Affordable Learning Solutions (AL$) at Southern University System (SUS)
Concurrent Session 4
Brief Abstract
Dr. Diack will present Southern University System’s (SUS) rationale for Affordable Learning Solutuions (AL$) becoming a strategic priority and will review SUS's AL$ goals they are expecting to achieve by June 2017 and beyond. The presention will highlight how SUS is implementing their AL$ strategy successfully as well as the challenges encountered. Come learn about SUS’s strategies and review a template for an AL$ plan for your institution, informed by AL$ experts in the Southern University System.
Presenters
Professor Moustapha Diack is the Associate Vice President for Online Learning Services for the Southern University System (SUS) and Director of Professional Development Services for Southern University Baton Rouge (SUBR). He is Chair of the Practitioners Summit for Advancing Affordable Learning Solutions and Quality Online Education for HBCUs, integral part of the OLC/MERLOT International Conference. His research interests at Southern University are in the areas of Instructional Design, cognitive theory of multimedia learning and the strategic planning and deployment of online learning systems to enhance student learning outcomes. Diack has extensive experience in the areas of online learning design and delivery and has played a global leadership role in the areas of Open Education and Open Access. He is recipient of the International MERLOT (Multimedia Educational Resources for Learning and Online Teaching) Innovation Award 2009. He is member of the MERLOT Faculty Development Editorial Board and Co-Founding Director of the MERLOT Africa Network (MAN), a network of African higher education institutions and digital scholars engaged in the research, development and implementation of open education. At the SUS, Diack oversees the development and implementation of integrated digital library services, the Southern University Online Library for Education (SUOL4ed), to facilitate quality online programs development and college affordability through the adoption of open education resources and open textbook. Diack is member of the Louisiana Board of Regents Task Force On Electronic Learning and Past President 2003-2006 of the Louisiana Academy of Science and also Member of the Quality Matters (QM) International Advisory.
Dr. Francesca Mellieon-Williams is an Associate Professor of Science and Mathematics Education at Southern University and A& M College. She is the oldest of four children whom all followed in both their parents’ footsteps of earning a Bachelor’s Degree from a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). Dr. Mellieon-Williams is very passionate about the education of young people and continuously serves as a personal mentor to her students. Dr. Mellieon-Williams is an active member of St. John the Baptist Church of Dorseyville, LA and the Tau Kappa Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She married a handsome guy she met in science class at Southern University and they have one son.
She graduated from Southern University with a bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences. Dr. Mellieon-Williams immediately began graduate studies at Washington State University, where she earned a master's degree in Reproductive Physiology. It was during her time at Washington State University where her passion for teaching was fueled. She later returned to Louisiana and began a successful career as a respected instructor at Baton Rouge Community College in the Division of Math and Science. Dr. Mellieon-Williams continued her graduate studies at LSU in Curriculum & Instruction with a concentration in Science Education where she later earned a doctorate.
Since this time, Dr. Mellieon-Williams has served in several capacities to impact STEM Education PreK-20. As the Co-director for the Southern University Summer Transportation and Energy Institute, she along with the staff work tirelessly during the summer to engage high school students in STEM activities including robotics, engineering build projects and other STEM related experiences. Dr. Mellieon-Williams understands the importance of technology in learning and encourages teachers on all levels to integrate technology into their curricula. She works intimately with faculty at Southern University to effectively integrate technology in their course whether it is using Moodle for course delivery or software/apps to enhance the course content. She believes strongly in identifying methods of instruction to encourage life-long learning and is always willing to share that knowledge with others. To no surprise, Dr. Mellieon-Williams areas of research interest include impacting STEM for minority students and the effective integration of technology in the curriculum.
Dawn Ventress Kight serves as the Assistant University Librarian for Technology and Information Services at Southern University. She leads the John B. Cade Library efforts in planning and implementing technology and digital initiatives to enhance services to students, faculty and staff. Previously, Dawn served as Visiting Program Officer for the Association of Research Libraries Distance Learning and Diversity Programs in Washington, DC. She is a member of ALA, ACRL and serves as the SUBR LOUIS Systems Administrator. She received her BS from Southern University in Computer Science and MLIS from Louisiana State University. She has also completed the Frye Leadership Institute for Technology, HBCU Library Alliance Leadership Program and the Harvard Leadership Institute for Academic Librarians. She is enjoying her role in working with faculty and students in finding affordable learning resources to support teaching and learning.