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WCET and SAN Honor 2025’s Digital Learning Innovators and Leaders

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: WCET Communications | wcetinfo@wiche.edu | wcet.wiche.edu

Boulder, Colorado | November 21, 2025: WCET — the WICHE Cooperative for Educational Technologies and the State Authorization Network (SAN) announced the 2025 recipients of their annual awards, recognizing outstanding leadership, innovation, and impact across digital learning and higher education policy.

The Russ Poulin Digital Learning Policy Excellence Award

Recipient: Dr. Gloria Niles, Director of Online Learning, University of Hawai‘i System

Dr. Niles was recognized for her sustained advocacy for inclusive and equitable digital learning environments, her leadership of statewide online learning initiatives, and her commitment to thoughtful, learner-centered policy.

Jonsen & McGill Award

Recipient: Dr. Michael K. Moore, Vice President for Academic Affairs, University of Arkansas System

Dr. Moore received the 2025 Jonsen & McGill Award for his visionary leadership, longstanding service, and dedication to inspiring others and advancing collaboration across institutions.

WCET Outstanding Work (WOW) Awards

The WCET Outstanding Work (WOW) Award honors exceptional initiatives by WCET member institutions and organizations that leverage innovative digital solutions to address pressing educational challenges. Since 2004, this prestigious award has showcased projects that enhance learner success and advance the field of digital learning.

The 2025 Awardees:

  • California Virtual Campus – California Community Colleges
  • Colorado Online – Colorado Community College System
  • University of Maryland Global Campus – UMGC Student Reengagement Program
  • University of Phoenix – College of Health Professions, Interactive Video Initiative

 

SANsational Awards

The SANsational Awards recognize institutions that developed exemplary solutions to state authorization and distance education compliance challenges. The 2025 honorees demonstrated innovative, effective, and replicable practices that support regulatory alignment and enhance the student experience.

  • Compliance Innovations
    • Aims Community College (CO)
    • Southern New Hampshire University (NH)
    • University of Kentucky
  • Licensure Programs
    • Campbell University (NC)
    • Dakota State University (SD)
  • Location
    • Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (FL)

“Each of these honorees reflects our cooperative’s steadfast commitment to expanding access and excellence in digital learning,” said Megan Raymond, Senior Director of Membership and Programs with WCET. “Their achievements demonstrate how quality practices paired with thoughtful policy analysis can inspire meaningful, lasting change for learners.”

The 2025 award recipients were honored at the WCET Conference, where colleagues from across the country gathered to celebrate their achievements and contributions to the field. Nominations for the 2026 WCET Awards will open in spring 2026.

About WCET — the WICHE Cooperative for Educational Technologies

WCET is the leader in the practice, policy, & advocacy of digital learning in higher education. We are a member-driven organization that brings together colleges, universities, higher education organizations, and companies to collectively improve the quality and reach of digital learning programs.

About the State Authorization Network (SAN)

SAN supports institutions in understanding and complying with state authorization requirements, promoting best practices for protecting learners. SAN, a division of WCET, is the leader for guidance and support for navigating regulatory compliance for out-of-state activities of post-secondary institutions. Initially created in spring 2011, SAN serves institutions and organizations nationwide through training, support, and other opportunities. SAN members collaborate to address problems, discuss solutions, and prepare for the future.