Anderson University’s legacy of innovation is being recognized by a national education research organization that included AU to a prestigious list of institutions of higher learning.
The National Research Center for College and University Admissions (NRCCUA), an educational data science and research organization, announced the winners of the Eduventures Research 2018 Innovation Award at a ceremony in Boston, Massachusetts, on Thursday, June 14.
NRCCUA’s Innovation Awards program was created to recognize and showcase the achievements of individuals and organizations that share NRCCUA’s vision for generating improved outcomes through innovative programming that supports critical areas of an institution. Awards recipients were selected by a jury of higher education leaders and advisors.
“Our team is constantly seeking to create new ways to define and enhance the teaching and learning experience across our institution,” said Dr. Benjamin Deaton, Vice President for Technology, Online Learning and Innovation at AU. “We are thrilled to see our team honored for their unwavering dedication to innovative programming and are thankful to work with a faculty community committed to the same goals.”
Regularly named to U.S. News & World Report’s Most Innovative Schools list, AU has established a reputation as a pioneer in delivering learning experiences amid rapid changes in technology. Recently, the AU Center for Innovation and Digital Learning (CIDL) opened a Makerspace through which faculty and students are utilizing virtual and augmented reality tools, 3D printing technology and a new multi-media recording studio, among others.
Recent AU initiatives include:
- the 2011 launch of the Mobile Learning Initiative (MLI), which positioned AU as a national leader in the use of mobile devices and digital learning; MLI provides all undergraduate students and faculty members with iPads as a common technology platform;
- the creation of the Center for Innovation and Digital Learning (CIDL), which aims to enrich teaching and learning by: providing professional development experiences for faculty and students; promoting active, engaged classroom experiences; supporting learning technologies; learning space design; and supporting online and blended courses and programs;
- partnering with AU’s College of Arts and Sciences and CIDL to launch a Coding and App Development minor, in collaboration with Apple’s “Everyone Can Code” curriculum;
- a two-time designation as an Apple Distinguished School – one of only 400 institutions to receive the prestigious distinction;
- receiving grant support of $600,000 for the creation of the South Carolina Center of Excellence for Mobile Learning with Dr. Margaret Walworth, housed in the College of Education, that has supported more than 250 educators from the Upstate;
- and a U.S. News & World Report designation in January listing AU among the best schools offering online bachelor’s degree programs, ranking it the best among all schools in Upstate South Carolina, and No. 3 statewide.
“The 2018 Innovation Awards winners showcase true thought leadership at their institutions,” said Patrick Vogt, CEO of NRCCUA. “They exemplify creative and forward-thinking approaches that are making demonstrable changes in the way colleges and universities recruit, teach and retain students. On behalf of the team at NRCCUA, I congratulate this year’s group of individuals and organizations.”