Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) named Dr. Anna Catterson as the executive director of EKU’s Office of Online Learning. Catterson will join EKU on July 1, 2023, and will oversee the daily operations of EKU Online including the management of over 4,000 students currently enrolled in online learning.
Catterson earned both a bachelor’s in business and computer science and a master’s in instructional design and technology from Emporia State University in Kansas. Additionally, Catterson received a doctorate of philosophy in higher education from Capella University in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Catterson spent over a decade working in online learning and served in multiple capacities within higher education. As an administrator, she held the positions of dean of online learning and instructional technologies at Heartland Community College, associate professor for the doctorate of instructional design and performance technology (Ed.D.) and associate professor for the master’s of instructional design and leadership program at Baker University, and educational technology coordinator at Emporia State University.
Catterson has taught instructional design and computer science in multiple modalities at Neosho County Community College, Allen Community College and Emporia State University and as an associate professor at Baker University.
"I couldn't be more excited to join the EKU family and continue the great work that has already been done in the online realm,” Catterson said. “I'm looking forward to forming relationships with stakeholders and having conversations about the future of online learning. One aspect that continues to be true is that online learning has changed its learnscape over the past few years and in order to keep up with our students’ needs, it's imperative that we offer high-impact learning experiences that result in student retention and personal growth."
Catterson has been recognized as the recipient of many accolades for her work, including the 2020 50 Under 50 in the State of Illinois, 2018 High Impact Grant Award and Emporia State University Employee of the Year Award.
“EKU was an early adopter of online higher education dating back to 2015,” said EKU President Dr. David McFaddin. “With a student body that is ever changing in how they desire their access to education, we too must evolve and be ready to meet those needs. We have great plans for online learning at EKU, and I look forward to working with Dr. Catterson as she continues to move EKU forward in online education.”