University of Evansville Expanding Online Learning with $1 Million Grant

Indiana's University of Evansville is developing its online education and learning efforts thanks to a $1 million grant from Lilly Endowment. The university will use the funds to "implement major initiatives that will enhance the campus as well as the online learning environment," according to a news announcement.

UE's plans include:

  • Creating an Office of Strategic Technology and Online Learning with the Office of Academic Affairs, which will "lead the University's efforts in developing online education that ensures the same high-quality experience offered through the in-person experience," as well as provide training opportunities and support for faculty;
  • Renovating classrooms on campus so that courses can be broadcast to regional businesses, adult learners working remotely and international locations;
  • Investing in software solutions for the online learning environment, such as exam security, video capture and synchronous course delivery;
  • Increasing efforts toward program and curricular development for online learning; and
  • Developing programs to offer undergraduate and graduate certificates, badges, non-credit professional development programs and new degree programs for adult learners.

"This generous gift we have received from Lilly Endowment will help us transform the educational experience of our students at the University of Evansville," said UE president Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz, in a statement. "As the world of technology continues to evolve and shape education, we are committed to investing and developing our technological capabilities as a growing sector for the future."

"The worldwide pandemic has changed higher education profoundly, and many of these changes will be permanent," commented Michael Austin, executive vice president for academic affairs and provost at UE. "This generous grant from Lilly Endowment will help prepare us for the world that will exist long after COVID-19 has faded into the background."

About the Author

Rhea Kelly is editor in chief for Campus Technology, THE Journal, and Spaces4Learning. She can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • robot waving

    Copilot Updates Aim to Make AI More Personal

    Microsoft has unveiled a range of updates to its Copilot platform, marking a new phase in its effort to deliver what it calls a "true AI companion" that adapts to individual users' needs, preferences and routines.

  • glowing futuristic laptop with a holographic screen displaying digital text

    New Turnitin Product Brings AI-Powered Tools to Students with Instructor Guardrails

    Academic integrity solution provider Turnitin has introduced Turnitin Clarity, a paid add-on for Turnitin Feedback Studio that provides a composition workspace for students with educator-guided AI assistance, AI-generated writing feedback, visibility into integrity insights, and more.

  • illustration of a futuristic building labeled "AI & Innovation," featuring circuit board patterns and an AI brain motif, surrounded by geometric trees and a simplified sky

    Cal Poly Pomona Launches AI and Innovation Center

    In an effort to advance AI innovation, foster community engagement, and prepare students for careers in STEM fields and business, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona has teamed up with AI, cloud, and advisory services provider Avanade to launch a new Avanade AI & Innovation Center.

  • Training the Next Generation of Space Cybersecurity Experts

    CT asked Scott Shackelford, Indiana University professor of law and director of the Ostrom Workshop Program on Cybersecurity and Internet Governance, about the possible emergence of space cybersecurity as a separate field that would support changing practices and foster future space cybersecurity leaders.