The Future of #OnlineLearning Leadership

Andrea Jones-Davis

Executive Director of JSUOnline, Jackson State University

Andrea Jones-Davis currently serves as the executive director of JSUOnline at Jackson State University. She oversees the planning, development, and implementation of all distance learning activities, including marketing, enrollment management, advising, instructional design, and regulatory and accreditation requirements. JSUOnline was developed under Andrea’s leadership through extensive collaboration with the campus community and has demonstrated substantial growth in student engagement, faculty development, and academic quality. Andrea is a 2020 graduate of the Online Learning Consortium’s Institute for Emerging Leadership in Online Learning (IELOL) and currently serves on the Changing Landscape of Online Education’s (CHLOE) Advisory Board.

Melissa Kaufman

Director of Academic Innovation, Drexel University

@mjk418LinkedIn Profile

Melissa Kaufman is the director of academic innovation for the Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University (DSPH). There she oversees the school’s online programs as well as curriculum development and assessment including developing new programs and ensuring all programs meet accreditation standards. Melissa received her EdD in Education Leadership and Management in September 2021. She has presented at numerous conferences, including the 2020 Quality Matters National Conference and the 2020 ASPPH Conference. She has also published articles in the Journal of Health Administration Education and the Journal of Educators Online.

Lergia Olivo

Instructional Design Manager, FIU Online, Florida International University

Lergia Olivo is an instructional design manager at FIU Online, Florida International University’s centralized distance learning unit. She oversees a team of over 20 learning design professionals who together are responsible for the design and development of online and hybrid courses. Lergia has a bachelor’s in English, a master’s in linguistics, and is currently working towards her doctorate in teaching and learning. She is a 2019 graduate of the Online Learning Consortium’s Institute for Emerging Leadership in Online Learning (IELOL). In addition to her role at FIU Online, Lergia also teaches in FIU’s English Language Institute.

Luke Dowden

WCET Executive Council, Chief Online Learning Officer, Alamo Colleges District

Luke Dowden is the chief online learning officer for the Alamo Colleges District. Through Alamo Colleges Online, he leads and supports capacity-building initiatives at all five community colleges so each may gain a greater market share of online learners in their respective service areas. Luke serves the online learning community by providing his leadership on the Quality Matter Board’s Executive Committee, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s Learning Technology Advisory Committee, UPCEA’s Council for Credential Innovation Leadership, and WCET’s Executive Council. He has earned multiple honors and awards, including the Excellence in Leadership Practice Award from the 2022 Alamo Colleges District Emerging Leaders Class and the Leadership Award in Digital Credentials from 1EdTech (2023). He was also part of OLC’s distinguished Class of Fellows in 2022.