PROGRAM SCHEDULE

Presenter Bios

Julian Alvarez III is the Commissioner Representing Labor of the Texas Workforce Commission. Gov. Greg Abbott reappointed him to the three-member Commission on March 7, 2017. His Commission appointment expires February 1, 2023.

As Labor Commissioner, Julian Alvarez represents the interests of more than 13 million Texas workers with respect to TWC services and ensures that their concerns are considered in all Commission actions.

Prior to his appointment, Commissioner Alvarez served as president and CEO of the Rio Grande Valley Partnership fostering relationships and coordinating programs to advance regional economic development and employment opportunities. He also served as a Texas regional director for the U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson advising on legislative and policy issues related to South Texas. Prior to that, Alvarez served on the South Texas Drug Task Force as a state trooper for the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). After his service with DPS, Alvarez inspired stewardship and leadership as the director of college information for Texas State Technical College in Harlingen.

Commissioner Alvarez earned a Bachelor of Science in secondary education from Texas A&I University in Kingsville.

Parminder K. Jassal

Dr. Parminder K. Jassal leads the Learn + Work Futures Group at the Institute for the Future. Parminder investigates the future through three intersecting lenses: the innovations of open economies; changing role of people in their environments; and the relationship between learning and working. Through new research and research-inspired prototyping, Parminder applies insights from the fringes to promote positive culture shift and solutions by getting ahead of inequities.

Her experiences are driven by cutting-edge gigs at Fortune 50 companies such as at Ford Motor Company, Atlantic Richfield Oil Company, and Lucent Technologies along with co-founding start-ups like Technology Solutions and Consulting, Bombay House Restaurant, and East Indian Trading Cafe. Prior to the Institute for the Future, Parminder was named Founding Executive Director of ACT Foundation in 2012. She oversaw the organization’s unique role as an operating foundation, strategic investor, and incubation partner in support of the New Learning Economy and Rise of Working Learners (published).

Dr. Jassal previously served as a program officer supporting postsecondary success for low-income young adults at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. At Gates Foundation she helped design and scale a college-operating model titled “Pathways to Credentials and Careers” and led the “Learn and Earn” movement among employers and education providers. Having lived in three countries, fluently speaking three languages, and having worked and served on boards across the globe; Parminder’s life itself reflects the world economy. Born in London, she graduated from high school in India and is a product of public higher education in the United States.

Erasmus Addae

Dr. Erasmus Addae is the Associate Vice President of Distance Education at Austin Community College. He is tasked with leading distance education as well as other projects related to digital learning and innovation. Erasmus holds more than 17 years of experience in online learning as an administrator, consultant, and faculty member. He has helped guide policy efforts and developed strategic plans. Most recently, Erasmus served as the dean of distance learning at Austin Community College and South Texas College.

Judy L. Arriaga

Alex Barelka

Dr. Alex Barelka is an Associate Professor with the Department of Management and Quantitative Methods. He has been a professor at Wright State University and the Air Force Institute of Technology in Dayton, Ohio. He is also a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel and holds a Ph.D. in management (minor in information systems) from Michigan State University. He specializes in psychometric and statistical analysis. His research interests include trust/suspicion, leadership, team performance, social networking, influence tactics, and IT-based learning. He has published in several top journals including the Journal of Applied Psychology, the Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology, and the Journal of Business Psychology. His research has been funded by several national agencies and the results presented at multiple national conferences. He has also led several large scale organizational change activities.

Previously, Alex was a technical advisor and chief of behavioral studies in the Air Force Research Laboratory and deployed to Afghanistan, where he was awarded a Bronze Star and worked for the senior U.S. and NATO commander. Prior to pursuing his Ph.D., he worked for over 10 years as an IT and research and development (R&D) program manager for space-related systems in the Air Force and several national agencies. He is also a certified Program Management Professional (PMP).

Laura Barron

Laura G. Barron holds a Ph.D. and M.A in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Rice University. As a civilian employee for the United States Air Force, she recently joined the Air Education and Training Command (AETC) competencies division, where she is conducting research to support enterprise-wide assessments for force development. She previously worked as a Personnel Research Psychologist and Chief of Strategic Research & Assessments at the Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC) supporting the selection and classification of Air Force personnel. Prior to entering public service, she worked as an assistant professor in the University of Wisconsin system. She has authored more than 30 peer-reviewed articles on personnel selection and workplace diversity topics that have been published in journals such as Human Performance, Psychology, Public Policy & Law, Rehabilitation Psychology, and Military Psychology.

