The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) connects the people, practices, and policies that focus on achieving the highest potential of distance and digital learning, education, and training. If you serve learners at a distance, we serve you.
We are the premier professional membership organization designed to advocate and support the needs of distance education (DE) leaders. Our resources support the DE professional community who serve education, business, health, and government.
Founded in 1987, we were the first nonprofit distance learning association in the United States. Today we continue to research and share best practices in the utilization of distance learning modalities both nationally and internationally.
The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) has a rich history of involvement with the Distance and Digital Learning (DLL) community.
USDLA convened its first national policy forum in 1991 to develop and publish national policy recommendations that have been the basis of legislative and administrative proposals in education and telecommunications policy.
The association has become a leading source of information and recommendations for government agencies, Congress, industry and those entering into the development of distance learning programs.
USDLA began a process in 1993 to establish state chapters to help promote and develop DLL policies at the local level. In addition, USDLA has expanded its global role by convening quarterly meetings in Europe, the Pacific Rim, Asia, Africa and Australia.
We host annual conferences that bring together leaders and professionals within the DLL industry. Past locations include St. Louis, Kansas City, Indianapolis, Washington DC, Florida and California.
Our association is governed by a set of by-laws led by an executive team consisting of President, President-Elect, Past-President, Membership Chair, Advisory Chair, Chapter Chair and Secretary. An Executive Director oversees the daily operation and execution of the association's mission.
Our Past Presidents:
- 2024-2025 - Valary Oleinik
- 2023-2024 - Chuck Sengstock
- 2022-2023 - Eric Jones
- 2021-2022 - Arletha McSwain
- 2020-2021 - Rhonda Blackburn
- 2019-2020 - Janet Major
- 2018-2019 - Pat Cassella
- 2017-2018 - Ken Conn
- 2016-2017 - George Collins
- 2015-2016 - Elaine Shuck
- 2014-2015 - Jenny Jopling
- 2013-2014 - Rob Robinson
- 2012-2013 - Rob Robinson
- 2011-2012 - Denzil Edge
- 2010-2011 - Reggie Smith
- 2009-2010 - Julie Young
- 2008-2009 - Marci Powell
- 2007-2008 - Don Olcott Jr.
- 2006-2007 -
- 2005-2006 - Darcy Hardy
- 2004-2005 - Darcy Hardy
- 2003-2004 - Philip J. L Westfall
- 2002-2003 - Glenda Mathis
- 2001-2002 - Marshal Allen
- 2000-2001 - Jolly Holden
- 1999-2000 - Shirley Davis
- 1998-1999 - Toni Pickle
- 1997-1998 - John Flores
- 1996-1997 - Michael Baker
- 1995-1996 -
- 1994-1995 - Janet McMahill
- 1993-1994 -
- 1992-1993 -
- 1991-1992 -
- 1990-1991 - Ray Steele
- 1989-1990 - Ray Steele
- 1988-1989 -
- 1987-1988 - Patrick Portway