Daily Pioneer News

PLATTEVILLE-Distance Learning Center faculty and staff were recognized for their pioneering contributions to alternative education sytems at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville at a special dinner held on March 31. The event was part of a continuing celebration of the 25th anniversary of distance education within the UW System.

Chancellor David Markee delivered the welcoming remarks at the recognition dinner, acknowledging the importance of the distance education program to UWP. Speakers Provost Carol Sue Butts and Chere Gibson, chair of the graduate program in continuing and vocational education at UW-Madison,noted the profound impact that alternative delivery systems have had on the field of education and looked forward to future innovations. Special guest Kahtan Al Yasiri, previous dean of the College of Business, Industry and Communication at UWP, recalled the challenges faced back in 1978 when the print-based business administration degree at a distance was established and congratulated his colleagues on their continuing success.

Marge Karsten, chair of the business department and coordinator of the print-based business administration program, personally recognized the faculty from the business program in attendance and thanked them for their important contributions over the years. Instructors from the online programs and past staff members were also noted for their dedication to the distance learning program.

Two national award recipients were also honored at the dinner. Cheryl Banachowski-Fuller, coordinator of the online criminal justice program, was recognized for her 2003 National Academic Advising Association's Outstanding Advising Award. Patricia Bromley, chair of UWP's psychology department, was honored for her nomination for the 2004 University Continuing Education Association's Distinguished College Course Award.

Dawn Drake, executive director of alternative delivery systems at UWP, offered a historical overview of distance education accomplishments. Looking back at the last few years, Drake recalled the contributions made by those who championed the program in its early days, stating: "The only way to make those initial ideas a reality was for a variety of people to be willing to take risks, try new things, and truly go where there was no path and leave a trail, or a legacy."

Looking forward to the next quarter century of distance education at UWP, Drake is enthusiastic. She shared plans for future initiatives with the audience, including launching an online orientation site, creating a virtual open house and hosting a Webinar series. Other projects in the works are the development of a new course designed for the Department of Justice, the introduction of a project management preparation course, and the creation of an alternative licensure program for Wisconsin educators.

UWP currently offers four degrees at a distance: a bachelor of science in business administration, a master of science in criminal justice, a master of engineering, and a master of science in project management. For more information, visit online at http://www.uwplatt.edu/disted, call 800-362-5460 or e-mail disted@uwplatt.edu.