The IU Online Summit included panel discussions about online learning strategies. The inaugural event was held at IU Indianapolis on April 8, 2026. Photo by Liz Kaye, Indiana University

Indiana University staff, faculty, administrators and other stakeholders from all campuses attended the inaugural IU Online Summit to celebrate “One University, Boundless Reach: Online Education the IU Way.”

The university-wide summit, held April 8 on the Indianapolis campus, focused on voices from across the university. They explored IU’s comprehensive and unique approach to delivering online education, from within its traditional campuses and based on collaboration, to create One IU, which serves more than 10,000 students.

The event included remarks from IU President Pamela Whitten and IU Vice President for Regional Campuses and Online Education Ken Iwama; panel discussions about shared pathways to online program success and generative AI in the online landscape; and learning sessions about enhancing the student experience, driving engagement and building collaborative programs.

Phil Powell discussed bridging the gap between Indiana University's virtual classrooms and the state's economic future during the IU Online Summit. Photo by Liz Kaye, Indiana University The featured speaker was Phil Powell, clinical professor of business economics and public policy in the Kelley School of Business and executive director of the Indiana Business Research Center. He discussed the economic impact of online learning, including the critical pathways it provides for adult learners and working professionals in the employment market.

“The IU Online Summit highlighted the strength of One IU — our faculty and staff from all campuses — in bringing IU’s excellence to students, wherever they are, in alignment with their needs,” Iwama said at the event. “Today’s summit focuses on how far we have come together through a commitment to innovation in creating new pathways and opportunities for students through online education.”

The summit culminated with a ceremony honoring winners of the IU Online Excellence in Online Education Awards. The new awards recognize faculty, instructors and staff whose innovation, leadership and dedication are advancing high-quality online education across Indiana University. Several of the finalists gave brief summaries of their work for attendees.

Excellence in Teaching and Student Success

This award honors exceptional online teaching practices that enhance student learning, engagement and retention.

Catherine “Cati” Hebert‑Annis, right, with IU Vice President for Regional Campuses and Online Education Ken Iwama at the IU Online Summit on April 8, 2026. Photo by Liz Kaye, Indiana UniversityWinner: Catherine “Cati” Hebert‑Annis is a teaching professor of Spanish, director of the Language Resource Center and assistant director of the University Center for Excellence in Teaching at IU South Bend.

An early adopter of online language learning, Hebert-Annis has transformed asynchronous introductory Spanish courses through intentional, research-based design that combines rigorous linguistic outcomes with a pedagogy of kindness. By prioritizing transparency, accessibility and a high-touch instructional presence in the online environment, she strives to reduce procedural barriers to achievement.

Her online students consistently demonstrate learning outcomes and success rates on par with face-to-face instruction. Furthermore, students often transition from these initial experiences to deeper engagement with the discipline, including pursuing Spanish minors and participating in study abroad programs. Beyond her own courses, she serves as a trusted mentor and leader, guiding faculty in inclusive course design, accessibility and student-centered online pedagogy.

Finalists: Thomas Horine, associate professor at IU Southeast; Erin Schaefer, assistant professor at IU Northwest; Jennifer McNeany, assistant clinical professor at IU Kokomo; and Rebecca Shrum, associate professor at IU Indianapolis.

Excellence in Leadership and Collaboration

This award recognizes leadership that advances online education through strategic vision, collaboration and support across campuses.

Iwama, left, presents Andrew McFarland with the IU Online Excellence in Leadership and Collaboration Award. Photo by Liz Kaye, Indiana UniversityWinner: Andrew McFarland is a professor of history and associate dean in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at IU Kokomo, and faculty director of IU’s university‑wide online history programs, which enroll over 300 undergraduate and graduate students.

In his faculty director role, McFarland provides strategic leadership for collaborative online history degrees across all IU campuses, overseeing curriculum, scheduling, assessment and program growth while fostering a strong culture of trust, equity and shared governance among faculty and staff.

His collaborative approach has transformed the IU Online history programs into a nationally recognized model for multi‑campus cooperation, expanding access for students, sustaining academic quality and building a cohesive online department that supports both faculty success and student outcomes.

Finalists: Sharon Imes, assistant professor at IU South Bend; Tara Kingsley, professor at IU Kokomo; Adam Maksl, professor at IU Indianapolis; and Litao Zhong, associate professor at IU East.

Excellence in Emerging Technology

This award celebrates innovative uses of technology, methodology or assessment that transform the online learning experience.

Iwama, left, presents Shari Fowler with the IU Online Excellence in Emerging Technology Award. Photo by Liz Kaye, Indiana University Winner: Shari Fowler is an assistant professor of accounting and director of the accounting program at IU East, where she is nationally recognized for advancing excellence in online education through innovative, evidence‑based course design.

Teaching extensively in online and hybrid formats, Fowler has reimagined some of the university’s most challenging accounting courses by integrating mastery‑based learning, digital credentials and gamified assessment models that significantly improve student motivation, persistence and achievement while maintaining rigorous academic standards.

Her work — which is grounded in learning science, aligned with Quality Matters benchmarks, and validated through peer‑reviewed research and national presentations — demonstrates how emerging instructional technologies can transform online learning into a more engaging, equitable and outcomes‑driven experience.

Finalists: Paul Cook, professor at IU Kokomo; Tim Scales, senior lecturer at IU East; and Alejandra Aguilar Perez, online instructional designer with UITS.