Unitek sets new standards for faculty development in online education.
Newport Beach, California – Unitek Learning has been selected by the Online Learning Consortium (OLC) as the winner of the Award of Excellence in Faculty Development for their project submission. The collaborative efforts of several Unitek leaders have led to the “Unitek Learning Faculty Institute.” This project demonstrates excellence in nurturing faculty expertise and promoting a culture of continuous improvement.
“It is an honor for Unitek Learning to win two prestigious awards in the same year,” said Jamie Holcomb, Ed.D., Vice President of Academic Strategy and Faculty Success at Unitek Learning. “In the spring of 2023, we received the Award of Excellence in Data and Learning Analytics Design. Now, we have accepted the Award of Excellence in Faculty Development. The work we’ve done has made an incredible impact on our students’ educational experience as well as their learning outcomes, our faculty, and our staff!”
The submission team members included Abdel Yosef, Ph.D., RN, CNE, Provost and Chief Academic Officer; Jamie Holcomb, Ed.D., Vice President of Academic Strategy and Faculty Success, Scott Tierno, D.A., PMP, Director of The Academic Leadership Academy; and Kyejung Yang, Ph.D., Director of Faculty Development and Training. Dr. Holcomb, Dr. Tierno, and Dr. Yang accepted this award for Unitek Learning in National Harbor, Maryland in October of 2023.
The Faculty Institute offers comprehensive support through apprentice, preceptor, and mentorship programs, educational degree pathways and credential opportunities, an extensive Center for Excellence in Teaching, active learning initiatives, virtual events and programs including an annual national conference, and a leadership academy to help faculty transition to future leadership roles. This combination has facilitated dynamic practices in faculty development that lead to learning effectiveness and faculty satisfaction. These innovations have fostered greater efficiencies, seamless communication, and improved learning outcomes.
“At Unitek, we care greatly about our communities,” said Janis Paulson, Chief Executive Officer at Unitek Learning. “This award reflects the deep commitment of our team and organization to use faculty development to support our students, faculty, and staff, while strengthening outcomes at all levels.”
Dr. Yosef added: “Faculty are the core of our educational community, and the many supports we are putting in place through the Faculty Institute demonstrate our commitment to their growth, development, and student success. The OLC Excellence in Faculty Development Award celebrates the impactful work being done by our team to improve the faculty experience from the beginning of their journey with us through their transition to future leaders in our organization.”
Unitek Learning is the parent company of several distinguished learning institutions: Unitek College, Unitek EMT, Unitek Training Healthcare, Eagle Gate College, Provo College, and Brookline College. Unitek programs teach clinical practices and theory used in the field today. Equipped with a multitude of sought-after skills, Unitek graduates are prepared to excel in many of the fastest-growing careers in healthcare and nursing.
