Welcome to the USDLA, an organization dedicated to transforming all aspects of distance education. As our esteemed colleague and past President, Valary Oleinik, stated, “If you serve students, we serve you,” and we are committed to being that partner for you. The field of distance education is rapidly evolving, presenting both challenges and opportunities and USDLA is dedicated to adapting and ensuring that our programs are innovative and inclusive.
Early in my career, I recognized the importance of lifelong learning and building a professional network within my industry. One of the first organizations I discovered was USDLA. Now, over twenty years later, USDLA has provided me with opportunities for growth, engagement, and networking in the field of distance education, all of which have expanded my knowledge and advanced my career. USDLA has played a pivotal role in my professional journey, and I am truly honored to serve as the President of USDLA for the 2025-2026 term.
USDLA has made significant strides in distance education by sharing best practices and emphasizing the connection between teachers and students. As president, I will build on our successes, expand our community, and promote collaboration to strengthen our industry networks. By working with educators, policymakers, and industry leaders, we can create a brighter future for distance education. I am eager to lead this effort and collaborate with all of you to make a meaningful difference. I would also like to express my appreciation for your trust and support as we embark on this incredible journey together. Your belief in us fuels our determination, and I am excited to see what we can accomplish as an organization.
Together, we can revolutionize the landscape of distance education, creating dynamic opportunities that empower learners worldwide. Your involvement in our USDLA community is invaluable, and I look forward to embarking on this transformative journey with you as we inspire and support learners everywhere. Thank you for being part of this mission!
Best-
Shana
Dr. Shana Garrett, LPC, MBA, NCC
President USDLA