Lone Star College-CyFair’s President Dr. Valerie Jones was recently recognized among the top leaders in Texas who are advancing digital learning at the Texas Digital Learning Association (TxDLA) spring conference.
This year the TxDLA showcased why Texas is a leader with an exploration of new and varied ways to engage learners using technology. Dr. Jones won an Outstanding Commitment to Excellence and Innovation in Digital Learning award for her work in community colleges.
“I am honored to be recognized by TxDLA through this award, most importantly because it highlights the tremendous work our faculty do to support their students in all modalities,” she said. “It continues to be my privilege to work with passionate and supportive faculty, to provide access to their ongoing professional development and to take to scale the amazing work toward equitable success under way for our students.”
For almost 10 years now, Dr. Jones has sought to expand digital learning solutions, resources, access and opportunities for Texas students and faculty while serving as Vice President for Instruction at Odessa College, Associate Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs for Lone Star College and since June 2022 as President at
LSC-CyFair.
With a focus on providing equity in the digital learning space, she had goals that helped address community college student issues, such as removing financial barriers from traditional textbook costs and the complications of limited access to technology and internet connection challenges during the pandemic.
At Odessa College, she significantly expanded access to Open Educational Resources (OER) and led the effort to create two fully OER degree programs. At LSC, she created three new bachelor’s degrees for students, all successfully starting online due to COVID impacts.
Recognizing educators as the foundation of student success, Dr. Jones also had digital learning goals that centered on faculty. At LSC, she established OER-based professional development programs to enhance teaching practices. For example, through the Lumen Circles program, faculty are now equipped to utilize OER courseware and effectively connect with online students in their courses.
Dr. Jones is committed to innovation, excited by the prospect of new technologies, and knows the importance of keeping the student experience central.
“Digital education done right is an asset for equitable access to education in general,” she said. “Ideal digital solutions will leverage technology and improve online learning resources, elevating student success.”
Registration is under way for LSC-CyFair summer sessions starting June 5 and July 13 or the fall semester which begins Aug. 28. For information, go to LoneStar.edu/regcyfair.