Thursday, February 25, 2016

The University of North Carolina Wilmington has named Ronald J. Costello associate vice chancellor for distance education, the university announced today. He will begin in this role effective March 14, 2016.
 
This new position recognizes UNCW's commitment to expanding online and distance-learning opportunities. Costello currently serves as director and senior instructional designer for the Center for Teaching and Learning at the Abington College of the Pennsylvania State University. He assumed that role in 2008, at a time when Abington College had no online or hybrid offerings and lacked updated classroom technology.
 
“Dr. Costello has demonstrated a proven ability to build and expand high-quality distance education opportunities and to provide a workable plan to upgrade classroom technology,” Provost Marilyn Sheerer said. “As associate vice chancellor for distance education, he will position the university to serve a growing number of people – members of the armed forces, working adults and traditional or returning students – who seek access to degree programs that fit within their schedules and lifestyles. We are excited to utilize his expertise here at UNCW.”
 
While at Abington College, Costello built online and blended courses and programs, created a development program to engage faculty to teach the classes and to develop devise standards to ensure high quality. At the same time, he oversaw upgrades to classroom technology, taught online courses and worked with the faculty to make the distance-education programs successful.
 
At UNCW, he will work to strengthen and expand course offerings to ensure that the university is equipped to take full advantage of the growing demand for quality distance-education programs. He will report to the provost and will work closely with the academic deans to develop new programs, manage coursework quality, oversee standards and create faculty development programs for online instruction. Other responsibilities include expanding the use of advanced technologies in both online and classroom instruction and strengthening student support services.
 
Costello received his Ed.D. from Pepperdine University. He also holds a Master of Education in Instructional Technology from Widener University and earned his Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Hofstra University.