Annie Biggs

Annie Biggs, Texas OnRamps Senior Project Manager, has 5+ years of experience in higher education administration, with particular expertise in project management, student leadership development, and large-scale programming. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree at Mercer University in Macon, GA, and Master’s Degree at The University of Texas at Austin.

Robert Brown

Robert Brown has worked as a faculty member for the first competency-based degree program at Texas A&M University–Commerce for the last five years. He took over the recruiting and new student advising aspects of the program when there were just thirteen students enrolled and the program now has enrollment in each term in the mid-four hundreds. He is a proud graduate of A&M–Commerce with an M.A. in History.

Jennifer Cameron

Jennifer Cameron, Ed.D., is Director of Institutional Effectiveness and an Adjunct Professor of Government at Central Texas College. She has over 15 years’ experience of teaching including early childhood to higher education. As a visionary, she has created an unparalleled presence as an educator and consultant. Dr. Cameron continues to teach and research education and leadership and has served in a variety of roles in non-profit to government sectors. She has an associate and bachelor’s degree in Political Science, a master’s degree in Social Science Education, and a doctorate in Organizational Leadership.

Lisa Centennial

Lisa Dawn Centennial’s interest in higher education and student success began as a college freshman, continuing through her studies and into her career. While working in the admission office as a student work study and transitioning into a full time academic advisor and an adjunct faculty member, she works with students of all levels and abilities. Her academic background and experience has had an infinite array of responsibilities in the field of higher education, giving her a high level of confidence in her ability to work with student success. She has earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Criminology, a Master of Science in Psychology and Sociology and is currently in the Doctorial of Education Leadership Program at Texas A&M University-Kingsville.

Bob Collins

Bob Collins is the Vice President of Financial Aid at Western Governors University (WGU). In the late 1990’s, Collins was the Acting Director of Financial Aid at the University of Colorado at Boulder and was a consultant for WGU in the very early stages – before the first students enrolled. Collins has 35+ years of experience in student aid administration and was a member of the Higher Education Committee of 50 as a national thought leader on higher education policy; participated on numerous negotiated rulemaking committees; and actively engaged in the Distance Education Demonstration Program with the US Department of Education, circa 2000.

Ann Crawford

Dr. Ann Crawford has earned the following degrees: Ph.D., Texas A&M University (2002); MS(N), University of North Dakota, 1992; BSN, University of North Dakota, 1982. She has served as Professor, College of Nursing, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, Belton, TX, 1996-present. Dr. Crawford has served in the United States Army, Reserve Component-Current Rank Lieutenant Colonel (LTC), 1993-present. She is also a Registered Nurse, Emergency Department and Critical Care; Kings Daughter’s Hospital/Scott & White Hospital. 1995-present.

Brooks Doherty

Brooks Doherty is Assistant Vice President of Academic Innovation at Rasmussen College. He is completing a doctorate in education at St. Mary’s University, earned an MA in literature from University College London, and graduated from the University of Minnesota with degrees in Political Science and English. His central areas of interest are competency-based education, developmental education, workforce preparedness, the relationship between liberal learning and professional learning, and Irish literature. Prior to his current work, Doherty taught remedial and college-level writing courses for students of varying disciplines.

Kathy Ebert

Kathy Ebert is currently a Program Experience Manager for the College of Business supporting the Healthcare Management and IT Management programs. Previously, she was a Curriculum Program Manager was involved in the development of two of the five courses WGU utilized OER’s for in the redevelopment of the courses. Previous roles include curriculum manager and director, program design and evaluation manager and faculty/curriculum developer. Combined educational experience and leadership is just over 19 years. Kathy holds a M.S. in Organizational Leadership and Quality.

Ali Esmaeili

Dr. Ali Esmaeili is currently serving as the Dean of Math, Science, Bachelor Programs, and University Relations at South Texas College. Since 2008, prior to fulfilling his position as Dean, Dr. Esmaeili served as Campus Administrator, Professional Development Coordinator, Instructional Support Services Coordinator, Division Director, and Associate Dean for Bachelor Programs. He holds an Ed. D. In Education, Master of Education, Master of Science from Texas A&M University-Kingsville. He is one of the founding faculty at the South Texas College. In addition, he is the founding Administrator for the Bachelor Programs at South Texas College. Currently, he is one of the Board Member at the Community College Baccalaureate Association, Former Board Member of Rio Grande Valley Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Former Board Member of South Texas Educational Technology School District, and former Honorary member of National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development. He has presented at several Nationally known conferences such as SACSCOC, League for Innovations, NISOD, CCBA, and many more.

