Written by Robert Zotti, Assistant Dean, Stevens Institute of Technology & USDLA Board Member

The Department of Online Education at Embry- Riddle University has been walking on air since taking home the 21st Century Award for Best Distance Learning practices at USDLA’s Annual Conference in May 2019. The eLearning unit, which began operations in 1971, today supports the delivery of 575 online courses across 44 degree programs and 29 minors, with a collective enrollment of 25,000 students per year. The 21st Century Award comes on the heels of its online undergraduate programs being ranked #1 by US News and World Report for two years in a row.

Among other things, aspects of Embry-Riddle’s online program that impressed the USDLA Awards Committee included the level of senior-level support, the school’s work with Quality Matters, and their eLearning project portfolio — which includes initiatives in virtual labs, mobile applications, augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and a Virtual Community. When asked which of these current initiatives stands out, Online Operations Director Brian Crose answered without hesitation: “It was the work we did setting up our web pages for advising, and various online resources for self-help.” USDLA is delighted to recognize the work of Embry-Riddle’s Department of Online Education and wishes them continued success.