This blog was written by Michael Baker – #32 in the picture!
Recently, I was asked to write some thoughts about my experiences and memories of the United States Distance Learning Association. I had the honor of voluntarily serving on the Board of Directors and executive team for over 24 years. As it turned out…it was the best team of professionals, the hardest working volunteers, the best management team and the most fun I had as a board member on any association board.
My memories include two-day meetings trying to determine if it would be US “Distant” Learning Association or US “Distance” Learning Association. From “inclusion and diversity” to some pretty interesting arguments (disagreements) on policy and direction between two very vocal board members. My time as president was challenging and exciting as I had to fight with the then executive director on direction and policy of USDLA.
The best part of the 24 years included getting Darcy involved …getting calls from Don Foshee starting off with “Mikee”…the many challenges in growing the association …seeing the organization grow through a very difficult transitional times …but most of all, I am proud to have some of the best friends in my life from my time at USDLA. USDLA would not exist if it were not for John Flores. He is a true friend of mine and a friend of education as a whole. Of course, his team at headquarters is magnificent.
As USDLA celebrates their 30th year I challenge you all to think out of the box in growing the association, its membership and credibility in the distance learning market. I will never forget you all and wish you continued success for the next 30 years.
God Bless,
Michael Baker
Vice President, VDO360
USDLA 2017 National Conference
April 30 – May 3, 2017 in Indianapolis, IN
The USDLA 2017 National Conference is the premier event for professionals in the distance learning industry. This year’s conference celebrates USDLA’s 30th year and promises to deliver an action-packed agenda that will bring together distance learning practitioners from across the country and around the world.
*Click here for more information about this USDLA signature event.
Join the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) is a non-profit association formed in 1987 with headquarters in Boston, Massachusetts. The association reaches 20,000 people globally with sponsors and members operating in and influencing 46% of the $913 billion dollar U.S. education and training market. USDLA promotes the development and application of distance learning for education and training and serves the needs of the distance learning community by providing advocacy, information, networking and opportunity. Distance learning and training constituencies served include pre-k-12 education, higher and continuing education, home schooling as well as business, corporate, military, government and telehealth markets.