James Fountain

James Fountain currently serves as the Executive Director for Competency Based Education at Texas A&M University-Commerce. He has 12 years’ experience in Higher Education and has served a Dean, Faculty-member and Campus Director of Academic Affairs. James has a distinguished background in Competency Based Education which started with direct assessment and helped launch various types CBE programs while serving at private colleges and Universities. He has unique insights to various accreditation initiatives as he has led or participated in 18 different accreditation processes at both the institutional and programmatic level. He is currently an Ed. D. candidate at Nebraska Methodist College.

Ningchun Han

Ningchun Han is a CQI Curriculum Program Manager at Western Governors University. She has more than 10 years of experience in instructional design and technology in higher education. She holds a Doctoral Degree in Educational and Instructional Technology from Texas Tech University. Her research interests lie in the area of distance education, ranging from scaffolding reflective thinking to competency-based education.

Ninghua Han

Ninghua Han has been working for Austin Community College for over 5 years. Dr. Han serves as the lead instructional designer at Distance Education & Alternative division at Austin Community college where she works closely with departments to design and develop quality online programs. She earned her Master degree in Instructional Technology from Central China Normal University, China and obtained her Doctoral degree in Instructional Technology from Texas Tech University, US.

Dr. Han has helped launch the first Competency-based Education online program, Accelerated Programmer Training, and the first Baccalaureate hybrid program, RN-to-BSN, for Austin Community College.

Josh Harshman

Josh Harshman is currently serving as the Program Analyst for the College of Business at Western Governors University. In this position he works to support faculty and leadership in their ability to make the data driven decisions that provide highest educational experiences for the students. Previously, he served as a Program Mentor for the College of Business in the IT Management program where he helped students map their progress to their immediate and long-term goals. Josh holds an MBA in IT Management from Western Governors University and a BS in Organizational Behavior from Covenant College.

Jamey Heit

Dr. Jamey Heit is a lifelong learner and lover of technology. He believes technology plays an essential role in solving big problems and insists that it is part of a broader solution, rather than a quick fix to a temporary challenge.

He holds a Ph.D. in Literature, Theology and the Arts from Glasgow University and has taught in a variety of Higher Education disciplines. By credit hours, Dr. Heit has over 25 years experience and has graded more than 30,000 papers (yes, he counted!).

During his time in the classroom, Dr. Heit saw limits in his ability to help students consistently improve their writing. So, in 2014 he left academia and founded Ecree, a technology company that specializes in a proprietary, interactive writing tool for students and teachers.

Dr. Heit is on a mission to nurture a generation of better writers and thinkers with widespread access to easy and adaptive writing software. With the Ecree technology, he’s found way to provide consistent, timely, and quality feedback to students ensuring they develop lifelong skills for success.

Nicholas Hinojosa

Nicholas Hinojosa serves as an instructor and Assistant Program Chair for the South Texas College Computer Science Department. As a Quality Matters (QM) certified Peer Reviewer, Mr. Hinojosa guides the CS department in developing online courses that adhere to the highest standards. He has an Associate of Science in Mathematics, a Bachelor of Applied Technology in Computer and Information Technologies, Master of Science in IT, and certifications in networking (Cisco) and cybersecurity (SANS/GIAC). Mr. Hinojosa teaches competency-based education courses on various subjects in computing. Additionally, he has taught online and traditional courses in programming, networking, web development, and database management.

Paul Kulpa

Lieutenant Colonel Paul Kulpa is the Chief of Foundational Competencies for Air Force Air Education and Training Command where he is responsible for developing, validating, and implementing the Air Forces Foundational Competencies for personnel development.

Lieutenant Colonel Kulpa holds an education degree in Applied Learning and Development from the University of Texas, and an MBA from Touro University. Prior to serving in his current role, Lieutenant Colonel Kulpa has served as a flight instructor, managed the Air Force’s Undergraduate Flying Training program training, and worked in flight training curriculum development.

Joanne Lacsina

Joanne Lacsina is a Strategic Partner Manager at PeopleGrove. She previously worked as a Knowledge Systems Manager at College Futures Foundation, a San Francisco based Foundation whose mission is to increase college degree completion and close equity gaps. Currently, Joanne serves on the Board of Directors for the Alameda County Community Child Care Council. She earned her Masters in Public Policy from the University of Chicago and her B.A. in Public Health and Education from the University of California, Berkeley.

