The University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications(UFCJC) has named Cheryl Oberlin as the inaugural director of distance education and training.

In her new role, Oberlin will continue to direct long-range strategic planning, operations, and administrative activities for the instructional design team of UFCJC Online, the College’s online masters and certificate program. She will organize collaborative projects between the instructional design team, subject matter experts and instructors to ensure courses demonstrate Adult Learning Principles, Best Practices in Online Education, and Learner Engagement that meets/exceeds Quality Matters standards. She will also manage the planning and development of forthcoming professional and workforce development non-degree courses offered by the College and support instructional design needs of faculty teaching any courses at UFCJC.

Previously, Oberlin was assistant director of UFCJC online graduate programs, where she managed an instructional design team, oversaw the development and updating of graduate courses, and coordinated numerous online learning courses. Her efforts resulted in substantial improvement in course quality, learning design, and student success earning UFCJC Online multiple awards.

Oberlin’s experience with Quality Matters, where she served as a professional development specialist, facilitator coach, course review manager and course facilitator, showcases her commitment to maintaining high standards in online education. She has facilitated over 100 QM-based courses and workshops, significantly contributing to the organization’s success.

“We were incredibly impressed with Cheryl’s extensive background and her numerous contributions to the college over the past three years,” said Evan Kropp, executive director of Distance Education. “Her leadership and expertise have already made a significant positive impact, and this new role will allow her to share her knowledge and skills with other departments within the college, further enhancing our commitment to excellence in online education.”

Oberlin has a M.Ed. in Instructional Design & Digital Technology, an M.B.A. in Project Management and an M.A. in English Composition and Rhetoric all from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio.

Posted: July 30, 2024
Category: College News
Tagged as: Cheryl Oberlin, UFCJC Online Master's Program