Frank Mayadas and the Foundations of Modern Online Learning

 

By Gary Miller (HOF 2004)

I suspect that many Hall of Fame members who read the Hall’s quarterly Newsletter have read about the recent passing of 2006 Hall of Fame inductee Dr. Frank Mayadas.

Frank has had a very important impact on continuing education over the past three decades.  As the Sloan Foundation’s lead advocate for online learning, he worked closely with colleges and universities that received Sloan Foundation grants to develop and deliver online degree programs. Frank understood that institutions would need to rethink some basic policy, administrative, and cultural issues to effectively create a permanent home for e-learning within the institution.  He took steps to bring institutions that received funds into a community where institutions could share their experiences and help create viable standards and expectations.

Many Hall of Fame members have had the opportunity to work with the Online Learning Consortium and the JALN journal over the past decades. As we look back on Frank’s contributions and the impact of e-learning on our institutions, I encourage Hall members to share your experiences and ideas for the future of our field, as well as perspectives on Frank’s contributions, in a post for Leadership Perspectives.  Let’s celebrate the impact that Frank and the Sloan Foundation have had on our field.