Sessions College Dean Wins USDLA Award for Leadership in Distance Education

Dr. Meryl Epstein is selected for the prestigious USDLA Gold award for leadership in distance education.
TEMPE AZ – May 17, 2023

Sessions College, a leading institution in higher education, proudly announces that Dr. Meryl Epstein, the Dean of Academic Affairs, has been selected for the prestigious USDLA Gold award for leadership in distance education.

USDLA, the leader in Distance and Digital Learning education, has announced its International Distance Learning Award winners for 2023. The USDLA leadership award sets rigorous standards, requiring candidates to demonstrate excellence in four key categories:

• Significant impact on the advancement of distance learning
• Consistent excellence in leading the expansion, outreach, or enhancement of distance education
• Individual leaders recognized for their outstanding performance
• Dedication to mentoring, sharing, and collaborating with others

Each year, the USDLA recognizes pioneers and visionaries in the distance and digital learning industry through its International Award program. These awards are presented annually to organizations and individuals who excel across various categories of distinction. The USDLA International Distance Learning Awards celebrate significant accomplishments in distance learning and showcase the exceptional achievements of distance learning instructors, programs, and professionals who have utilized online learning techniques, innovation, and video delivery technologies on a global scale.

Prior to joining Sessions College in February 2019, Dr. Epstein has demonstrated her immense expertise and dedication to the field. Holding a BFA in Graphic Design and an MFA in Fine Arts in Photography, she has an extensive background working with diverse design clients, operating her own design company, and serving as design director for multiple museums in the Phoenix area. Beyond her career, Dr. Epstein has also made significant contributions to the education sector. Her commitment to teaching design and photography led her to instruct at various community colleges in Phoenix, earning an EdD in Educational Leadership. She further served as the Dean of Academic Affairs at the Art Institute of Phoenix for eight years, before a three-year stint training Doctoral Development Faculty at the University of Phoenix.

In 2020, Dr. Epstein's visionary leadership and expertise in art and design played a crucial role in the development, accreditation, and successful launch of Sessions College's inaugural Bachelor's degree programs in Graphic Design, Illustration, and Digital Photography.

“Meryl’s skills in mentoring, sharing, and collaboration have enabled Sessions to develop a range of new programs to support and engage our faculty inside and outside the classroom. With so many talented instructors at Sessions College, it’s essential that we create a community and a continuous dialogue so that we can be more than the sum of our parts. Due to Meryl's collaborative leadership, our faculty is highly engaged, and our Advisory Board has enjoyed a similar renaissance as we gather feedback from industry experts to ensure our programs keep pace with the industry.” – Gordon Drummond, President of Sessions College

Sessions College recognizes and celebrates Dr. Meryl Epstein's remarkable achievements and the profound impact she has had on both students and the institution. Her dedication to the arts and unwavering commitment to education continue to shape the future of Sessions College.

About Sessions College

Sessions College is an online school of visual arts offering degree and certificate programs in Graphic Design, Web Design, Illustration, Photography, and more. To find out more, visit Admissions.

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