellence and Collaboration
The addition of Dr. Xu and Dr. Niles as board officers underscores the OLC’s commitment to advancing the field of online education through diverse perspectives and collaborative innovation. Both leaders are dedicated to empowering educators, fostering equity, and navigating the dynamic landscape of higher education.
The OLC Board of Directors plays a vital role in steering the organization’s strategic initiatives, including fostering professional development opportunities and promoting research-based best practices in online teaching and learning. Board members are elected through a rigorous nomination process that prioritizes expertise, vision, and a commitment to the OLC’s mission.
About the Online Learning Consortium
The Online Learning Consortium (OLC) is a collaborative community of higher education leaders and innovators dedicated to advancing quality digital teaching and learning experiences. For over 25 years, the OLC has provided professional development, instruction, and best practices to educators and institutions worldwide.
For more information about the OLC and its leadership, visit onlinelearningconsortium.org.