Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) has once again been lauded for its exceptional online degree programs by Blackboard, Inc., a leading education technology company. Blackboard’s comprehensive review of global courses and programs has distinguished EKU for its commitment to outstanding teaching, professional development, and innovative course design, all powered by the Blackboard Learn platform. In 2020, EKU proudly received three Blackboard Catalyst Awards and a Blackboard Exemplary Course Award, adding to its impressive tally of eight Blackboard awards since 2014. This consistent recognition underscores EKU’s dedication to providing high-quality online education through Blackboard Learn Eku.
“The recognition from Blackboard fills us with immense pride for our faculty and staff. Their dedication is evident in the exceptional courses they design and the unparalleled support they provide to our online students,” stated Tim Matthews, Executive Director of EKU Online. This acknowledgment highlights the hard work and innovation embedded within EKU’s online learning ecosystem, facilitated by Blackboard Learn EKU.
Ten programs globally were honored with the prestigious Blackboard Catalyst Award for Teaching and Learning, including institutions from Spain, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom. EKU’s faculty and staff were distinguished with two awards in this highly competitive category. Reviewers specifically commended the winning institutions for fostering flexibility, effectiveness, and efficiency for both learners and instructors. Instructional Designer Mary Henson, Senior Lecturer Patrick Coen, and Lecturer James Grogan were celebrated for their collaborative work within the EKU Department of Mathematics and Statistics. Furthermore, the EKU Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program also received this esteemed award. Key faculty members recognized include Program Coordinator Rachael Hovermale, MSN, ARNP, DNP, Aileen Jones, ARNP-BC, Wanda France APRN-BC, and Anna “Maurine” Hume, with instructional design support from Chris Daniel. These awards emphasize the effective utilization of Blackboard Learn EKU in enhancing teaching methodologies.
The Blackboard Catalyst Award for Training and Professional Development recognized Faculty Development Program Manager Nedim Slijepcevic and the Instructional Design Center for their organization-wide commitment to innovative practices. EKU stood alongside global winners in this category from Azerbaijan, Mexico, and the United Arab Emirates. This award showcases EKU’s investment in faculty development and its effective use of Blackboard Learn EKU tools to support educators.
Assistant Professor Chad Foster and Instructional Designer Mikah Hughes received the 2020 Blackboard Exemplary Course Award for HLS 461 Disaster Resilience, a crucial component of the Homeland Security Program. This accolade celebrates superior course design with a strong emphasis on collaboration, student support, and robust assessment strategies within the Blackboard Learn EKU environment.
The award recipients were celebrated at Blackboard’s annual international conference, BbWorld, held virtually on July 21-22. In 2019, two EKU graduate programs, the Master of Arts in Teaching and the Master of Science in Nursing for Family Nurse Practitioner, also received Blackboard Catalyst Awards, demonstrating a consistent pattern of excellence within EKU Online and its Blackboard Learn EKU implementation. To explore the diverse range of online degree programs offered by EKU and learn more about their Blackboard Learn EKU platform, please visit ekuonline.eku.edu.
