Recognition

2025 Recipients
Online Learning Excellence Award

The purpose of the Online Learning Excellence Award is to recognize individuals and groups that demonstrate exemplary leadership, innovation, collaboration, and results that advance online and blended learning in the State of Oklahoma. Awardees are selected based on the criteria listed below. Evidence should be provided that supports how the nominee demonstrates each of the criteria.

Cole Accessibility Awardee, Clarissa Anderson,
The University of Oklahoma’s Office of Digital Learning led by Clarissa Anderson. Pictured, from left to right: Tracey Romano, Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education; Chancellor Sean Burrage; Clarissa Anderson, University of Oklahoma, and State Regents’ Chair Dennis Casey.

Accessibility

Office of Digital Learning

University of Central Oklahoma

COLE Teaching Awardee, Dr. Tugba Sevin
Dr. Tugba Sevin, associate professor at Southwestern Oklahoma State University, was honored with the Oklahoma Online Excellence Award for Teaching. Dr. Sevin is pictured with Chancellor Sean Burrage.

Teaching

Dr. Tugba Sevin

Southwestern Oklahoma State University

COLE Individual Leadership Awardee, Dr. Dana Lindon Burgett
Dr. Dana Jo Lindon-Burgett, director for academic technology at Rose State College, was honored with the Oklahoma Online Excellence Award for Individual Leadership. Pictured, from left to right: Tracey Romano, Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education; Chancellor Sean Burrage; Dr. Dana Lindon Burgett, Rose State College; and State Regents’ Chair Dennis Casey.

Individual Leadership

Dr. Dana Lindon Burgett

Rose State College

COLE Team Leadership Awardee, Center for Instructional Development and Technology (CIDT)
The Center for Instructional Development and Technology (CIDT) at Southeastern Oklahoma State University received the Oklahoma Online Excellence Award for Team Leadership. Pictured, from left to right: Tracey Romano, Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education; Anthony Peak, SEOSU; Jarod West, SEOSU; Alisha Ridenour, SEOSU; Chancellor Sean Burrage; Christala Smith, SEOSU; Sarah Hughes, SEOSU; and State Regents’ Chair Dennis Casey.

Team Leadership

Center for Instructional Development and Technology (CIDT)

Southwestern Oklahoma State University

COLE Innovation Awardee, Center for eLearning and Connected Environments (CeCE) Learning Design Team
The University of Central Oklahoma’s Center for eLearning and Connected Environments (CeCE) Learning Design Team received the Oklahoma Online Excellence Award for Innovation. Pictured, left to right: Tracey Romano, Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education; Chancellor Sean Burrage; Lora Pezzell, University of Central Oklahoma; KT King, University of Central Oklahoma; Linda Breslin, University of Central Oklahoma; and State Regents’ Chair Dennis Casey. Chair Dennis Casey.

Innovation

Center for eLearning and Connected Environments (CeCE) Learning Design Team

University of Central Oklahoma

COLE Open Education Impact Awardee, Dr. Cindy Akkerman
Dr. Cindy Akkerman, head of the Healthcare Management Department at Oklahoma State University, was honored with the Oklahoma Online Excellence Award for Open Education Impact. Pictured, left to right: Tracey Romano, Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education; Chancellor Sean Burrage; and Dr. Cindy Akkerman, Oklahoma State University.

Open Education Impact

Dr. Cindy Akkerman

Oklahoma State University – Oklahoma City