Frank C. Lee

Dr. Frank C. Lee, 2014 ACBSP Teaching Excellence Award Recipient, is an Associate Professor & Graduate Program Director (MSIS) in the McLane College of Business at University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. He previously taught at:

Mississippi State University (2004-2005)
Carson-Newman University (2006-2009)
University of Nevada at Las Vegas (UNLV) (Summer 2013)
Namseoul University (Fall 2014 – Sabbatical)
Fairmont State University (2009-2015, Tenured Associate Professor & IBM Coordinator)

The summary of his recent academic and professional activities include:

MSIS Program Coordinator & Director, 2016 – Present
IBM Academic Initiative Coordinator, 2013-2015
Chair, Fairmont State University VP/CIO Search Committee, 2014
Editorial Review Board, Journal of Computer Information Systems, 2012-Present
Editorial Review Board, International Journal of Web-Based Learning and Teaching Technologies, 2015-Present
Certificate of Completion of QM Peer Review Course
Certificate of Completion of Applying the QM Rubric

Scott Mann

Scott Christopher Mann, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice at El Paso Community College. Master degrees in Criminal Justice, and Administration of Justice and Security. Research interests and publications in Criminal Justice, Criminology, and online education. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy, the Law Enforcement Graduate Management Institute of Texas, and a retired law enforcement officer from the Great State of Texas.

Michael Manning

Michael Manning was Executive Director of Experiential Learning Programs for Apex Outcomes Consulting, LLC. located in Scottsdale Arizona. In this role, Michael was responsible for creating partnerships with educational administrators and faculty from high schools, community colleges, and universities to develop and launch new programs focused on critical thinking. Prior to joining Apex Outcomes, LLC, Michael was Special Advisor to the Associate Dean of Student Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Arizona State University (ASU). At ASU, Michael collaborated with faculty, advisors, and senior administrators across 4 ASU campuses to develop course curriculum and workshops focused on critical thinking and communication. Michael co-taught a graduate class for PhD students entitled “Theory2Practice.” He was also enrolled in the Doctorate of Leadership and Innovation Program at Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at ASU until his move to Texas for family reasons.

Polly Manske

Polly Manske is an Assistant Professor at Marian University in the Department of Teacher Education. She has previous experience in K-12 as both a special educator as well as a reading specialist. Polly is currently a doctoral student, studying curriculum and instruction
leadership. Exploring opportunities for inclusivity in education is the primary focus of her ongoing research and studies. She is passionate about creating opportunities for all students to be successful in today’s fast-paced world by focusing on designing
dynamic curriculum that meets the needs of individual learners.

Robin McLaurin

Robin McLaurin is a fine art photographer and Art educator. Her gift is teaching about the arts. Currently, she is creating a book which focuses on the assimilation of farms by suburban expansion west of Chicago. She is also working with an alternative photographic process called anthrotypes. This is where plant pigments are used to create photographs. She travels through Texas photographing and collecting flowering plants. Robin enjoys this process because there is science involved. She loves the way art intersects with other content areas. As an ongoing research project, she enjoys reading about the Arts & Crafts movement. In her spare time, she enjoys Scottish Country Dancing, playing tin whistle, learning Gaeilge, swimming and traveling with her camera, of course.

Jason Meyers

Dr. Jason Meyers is a Senior Psychometrician at WGU with nearly twenty years’ experience directing research and data analysis efforts as well as managing psychometric and test development work for a wide variety of clients and customers. His portfolio includes, but is not limited to: higher education and K-12 settings, state assessment contracts, certification testing programs, university developed assessments, and custom testing products. His research interests are largely applied in nature with the goal of developing practical solutions to unique assessment problems.

Emma Miller

Dr. Emma L. Miller has been in higher education administration in the state of Texas for over 20 years. She has a PhD in Applied Management and Decision Science with a concentration in Leadership and Organizational Change from Walden University. Currently, Dr. Miller is Assistant Dean of Bachelor programs as well as the Program Chair for the Competency-Based Education Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Leadership program at South Texas College as well as the advisor for the National Society of Leadership and Success South Texas College Chapter. In addition, Dr. Miller has also been an Academic Dean with Brightwood College and a Director of Academic Affairs for the University of Phoenix McAllen, TX campus. As a researcher, she has focused on mentoring examining how it relates to student retention and attrition and its impact on the institution. She has written in books, international journals and presented in local and international conferences. Dr. Miller has co-authored a chapter “Survey Research Methods” for the book: Education Research: An African approach published by South Africa Oxford University Press as well as co-authored “Education Diplomacy in Mentoring Diverse Populations” in the International Journal of Early Childhood Education. In addition, Dr. Miller has co-authored and presented in the area of Competency-Based Education.

