About Us

The Office of Distance Education is now the Office of Digital Learning and Innovation!

The DLI is housed within Academic Affairs. We support faculty and students in face to face, blended, and fully online classes through various pedagogical approaches to technology. 

Rui Li, Ph.D.

  • Rui Li, Ph.D.
  • Assistant Vice President
  • RLi@wcupa.edu
  • 610-430-4959

Rui holds a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Instructional Technology from the University of Texas at Austin. She is an accomplished scholar in the field of distance education and instructional technology. She has published regularly in peer-reviewed journals and has presented at multiple national and international conferences. She has also taught a number of face-to-face and online courses, both nationally and internationally.

Pat Brander

Pat has been with West Chester University since 2005 and with the Office of Distance Education since 2011. She brings a considerable knowledge of WCU to the Office of Distance Education. She has worked in the Registrar's office and was a department secretary in the Languages and Cultures department and has extensive experience working with faculty, students and parents.

Marc Drumm, M.Ed., CFD

Marc holds a Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Delaware. For the past 20 years, he has worked in higher education specializing in web design and development, integrating technology into educational environments, and utilizing emerging technologies. Prior to working at WCU, he held positions at the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Delaware.

Tom Pantazes, M.A.Ed., CFD

Tom holds a Master of Arts in Education from the College of William and Mary. He has six years of experience supporting instructors with technology integration and online learning pedagogy. A licensed educator, Tom has taught both online and face to face courses. He also has experience writing and reviewing online learning curriculum.

Amber Grove

Amber holds a Masters of Education with a concentration in E-Learning and Instructional Design from Northeastern University. She brings over a decade of experience supporting distance education students and faculty, specializing in LMS support and faculty training.

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  • Colleen Phillips, M.Ed.
  • Instructional Designer
  • CPhillips@wcupa.edu
  • 610-436-3378
  • Colleen holds a Master of Education in Mathematics Education from Rutgers University - New Brunswick and a Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology from St. Joseph's University. As a former educator and instructional technologist in a secondary school setting, she has experience working with faculty and students in integrating technology into educational environments.

Kristin Herman headshot

Kristin holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from Duke University. She has twelve years of teaching experience in the secondary school setting where she has designed curriculum for and taught courses across all three modes of instruction- face to face, blended, and online. Most recently, she has also worked in a coaching capacity for other educators who would like to add hybrid learning elements to their courses.

Jessica Drass

Jessica holds a Master of Science in Instructional Technology from Bloomsburg University. Before joining the Office of Distance Education, she worked in the IT department of a healthcare company. She brings over 5 years of experience supporting faculty, staff, and students to her current role.

Lauren Campbell

Lauren holds a Master of Education in Instructional Design and eLearning from Northeastern University. She is also an alumni of West Chester University and has over 3 years of experience supporting faculty, staff, and students with online pedagogy and eLearning tools.

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