Dr. Rhonda Blackburn is a dedicated professional who demonstrates determination, diligence, and innovation to advance the goals of an organization. However, her greatest strength is compassionately guiding others, and creating opportunities to lift them up as emerging leaders.
With over 20 years’ experience leading digital and distance learning and educational technology initiatives, Dr. Blackburn has distinguished herself internationally as an outstanding educator and keynote speaker. She has served in diverse roles throughout her career including teacher, trainer, mentor, and consultant. She has also held numerous administrative positions at universities as well as in the corporate environment.
Dr. Rhonda Blackburn has been working in distance learning for the past 20+ years as a teacher, administrator, trainer, and consultant in K12, Higher Ed, corporate and non-profit and has been teaching for the Master of Distance Education Program at UMGC for the past 8 years. Dr. Blackburn is the Senior Director of Academic Support and Client Success for Strut Learning where she works with schools building strategy around the development of their CBE initiatives. She has been able to provide guidance to faculty on building competencies and using backwards design to develop the assessments and content so students will graduate with the skills designed for their field of study.
Dr. Blackburn is an inspiring leader. She has built cross-cultural teams and developed sustainable and engaging mentoring and leadership development programs. She has also led university-wide professional development programs including instructional technology, pedagogy, eLearning, student engagement, and authentic assessment techniques. In addition, she has collaborated with other scholars to publish peer-reviewed research.
Dedicated to service, Dr. Blackburn has volunteered her expertise to benefit colleagues through professional associations. She has served as President, Immediate Past President, and Past President for TxDLA and held positions on the Board of Directors. She served on the Board of United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) and was recently inducted into the USDLA Hall of Fame. She is also active in her daughter's school, serving as SAGE Chair for the Wylie ISD Council of PTAs, and PTA President.