Rita Mitra

Dr. Rita Mitra is an Associate Professor in Practice in the Information Systems and Cyber Security Department at The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). She teaches computer science and cybersecurity courses and continues the design and development of the cybersecurity courses in UTSA’s first fully online program, the Bachelor of Business Administration in Cyber Security (BBA), from her role as a learning architect with the Institution of Transformational Learning at UT System. A focus of her work revolves around testing and piloting software and hardware tools for competency-based labs and exercises, which she believes are the cornerstone of the curriculum.

Prior to joining UTSA, Dr. Mitra worked as an educational technologist with a focus on testing, training, prototyping, and curating innovative methods of content delivery in new platforms and applications. Her contributions in these initiatives focused on identifying gaps and driving agile innovation.

Saeed Molki

Professor Saeed Molki was involved in the development of several degrees at South Texas College, such as the Bachelor of Applied Technology in Computer & Information Technologies (BAT-CITP) in 2008, and founder of the Computer Science (CS) Department since 1997. Professor Molki serves as the Program Chair and immediate supervisor for all CS and BAT-CITP faculty/staff. He provides district-wide leadership for planning, development, evaluations, and improvement of instruction for the department to ensure the success, retention, and graduation of the students in his programs.

Bradley Moore

Bradley Moore currently serves as a College Outreach Specialist at Del Mar College in Corpus Christi, Texas. He has over ten years of experience in higher education roles, including academic advising, that impact students from matriculation through completion. Bradley, a first-generation college student, earned a Master of Education in Student Development and Leadership in Higher Education from Angelo State University and a Bachelor of Arts in History from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. He enjoys discovering and practicing new methods of fostering positive student development and finds few things more gratifying than helping people achieve their goals and dreams through higher education.

Michael Moore

Mike Moore, Senior Learning Strategist, D2L. Michael holds a master’s degree in Computer Information Systems and a bachelor’s degree in Accounting. He has worked extensively in the software industry with over 20+ years of experience managing and manipulating data and customizing software. Prior to D2L, he was a D2L higher education client for three years and managed the Analytics implementation at Daytona State College during that time. Mike is particularly interested in the effective integration of educational technology tools into the online teaching environment and the classroom.

Kelle Parsons

Kelle Parsons is a senior researcher at the American Institutes for Research with experience in higher and postsecondary education research, policy, and administration roles. Her current areas of focus include directing projects related to evaluating postsecondary student success initiatives, understanding organizational change in postsecondary settings, examining postsecondary models of competency-based education, and examining the role of state higher education systems. Prior to joining AIR, she served as a policy analyst at the National Governors Association, providing technical assistance to state policymakers around postsecondary issues including using common performance metrics, aligning postsecondary financing policies, and addressing system governance issues. Previously, she worked in institutional administration and research roles at the University of Michigan.

Kevin Peek

Dr. Kevin Peek earned his Ph.D. in May of 2000. Since then, he has taught full-time at the University of Nevada, La Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Vista College in Berkeley, North Western Michigan College, the Victoria College, and South Texas College. His experience with competency-based (CB) program development and administration includes two-years as the Chair of the CB Bachelors Program in Organizational Leadership at STC, Project Director of the Texas Affordable Baccalaureate (TAB) Extension Grant to create a CB Bachelor’s Program in Computer Information Technology, Project Director of the TAB Grant to create a CB Bachelor’s Program in Medical and Health Service Management, Project Director to create a CB Professional Certificate Program in Accounting, Project Director for a SACSCOC LUMINA Grant to create a CB Bachelor’s Program in Technology Management, and Project Director to create a CBE Bachelor of Early Childhood Development in collaboration with the University of Texas, Rio Grand City.

Carlos Rivers

Carlos Rivers serves as the Operations Research Analyst of the Institute for Competency Based Education at Texas A&M University–Commerce. Rivers is considered a subject matter expert in competency-based data analytics and has spoken on the subject at numerous conferences at both the state and national level. He has also assisted other universities in the development and implementation of their own CBE programs. Rivers serves on the National Advisory Board for Postsecondary CBE and CBL. His publications on CBE have appeared in such venues as The Journal of Competency-Based Education, EDUCAUSE Review, WCET Frontiers, and The Evolllution.

