The State Regents’ Council for Online Learning Excellence (COLE) recently recognized a faculty member, two administrators, two college departments and a university team for their excellent leadership, innovation, and impact in advancing online and hybrid learning across the state.

The Oklahoma City Community College math department was honored with the Oklahoma Online Excellence Award for Open Education Impact. Peyton Haley, marketing and communications manager for accessibility programs at Oklahoma State University, was honored with the Oklahoma Online Excellence Award for Accessibility. Rachel Cox, OSU professor, was honored with the Oklahoma Online Excellence Award for Teaching. Dr. Hannah Rieger, manager of student experience for the University of Oklahoma Education Services, was honored with the Oklahoma Online Excellence Award for Individual Leadership. The behavioral health sciences group in the department of psychology at OCCC received the Oklahoma Online Excellence Award for Team Leadership. OU’s artificial intelligence (AI) education working group received the Oklahoma Online Excellence Award for Innovation.

“We are proud to recognize these outstanding educators and administrators, whose dedication and innovative efforts elevate online and hybrid learning across Oklahoma,” said Chancellor Sean Burrage. “These honorees exemplify how collaboration and creativity can expand college access and shape a stronger higher education landscape across our state.”

OCCC’s math department has demonstrated sustained leadership in advancing open education to improve access, affordability and student success. Since adopting open educational resources (OER) in 2020, faculty have expanded their use across six high-enrollment math courses, selecting tools such as OpenIntro Statistics and MyOpenMath to align with course objectives and enhance learning. Collaboration with the college’s IT team ensured seamless integration into the learning management system, providing a no-cost experience comparable to paid platforms. Faculty also share best practices through presentations and ongoing assessment. Their efforts have reduced textbook costs for thousands of students, removing barriers and supporting completion in critical mathematics pathways.

Haley has shown strong leadership in expanding accessibility programs at OSU, leading efforts to create more inclusive, usable, and sustainable digital environments. Recognizing gaps in accessible communication, particularly in social media and workforce content, she developed practical training, resources, and standardized procedures that help teams apply accessibility best practices with confidence. Through hands-on professional development, she translates complex concepts into clear, actionable guidance that reduces barriers to adoption. Haley’s work supports students, educators, and professionals across higher education and CareerTech in complying with Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Title II requirements. In collaboration with Oklahoma ABLE Tech, she has expanded awareness of assistive technologies statewide. A trusted leader, Haley also organizes the annual TechAccess Digital Accessibility Conference, strengthening collaboration and advancing long-term accessibility improvements across Oklahoma.

Cox is recognized for excellence in high-quality online teaching that connects academic learning to professional practice. Her courses use real-world data, case studies, and ethical decision-making to help students apply accounting concepts. Cox creates structured, accessible learning environments with consistent design, interactive lectures, and clear assignments that emphasize engagement and individualized feedback. Her assessments mirror workplace expectations through individual and team-based projects that build technical and collaboration skills. An innovator in online pedagogy, she integrates self-assessment, simulations, and reflective practices to deepen learning. Cox collaborates with instructional designers to ensure quality and accessibility. Her work has earned multiple honors, including the 2025 OSU Campus-Wide Online Teaching Excellence Award.

Rieger is a visionary leader who has transformed the online student experience at OU through a comprehensive, student-centered approach. She developed an integrated support system spanning the entire student journey, from admission through career outcomes, ensuring online learners receive a quality experience. Her collaborative leadership has strengthened academic, wellness, and career services, including expanded mental health counseling, embedded tutoring within the learning management system, and a virtual Career Development Center. Rieger also introduced mentorship and ambassadorship programs to foster connection across the university. Guided by data-informed decision making, she has improved retention, graduation, and student satisfaction. Rieger’s innovative engagement strategies have set new standards for online student success, contributing to OU’s 2025 UPCEA Award for Excellence in Advancing Student Success.

The behavioral health sciences (BHS) team at OCCC has demonstrated outstanding leadership in developing an innovative, workforce-aligned online program addressing Oklahoma’s critical behavioral health shortage. Built through collaboration with hospitals, state agencies, tribal partners, and community stakeholders, the program reflects workforce needs across diverse communities. Launched in fall 2024, it has already enrolled more than 60 majors, highlighting strong demand. Designed for working adults and first-generation students, it expands access to high-need careers while supporting workforce sustainability statewide. The program features an integrated online field experience model that enables real-time faculty feedback and maintains high academic standards. An online psychology lab further supports engagement and student success. Through collaboration, innovation, and a focus on workforce impact, the BHS team has created a sustainable model for online education.

OU’s AI education working group is a cross-campus team advancing responsible, ethical, and student-centered AI education. Recognizing gaps in generative AI training for undergraduates, the group developed Generative AI 101, an open course tailored to higher education. The course emphasizes academic integrity, critical thinking, privacy, intellectual property, and ethical AI use. Delivered fully online, it features interactive activities through platforms such as Canvas and Storyline, encouraging active and thoughtful engagement with AI tools. Licensed through Creative Commons, it is adaptable across disciplines and institutions. Developed collaboratively with faculty, instructional designers, and campus partners, the course establishes a shared foundation for AI literacy. Aligned with OU’s strategic goals, it prepares students to navigate emerging technologies responsibly and supports long-term, scalable AI education.

The State Regents’ Online Education Task Force formed COLE in 2016. COLE is comprised of faculty and administrators representing each tier of Oklahoma’s public and private colleges and universities, as well as other entities connected to online learning technologies. As part of the ongoing effort to strengthen online learning, COLE members recognize the excellent work of faculty and staff at Oklahoma’s colleges and universities. The Oklahoma Online Excellence Awards were established in 2017 to formally recognize individuals and teams for exceptional work in online or hybrid learning. Nominations are submitted by peers and judged by a committee of COLE members. For more information about the awards and current and previous awardees, visit https://www.ocolearnok.org/recognition/oklahoma-online-excellence-awards/.

The post State Regents’ Council for Online Learning Excellence Honors Outstanding Work of Faculty, Administrators, Departments, Team appeared first on Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.

Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education

Message History

Delivery option(s)