Annual Summit for Women in eLearning

Aleyda Cantu-Lee

Director, Digital Learning, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

aleyda.cantu-lee@highered.texas.gov

LinkedIn Profile

Dr. Aleyda Cantu-Lee is a director in the Division of Digital Learning at the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Throughout her career, Aleyda has seamlessly transitioned through roles such as instructional designer, instructional consultant, and director, displaying a keen aptitude for leadership. She actively contributes to various committees and professional organizations, focusing on quality assurance, social engagement, academic processes, and the advocacy of digital learning across the state of Texas and the nation.

A trailblazer in the digital learning field, Aleyda has played a pivotal role in launching numerous programs and professional development opportunities. Her commitment lies in supporting both faculty and students on their transformative journey into the digital learning ecosystem.

Darcy W. Hardy

WCET Executive Council Chair, Founder and Chief Strategist, The Hardy Group

(512) 757-5005darcy.hardy@thehardygrp.com

Darcy W. Hardy is the Founder and Chief Strategist with the Hardy Group. Dr. Hardy is an award-winning distance and online learning professional who has worked as a higher education administrator, as an IPA with the Obama Administration, a board member in state and national associations, and as a contributor in higher education ed tech. Within the field of online learning, she focuses on strategy & vision; organization & governance; policy, process & practice; and quality oversight.

Dr. Hardy spent over 30 years in public higher education, including The University of Texas System, The University of Texas at Austin, UT San Antonio, and Texas State University – San Marcos. 

Dr. Hardy was honored by Texas State University as a Distinguished Alumna in 2012. She was inducted into the USDLA Hall of Fame in 2009 and received the Mildred and Charles Wedemeyer Outstanding Distance Learning Practitioner Award in Madison, Wisconsin in 2006. In addition, she was inducted into the Texas Distance Learning Association Hall of Fame in 2006 and received the WCET Richard Jonsen Award in 2005. She earned her PhD in Curriculum & Instruction (Instructional Technology) from The University of Texas at Austin in 1992.

Valary A. Oleinik

Owner and Chief Disruptor, DandeLearn LLC

valary@valarywithawhy.com

@valarywithawhyLinkedIn Profile

Amy Smith

Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost, Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design

LinkedIn Profile

Amy Smith currently serves as the senior vice president of academic affairs and provost at Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design, bringing incredible expertise in academic affairs, curriculum development, strategic planning, faculty leadership, and accreditation to the role. With over 20 years of experience in higher education leadership, Amy has successfully led academic programs and strategic initiatives at prominent institutions such as Colorado State University, Capella University, and the University of Phoenix. In her most recent role as chief academic officer at StraighterLine, she supported over 40,000 students, cultivated partnerships with a diverse range of colleges and universities, and expanded curriculum offerings.

Kim Nawrocki

Assistant Director, Events and Programs, WCET

303-541-0231knawrocki@wiche.edu

Kim is assistant director of events and programs, a position in which she oversees logistics for WCET’s numerous webcasts and member events, the Annual Meeting, and the Summit. Her attention to detail and strategic facilitation help make many of our events and programs possible. She joined WICHE in 2013, working in the Program and Services Unit until May 2020 when she joined the WCET team.

Before moving to beautiful Boulder, CO, Kim spent several years herding hospital executives at a hospital in West Virginia. She earned her bachelor’s degrees in international studies and Spanish from West Virginia University. In her spare time, Kim can be found cuddling her senior pugs and exploring Colorado’s abundant parks and hiking trails with her husband and toddler. Kim’s favorite character is Alexis Rose from the infamous television series Schitt’s Creek.

Megan Raymond

Senior Director, Membership and Programs, WCET

303-541-0233mraymond@wiche.edu

LinkedIn Profile

Megan has been with WCET since June of 2007. As the senior director of programs and membership, she oversees member recruitment and activities and manages various programs, most notably the Annual Meeting, Summits, monthly webcasts, and Closer Conversations. Megan brings 20 years of higher education experience to her current position and holds a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Fort Lewis College and a master’s degree in Nutrition and Health Education. Prior to joining the WCET team, Megan worked as the assistant director for student housing and conference services at a small liberal arts college, where she was entrenched in student affairs.

In her spare time, Megan enjoys racing mountain bikes, skiing, and chasing her son on his bike or feet. Her three rescue pups include a 75-pound lap dog, a quite cunning shepherd mix, whom she is sure is plotting to take over the world, and a corgi named Rosie who rules the roost. Megan’s favorite television character is Jimmy on Shrinking.