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Welcome—Ken Udas
 We are pleased to introduce Dr. Ken Udas, Penn State World Campus' new executive director. Ken joined the World Campus in August 2006 from the State University of New York (SUNY) Learning Network, where he had been director. We recently talked with him about his background in online education and where he sees the field—and specifically the World Campus—heading in the future.
Ken, you bring an international perspective to the World Campus. Would you share a bit about your background?
My international experience has been a mixed bag, due in large part to the fact that my partner, Mary Ann, and I have active careers that have presented opportunities and challenges for each other. For example, my first international experiences resulted from a position Mary Ann accepted at the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) in Austria, just as I was defending my doctoral dissertation at Texas A&M. Once I arrived in Europe, I secured employment opportunities in Eastern and Western Europe. It was actually with the University of Maryland's European Division that I became an early adopter of online learning technologies, which I used to support learners at other institutions in Slovakia and Austria. From there, I pursued opportunities in distance and online learning that took me to Central Asia, New Zealand, and the United States.
I have been fortunate to grow professionally beside eLearning as it has grown and developed, working with international organizations comprising widely varied circumstances and needs. As my leadership roles evolved, organizational nature became increasingly important to me, which is what led me to the World Campus—a leader in online learning, and recognized as such internationally. I see important connections between the role of education from a land-grant perspective, like Penn State's, and the educational needs in developed, as well as developing and poorly developed, countries. I feel that with the World Campus' reputation and interest in international involvement, and Penn State's commitment to improve the well-being of society, great things are possible. Forging international educational partnerships can enhance our community's appreciation and understanding of those with whom we share our global home, as well as our local communities. The potential is rewarding and exciting.
What advice would you give to adults returning to school after a considerable time away from the classroom?
Most returning adult learners have the life experience and motivation to succeed academically, but frequently have family and/or work commitments that make study challenging. Understanding your personal situation and the time commitment necessary for study is critical. Attending a university that supports nontraditional learners, has well-developed student services, and is invested in course design and faculty development that complements learners with multiple commitments and life situations will also be a benefit.
Where do you see online learning in general, and the World Campus in particular, in five years and beyond?
This is a very challenging question. I see online learning professionals having a better grip on how technology will enable learner and program success, rather than looking toward technology to drive innovation. We need to keep moving in a direction that increases flexibility to meet learner needs and provides the necessary support for learner success. Online learning will be even larger in five years, and I hope the number of high-quality schools treating online learning more holistically will also grow. I see the World Campus meeting the needs of a more diverse learner population, not only geographically but also culturally, which will provide numerous opportunities to explore partnerships.
Enough shoptalk. How do you like to spend your free time?
Right now I am spending much of my time settling into a new house—which really isn't how I enjoy spending my time, but it's important. Otherwise, I enjoy road bicycling and travel.
Do you have a question for Ken?
E-mail it to StudentNews@outreach.psu.edu
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