Walden University Hosts Virtual Panel on Online Learning in Higher Education

MINNEAPOLIS, Nov. 9, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Walden University is bringing together a prestigious group of speakers for its next Talks for Good on "Online Learning in Higher Education," which will take place on Thursday, November 12, 2020 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. ET. The COVID-19 pandemic is rapidly changing the way students are learning around the world, especially at colleges and universities in the U.S. Hosted during National Distance Learning Week, the virtual panel will focus on the challenges, benefits and future of online learning in higher education.

The panel will be moderated by Elizabeth Leiba, a published writer, professor and co-host for The EdUp Experience Podcast, which covers educational topics with university and college presidents and ed tech entrepreneurs based in the U.S. and abroad.

The esteemed group of panelists include:

Dr. Ward Ulmer – As president of Walden University, Dr. Ulmer brings nearly 25 years of higher education leadership to the role, including at Walden where he served as chief learning officer and vice president of College Administration. Prior to joining Walden, Dr. Ulmer held leadership positions at Latimer Education and Strayer University. He also volunteers his time serving on the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges team. Throughout his career, Dr. Ulmer has championed access to higher education, working with historically black colleges and universities, technical and community colleges, and institutions that focus on working professionals.

Dr. Irma Becerra – As the seventh president of Marymount University, Dr. Becerra is a nationally recognized educator known for innovation, entrepreneurship and transformational education. She has launched Marymount's new strategic plan, added market-driven academic programs, and improved the university's IT and physical infrastructure. Prior to Marymount, she served as provost and chief academic officer at St. Thomas University and spent three decades at Florida International University (FIU) in such positions as vice president, vice provost, Entrepreneurship Center director and tenured professor. She became the first woman to earn a PhD in Electrical Engineering at FIU.

Dr. M. Christopher Brown II – As the 18th president of Kentucky State University, Dr. Brown is a respected academic leader, a motivational communicator and change agent with 30 years of experience in higher education and organizational management. He previously served as president of Alcorn State University and the former executive vice president and provost of Fisk University and the Southern University System. He also served in leadership roles at the United Negro College Fund, American Educational Research Association and American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education. Dr. Brown is the recipient of the 2013 HBCU Male President of the Year award.

The Talks for Good is part of Walden's Mobilize for Good initiative, which celebrates its 50-year history of empowering the greater good by recognizing its community's passion and commitment to social change. In addition to Talks for Good, Walden is giving back to local schools and organizations across the country as part of its Acts for Good program. The first set of acts took place in Tampa, Florida, Baltimore, Maryland, Houston, Texas, and the Washington D.C. area.

In recognition of National Distance Learning Week, Walden donated $5,000 to the United Way of Central Maryland's Bridge the Digital Divide campaign, which provides much needed Wi-Fi services, technology, training and more to communities in need. To learn more about Walden University's 50th anniversary and its Mobilize for Good initiative, please visit WaldenTurns50.com.

About Walden University
Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2020, Walden University was founded to support adult learners in achieving their academic goals and making a greater impact in their professions and communities. Students from across the U.S. and more than 120 countries are pursuing a certificate, bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree online at Walden. The university offers more than 80 degree programs with over 350 specializations and concentrations. Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, hlcommission.org. For more information, please visit WaldenU.edu.

SOURCE Walden University