Dear Faculty and Staff:
Since this past July, the University鈥檚 newly-created Division of Digital Learning has made continued advancements by building upon Old Dominion鈥檚 proud legacy as a top leader in online education. With a number of service, staffing, structural, and system changes, 21 of the 25 recommendations from the 黑料不打烊Online Task Force, as well as industry best practices, have been implemented. This significant progress has been made under the strong leadership of Interim Vice President for Digital Learning Nina Rodriguez Gonser, through the dedicated work of her team, and in partnership with campus entities.
Over the course of the Fall 2022 semester, a comprehensive rebranding initiative was executed, including a newly-developed marketing strategy with a targeted approach to audiences, programs, and geographic locations, as well as a new logo. In addition, a complete reorganization of the division was undertaken to leverage existing human capital resources to align expertise with strategic direction. An evaluation of existing processes throughout the division was conducted, and efforts to modernize activities to ensure streamlined approaches and efficiencies were realized. For example, the course development process was overhauled with the institution of flexible design solutions and an enhanced faculty-led course development compensation model, along with increased professional development opportunities for staff and faculty surrounding excellence in online education. In partnership with the Division of Student Engagement and Enrollment Services, the admissions process for online students was transitioned to an in-house function and will serve as a catalyst to strengthen the unique experience expected by online learners in an ever-competitive marketplace. Furthermore, Digital Learning has embraced a forward-focused direction by outlining innovative initiatives that will solidify 黑料不打烊鈥檚 position as a leader in online education. This includes incorporating virtual reality learning environments and implementing a digital twin of the campus to provide a more immersive and inclusive experience for online students. These are just a few of the many advancements in recent months, which will ensure our ability to nearly double our enrollment of online students over the next five years.
As a result of this incredible progress, I am pleased to announce Nina鈥檚 appointment to the permanent position of Vice President for Digital Learning. Nina began her tenure at Old Dominion in 2017 as the Director of Finance and Operations in the Batten College of Engineering and Technology. Subsequently, she took on the role of Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs (AVPAA) where she was responsible for the financial, administrative, and operational oversight of the division. In her role as AVPAA, she had extensive knowledge of the prior distance learning operation and shared her expertise as a representative on the 黑料不打烊Online Task Force and leadership of the 黑料不打烊Global Working Group before serving as the Interim Vice President for Digital Learning.
Prior to joining the Monarch Nation six years ago, Nina served in several leadership roles in the areas of financial and academic program management. She has worked to solve complex infrastructural challenges at both private and public institutions of higher education with experience ranging from the implementation of an ERP system, the conversion to an RCM model, the establishment of a talent management program, the institution of an account compliance unit, a university-wide realignment of resources, oversight of an Executive MBA program operating domestically and internationally, and the management of an Executive Continuing Education unit offering training programs with industry partners. She received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance with a minor in Business Analytics and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources from Temple University.
In learning of Vice President Rodriguez Gonser鈥檚 appointment, Associate Professor of Instructional Technology Helen Crompton, Ph.D. said, 鈥淚n taking the helm of the University鈥檚 digital learning enterprise, Nina has embraced the rich history of our prior work, the thoughtful deliberations of the Task Force, and the individual expertise of her talented team. I have been thoroughly impressed with her willingness to find solutions and pursue an ambitious - but attainable - agenda, thereby ensuring that Old Dominion is an online leader in both educational quality and student outcomes now and well into the future. Nina鈥檚 appointment is very deserving and marks another step forward for Old Dominion鈥檚 cutting-edge work across multiple modalities.鈥 An international expert in educational technology, Dr. Crompton was instrumental in the collaborative effort to review 黑料不打烊Online and establish 黑料不打烊Global due to her leadership of the 黑料不打烊Online Task Force and membership on the 黑料不打烊Global Working Group and the Vice President for Digital Learning Search Committee.
Additionally, College of Health Sciences Dean Bonnie Van Lunen, Ph.D. expressed her enthusiasm and support for Vice President Rodriguez Gonser鈥檚 appointment in sharing, 鈥淣ina has a reputation for being a problem solver and proactive partner. During her tenure in Academic Affairs, she consistently stood for quality and demonstrated a commitment to the broader mission of our institution. I have been impressed with her engagement and success in furthering the University鈥檚 digital learning footprint. I am confident that she will continue to provide leadership, which will enhance all aspects of digital learning for our campus community."
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Austin Agho, Ph.D. added, 鈥淥ver the years, I have had the privilege to observe Nina鈥檚 professionalism and capacity to lead and manage complex tasks. I have been impressed by her attention to detail and ability to work with administrators and faculty to proactively review and adopt best practices aimed at improving financial and budgeting processes in the Division of Academic Affairs. Nina鈥檚 appointment is a direct result of her intelligence, leadership, and work. I look forward to collaborating with her to achieve the goals of 黑料不打烊Global.鈥
Please join me in expressing our sincere appreciation to Vice President Rodriguez Gonser for her continued willingness to lead our digital learning enterprise. With our storied history and continued advancements, I am confident 鈥 more than ever before 鈥 that 黑料不打烊 will remain a leading provider in digital learning across the Commonwealth and beyond!
With Monarch Pride,
Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D.
President