Distance Learning Faculty Award
September 17, 2014
UT Tyler Office of Marketing and Communications
UT Tyler Once Again Recognized for Online Education Efforts
September 17, 2014
Media Contact: Hannah Buchanan
Editor/Writer–Strategic Communications & Media Relations
Marketing and Communications
The University of Texas at Tyler
903.539.7196 (cell)
September 17, 2014
The University of Texas at Tyler has once again been recognized for creative uses and support of distance learning technology in the classroom, Dr. Ross Sherman, interim provost and vice president for academic affairs, announced.
Dr. Wesley Hickey received an “Outstanding Distance Learning Faculty” Award at the 2014 Northeast Texas Consortium of Colleges and Universities Distance Learning Conference. Hickey is a UT Tyler associate professor of educational leadership, and he serves as the College of Education and Psychology interim dean and superintendent program coordinator.
He was recognized for his work in the superintendent program, which was one of the first in Texas to offer the full certification entirely in an online format. Hickey’s classes are noted for their rigor and relevance. His students average a 95 percent pass rate on the state certification exam.
“Dr. Hickey is a worthy recipient of the Outstanding Distance Learning Faculty Award for UT Tyler. Through his efforts, he has increased the accessibility of the superintendent certification for students throughout the state,” said Cindy Smith, director of instructional design in the UT Tyler Department of Academic Transformation.
Each higher education institution in the consortium nominated faculty and support personnel to be recognized at the conference as outstanding leaders in distance education. He is the eighth UT Tyler faculty member to receive this honor.
Serving UT Tyler since 2004, Hickey holds a master of education from UT Tyler and an Ed.D. in educational leadership from Stephen F. Austin State University. He also holds secondary, mid-management and superintendent certifications from the Texas Education Agency.
His professional and research interests include public school bond elections, superintendent leadership and church/state issues.
The consortium, comprised of 15 colleges and universities, represents 50 counties. For more information about the Northeast Texas Consortium of Colleges and Universities, visit the group's website.
The Department of Academic Transformation, which is part of the new University College, contributes to UT Tyler’s efforts to enhance online education.
For more information, visit the UT Tyler University College homepage.
One of the 15 campuses of the UT System, UT Tyler features excellence in teaching, research, artistic performance and community service. More than 80 undergraduate and graduate degrees are available at UT Tyler, which has an enrollment of more than 7,500 high-ability students. UT Tyler offers courses at its campuses in Tyler, Longview and Palestine as well as a location in Houston.