University President on Distance Learning: “We couldn’t live without it…”

Posted on February 4, 2008 by David Gray

Some might argue it is not in my best interest to feature other universities’ distance learning options. I happen to think the world is a bigger place than that. We’re not so arrogant as to think we’re the perfect fit for everyone; however, all else being equal, UMassOnline can hold its own against any other institution of higher learning offering online program options. So it is with relative confidence I bring to your attention this story about the 75th anniversary of Beckley College, now called Mountain State University, based in West Virginia. It is a tremendous story of an educational institution’s depression-era regional evolution, struggle, and success and its more modern discovery of distance learning options that are taking the school’s reputation and course offerings well beyond its geographic borders.

Of special interest to me are the comments of Mountain State University President Charles Polk, as captured in this excerpt of the article, in reference to the school’s online learning opportunities:

Polk said online education and distance learning is growing dramatically… “Distance learning is so important to this institution that we couldn’t live without it,” he said… Polk predicts distance and online learning and independent study will make up half of the institution’s income in the next five years… “We are talking about the regionalization, nationalization or globalization of MSU,” he said. “This type of learning knows no boundaries and has no definition, but it is everywhere.”

Obviously, I agree with that sentiment, applaud their progress, endorse their vision, and welcome them to the growing community of distance learning providers. While some may say that more so-called ‘competition’ narrows the market for the pioneers of distance learning, I believe it enriches the variety of choices, forces all of us to continue offering the very best possible options, and helps accelerate the overall adoption everywhere of distance learning choices.