St. Louis, MO (USA), May 2013 - The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) presented its 2013 International Distance Learning Awards in conjunction with the 2013 National Conference in St. Louis, Missouri. USDLA is a 501(c) 3 non-profit association; it was founded in 1987 and is the nation’s leading distance-learning organization. The Association reaches 20,000 people globally, with sponsors and members operating in and influencing 46% of the $913-billion-dollar U.S. education and training market.

These prestigious International Awards are presented annually to organizations and individuals engaged in the development and delivery of distance-learning programs. Included in the recognition ceremony were awards for 21st Century Best Practices, Best Practices for Distance Learning Programming, Best Practices for Excellence in Distance Learning Teaching, Outstanding Leadership by an Individual, Hall of Fame, and the Eagle for an elected official.

The USDLA International Awards are closely followed by the distance-learning industry. "As a premier organization for the entire distance-learning profession, we enjoy honoring some of the leaders in the industry," said Dr. John G. Flores, Executive Director of USDLA. "Each year these winners raise the bar and exceed best-practice expectations for the industry as a whole, and we are truly honored by their contributions to the distance-learning industry."

The USDLA Awards were created to acknowledge major accomplishments in distance learning and to highlight those distance-learning instructors, programs, and professionals who have achieved and demonstrated extraordinary results through the use of online, videoconferencing, satellite, and blended-learning delivery technologies.

"This year's USDLA Awards recipients represent the finest examples of online courses, best practices, and leadership in our field.  The depth and breadth of the USDLA membership allows us to engage with leaders from higher education, K-12, industry, military, and government who daily demonstrate the power of distance learning.  We are so very proud and excited to be able to recognize this level of excellence," said Dr. Rob Robinson, President of USDLA.

For the 2013 International Awards program, USDLA focused upon several major areas that exemplify the dynamic nature of distance learning. Please join us in honoring the following 2013 USDLA Award Winners, which include the following:

Best Practice Awards for Distance Learning Programming

PLATINUM: Florida Virtual School and Toolwire, Online Technology ~ K-12
GOLD: Professional Development Program, Rockefeller College, University at Albany, Online Technology ~ Higher Education
SILVER: VUC Storstrom, Videoconferencing Technology ~ Adult Education
BRONZE: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs / IT Workforce Development in partnership with Booz Allen Hamilton Online Technology ~ Government/Corporate

Best Practice Awards for Excellence in Distance Learning Teaching

PLATINUM: Dr. Peggy Semingson, University of Texas Arlington, Online Technology ~ Higher Education
GOLD: Sarah Garman, Miami Dade College, Online Technology ~ Higher Education
SILVER, Sarah Adams, Savannah College of Art and Design, Online Technology ~ Higher Education
BRONZE: Brenda Wallace, Mosaica Online, Online Technology ~ K-12 Education 

Outstanding Leadership by an Individual in the Field of Distance Learning

Allison Reaves, South Carolina Connections Academy Charter School, Online Technology ~ K-12 Education
Dr. Pete Smith, University of Texas Arlington, Online Technology ~ Higher Education
Dr. Dawn D. Eidelman, Mosaica Education, Inc. and Paragon Curriculum, Online Technology ~ K-12 Education

21st Century Awards for Best Practice in Distance Learning

Western Governors University, Online Technology~ Higher Education
Booz Allen Hamilton, Online Technology ~ Corporate
Stevens Institute of Technology - Webcampus Division, Online Technology ~ Higher Education

USDLA 2013 Hall of Fame Inductees

Dr. Susan C. Aldridge, American Association of State Colleges and Universities
Dr. Mark David Milliron, Western Governors University
Ronald S. Weinstein, MD, University of Arizona

USDLA 2013 Eagle Award

Senator Kelli Stargel (R), State of Florida

Dr. Denzil Edge, Chair of USDLA Board of Directors noted, "This year's award winners represent many of the most innovative leaders in the field of distance learning." He continued, "I also look forward to seeing these leaders again during National Distance Learning Week, 11-15 November 2013."