UW-Whitewater Hosts Emerging Leaders in Digital Learning
Written by Kari Borne
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater has been a leader in online and hybrid teaching and learning for decades. Recently, university faculty and staff shared their expertise by helping to develop emerging leaders in digital education from around the world.
In partnership with the Universities of Wisconsin Office of Online and Professional Learning Resources, UW-Whitewater hosted the Online Learning Consortium’s Institute for Emerging Leadership in Online Learning (IELOL) on August 4-7.
The effort to bring this institute to Wisconsin was spearheaded by Matt Vick, Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Continuing Education (SGSCE) in collaboration with the Universities of Wisconsin Office of Online and Professional Learning Resources (OPLR). The four-day residency gave participants the opportunity to develop leadership skills, networks and strategies. Vick is a 2020 alum of the IELOL program and is a current member of its faculty.
“Since first launching the Master of Business Administration online in 1998, to offering a cutting edge elementary and middle grades teacher licensure graduate program that is fully online this fall, UW-Whitewater has led the way in the virtual learning space by creating greater access for working adults and those with family commitments,” said Vick. “Hosting the IELOL residency and cultivating future leaders has motivated us to continue innovating and growing in our digital teaching and learning opportunities for high school students through career-changing adults, no matter where they live.” The recent collaboration with OPLR to design and deliver fully online, asynchronous courses for Wisconsin High School students through the Warhawk Dual Enrollment Academy further made the case that Wisconsin has a lot of innovation and leadership in this space to showcase with colleagues from 30 other states.
The residency followed a three-week immersion experience, and was an intensive, comprehensive leadership program, allowing participants to expand the career pathways and networks of leaders in the field of digital and online education. Session topics included strategic collaboration, data-powered projects, and change management.
Vick served as a one of nine facilitators for the residency, and presented several sessions on topics such as budget management and higher education financial models. Eric Loepp, Co-Director of the Center for the Advancement of Teaching, Learning, Scholarship, and Technology and IELOL 2024 alumnus, provided popular Linking Sessions which help participants connect the content throughout the residency.
Participants who were accepted into IELOL came from around the country for the faculty-led residency, which included individual, small-group, and team activities. Morgan Anderson (SGSCE), Matt Baier (College of Letters and Sciences), and Corey Davis (Department of Communication) were selected as participants at the 2025 Institute.
“IELOL was a game changer in looking forward in my career trajectory,” said Carrie Hoefer, Associate Dean of Online and Undergraduate Programs, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Buffalo State. “Not only did I learn from some of the best faculty, meet outstanding individuals, and garner a support system that will follow me throughout my journey, we were submerged into the Midwestern charm that I believe only UW-Whitewater could provide.”
Additional UWW presenters included Sara Deschner, Chief Information Officer, Tricia Clasen, College of Integrated Studies (CIS) Dean and Assistant Vice Chancellor, Kim Kostka, Associate Dean of CIS, and Paul Ambrose, Dean of the College of Business and Economics. Participants were welcomed to the residency by Chancellor Corey King.
The residency was the second part of the four-part leadership development program. Participants are currently working on a three-month implementation phase with a personal project at their home institution. IELOL culminates with the Leadership Network Symposium this fall.