Craig Schieber

Dr. Craig Schieber has built a reputation as an innovator and leader of change in education. His work has focused on building student agency, project-based learning, inquiry learning, and personalizing the educational experience. Current efforts focus on development of competency-based education and the many aspects of teaching that are encompassed in this historical shift in education pedagogy. He has recently begun dialog about these topics at several international conferences. Craig’s doctoral work at Seattle Pacific University was on How Technology is Influencing Education. Awards include: White House Presidential Teacher’s Award, Who’s Who in American Schools, and The Golden Acorn Award. Craig teaches at City University of Seattle.

Judith Sebesta

Judith Sebesta, Ph.D., is Executive Director of the Virtual College of Texas, a consortium of community colleges sharing eLearning resources to increase access to higher education and improve student success.

Judith has served in a variety of roles at the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, including Director of Innovation and Project Director for OER. She also was founding Executive Director of the Institute for Competency-Based Education at Texas A&M University-Commerce.

Prior to shifting her career focus to the broader landscape of policy and practice in online education and alternative learning models, Judith enjoyed a fifteen-year career as a professor and department chair, teaching at such schools as the University of Arizona and University of Missouri.

Judith holds a Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin.

Christian Servin

Dr. Christian Servin is member of several professional associations including the Association of Computing Machinery (ACM), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and the Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM). His research areas include fuzzy logic, interval computations, and computer science education. Currently, he is the vice-chair of the IEEE El Paso Region V, and he serves as member for the Committee for Computing Education in Community Colleges (CCECC), where he develops and updates curricular guidelines in computing for 2-year colleges (such as technical and community colleges). Dr. Servin currently teaches computer science courses in El Paso Community College (EPCC) and his primary research areas are computer science education, cyber-ethics, analytical philosophy, and the study of uncertainty through interval computations and fuzzy logic and cybersecurity. Analogously, Dr. Servin research studies in computer science education spans from best practices and educational models to policy development in community colleges.

Laura Sheehy

Laura Sheehy is an Instructional Designer and Support Lead for the Office of Online Learning at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). Since starting at UTSA in July of 2017, she has become responsible for Blackboard support for faculty, staff, and students. In addition, since July 2018, she has been responsible for the planning and delivery all Blackboard training for faculty. Prior to returning to her home state of Texas, Ms. Sheehy spent over nine years in Arizona with K-20 teachers and students integrating technology into the classroom and, in that role presented at a variety of state and national conferences. Ms. Sheehy thrives on sharing knowledge and helping others use that knowledge to make educators’ lives easier.

George Swindell

George Swindell is a Faculty member for the Texas A&M University – Commerce TAB CBE Organizational Leadership program. George has a M.S. in Applied Mathematics and another in Clinical Psychology. He has been teaching Math and Psychology for over seven years. George has been working with the TAB CBE Organizational Leadership program for three years teaching math and psychology core curriculum.

Jorge Valenzuela

Jorge Valenzuela is a tenure-track Criminal Justice Faculty and CJ campus coordinator at the El Paso Community College where he delivers instruction on-ground and on-line modalities. He ventured into the field of education after 31 years of police work. He is a firm believer on the potential for on-line education for nontraditional students and has taken advantage of innovative pedagogical tools to enhance the learning experience.

Emily Wade

Emily Wade, Texas OnRamps Associate Director of Enrollment, Operations, and Technology, has 15 years of experience in higher education administration, with particular expertise in research, counseling, project management, and program planning and evaluation. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree at Trinity College in Hartford, CT, and Master’s Degree at The University of Texas at Austin.

Susan Wegmann

Dr. Susan Wegmann is the Associate Dean of Digital Learning and Innovation at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. She oversees the MyWay at UMHB CBE programs (RN to BSN, Organizational Leadership, and TeachingMyWay an alternative teaching certification program) She also assists the development and dissemination of online courses at UMHB and supports innovative academic initiatives. She also assists the SACSCOC assessment processes as the University Assessment Coordinator by working with faculty and staff as they assess programs and units for continuous improvement. Her major research interest is the interaction and rapport of students and faculty in online and blended college courses, where she has illuminated a Connected Stance.

Peg Williams

Peg C. Williams, Esq. joined Western Governors University as a Course Instructor for the law and ethics courses in the College of Business in April 2013. During her time at Western Governors she has worked as a subject matter expert on several courses for the College of Business and was most recently involved in the redevelopment of the new Business Law course that utilized OERs. Prior to coming to Western Governors University, Peg taught at several other universities, is a trained mediator and is also a licensed attorney in the State of New Jersey. Peg holds a J.D. and M.B.A from Quinnipiac University, located in Hamden, Connecticut.