Dear USDLA Family,
It is with deep gratitude and great enthusiasm that I write to you as the newly appointed President of the United States Distance Learning Association. I am profoundly honored to serve this distinguished community of scholars, practitioners, innovators, and leaders who have shaped the evolution of distance education for decades.
USDLA stands on an extraordinary foundation built by visionary leadership and by each of you. Because of your dedication, distance education is no longer simply a modality, it is infrastructure. It is the backbone of modern learning, workforce development, and global knowledge exchange.
As we look ahead, my presidency will be guided by three interconnected pillars:
Advancing AI. Expanding Global Education. Securing a Sustainable Future for Distance Education.
These pillars will inform every strategic, intellectual, and financial decision during my term.
Artificial Intelligence is transforming learning ecosystems at unprecedented speed. USDLA must lead in shaping AI governance, advancing research, and positioning ourselves as the national authority on AI in distance education. Through research symposia, white papers, workshops, and credentialing initiatives, we will elevate the national dialogue while aligning innovation with responsible sustainability.
At the same time, our global partnerships must evolve from relationships into active, operational networks. We will expand international membership, strengthen sponsored global research forums, advance Open Educational Resources (OER), and host a Virtual Global Distance Education Summit. Global reach must translate into global participation, equity, and long-term sustainability.
Sustainability, academic, technological, and financial, will anchor all that we do. We will diversify revenue streams, strengthen recurring membership models, expand professional development and credentialing, and ensure that our intellectual capital is leveraged responsibly. Sustainability ensures permanence, not trend adoption.
This is a defining moment for structured, visionary leadership. Together, we will position USDLA as:
- The national authority on AI in distance education
- A global leader in open knowledge exchange
- A model for sustainable digital transformation
However, this vision cannot, and should not, be realized alone.
Each of you brings a wealth of knowledge, expertise, creativity, and experience. Our collective strength is our greatest asset. We must partner intentionally to tap into that intellectual capital and convert it into meaningful impact. I warmly invite you to reach out to me (fbennani@usdla.org) and Executive Director Pat Cassella pcassella@usdla.org) directly via email to share ideas that align with this vision. We would welcome the opportunity to meet virtually, discuss your perspectives, and “bounce back” ideas as we shape this next chapter together.
Collaboration will be the cornerstone of this presidency.
I am also pleased to announce that National Distance Learning Week (NDLW) will take place November 2–6, 2026. The theme I have chosen aligns directly with our presidential vision: “Advancing AI, Global Education (OER), and Sustainable Future of Distance Education.”
I look forward to partnering with each of you as we accelerate USDLA’s momentum. The next era of distance education will belong to institutions that think globally, act ethically, and lead boldly.
USDLA will be one of them, because of You.
With appreciation and anticipation,
Farah Bennani, Ph.D.
President
United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
fbennani@usdla.org