UIS online education leader named to national distance learning hall of fame

Ray Schroeder, associate vice chancellor for online learning at the University of Illinois Springfield, was honored by the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) with their Hall of Fame Award during the association’s conference in St. Louis on May 10, 2016.

The award is presented to an individual who has contributed significantly to the field of distance learning through leadership, technology, research and teaching.

In a letter announcing the award, USDLA Chief Executive Officer John Flores praised Schroeder for his commitment to the field of distance learning adding he has “contributed immeasurably in laying the successful foundation for distance learning and its application within the educational community.”

Schroeder is a nationally recognized leader in the field of online learning and is the current director of the Center for Online Leadership and Strategy at the University Continuing and Professional Education Association (UPCEA). He regularly presents his research at national conferences and has written numerous publications about online and technology-enhanced learning. He is also the author of the popular blogs Online Learning Update and Educational Technology.

He was a Sloan Consortium Distinguished Scholar in Online Learning 2002-2003, recipient of the 2002 Sloan-C award for the “Most Outstanding Achievement in ALN by an Individual,” University of Southern Maine “Visiting Scholar in Online Learning” 2006-2009, and co-founder of the New Century Learning Consortium.

Schroeder was named the inaugural 2010 recipient of the Sloan Consortium's highest Individual award - the A. Frank Mayadas Leadership Award. He received the 2011 University of Illinois Distinguished Service Award. Schroeder was an inaugural Sloan Consortium Fellow and was named the 2012 Innovation Fellow for Digital Learning by the UPCEA.