UAGC faculty member joins USDLA board

By AI, Created 9:54 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – Teresa Handy, assistant Global Campus professor and program chair at the University of Arizona Global Campus, has been appointed to the board of directors of the United States Distance Learning Association, with her term starting later this summer. The move links UAGC more closely to a national group focused on online education standards, research and policy.

Why it matters: - Teresa Handy’s appointment gives the University of Arizona Global Campus a direct voice in a national organization shaping distance learning practice and policy. - The role could help influence instructor development, digital learning standards and student success efforts across online education.

What happened: - Teresa Handy, assistant Global Campus professor and program chair at UAGC, was appointed to the Board of Directors for the United States Distance Learning Association. - Handy’s term begins later this summer. - USDLA is a nonprofit focused on advancing the quality and impact of distance and digital learning. - The organization was founded in 1987. - USDLA supports a global community of more than 100,000 professionals across education, business, health and government.

The details: - Handy will collaborate with national leaders to support instructor development and advocate for effective digital learning practices. - Handy will also help advance initiatives aimed at improving the quality of online education across sectors. - USDLA is recognized for promoting best practices, research and policy in online education. - Blake Naughton, vice provost for Global Campus Academic Affairs, said the appointment reflects Handy’s expertise and UAGC leadership in distance education. - Handy also serves as co-chair of the UAGC Faculty Council. - Handy’s work centers on student success, open educational resources and expanding access to education for diverse learner populations. - UAGC says it offers more than 50 associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs with accelerated online classes. - UAGC says students and alumni are part of the University of Arizona community. - More information is available at UAGC.edu.

Between the lines: - The appointment strengthens UAGC’s ties to a national distance-learning group at a time when online education continues to evolve. - Handy’s background in faculty development and educational leadership fits the board role’s emphasis on standards, training and access.

What’s next: - Handy’s board term will begin later this summer. - Her work on the USDLA board is expected to center on digital learning practices, instructor support and broader online education quality efforts.

The bottom line: - UAGC is placing one of its academic leaders in a national role that could shape how distance learning is taught, evaluated and expanded.