Dear friends — We are honored to report that this month, longtime USDLA Board Member Dr. Robbie Melton was one of America's Top 10 Women of Distinction of 2024 by Chief Navigators magazine.

"In the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), Robbie emerges as a prominent national researcher, speaker, author, and advisor," the magazine explains of Robbie, who is Tennessee State University's acting interim vice president for academic affairs and associate vice president of SMART Global Technology Innovation Strategies.

"Her focus on conveying AI’s transformative potential underscores the need for critical evaluation and ethical implementation. Melton guides educators to view AI as an ally, enriching human teaching and wisdom rather than replacing it. Her advocacy encourages institutions to deploy AI systems that expand, rather than constrict, human creativity and potential."

Back by popular demand: At our 2024 National Conference, Robbie will continue the AI conversations she started at our 2023 National Distance Learning Week. She will be helping to kick off the first full day of the conference on June 18 with the passion and energy only Robbie can bring and will be running a workshop where attendees will have a chance to learn how to build their own chatbot. Scroll down to read the introduction of the cover story article in Chief Navigators. Click here to learn more about this award-winning educator.



Have you registered for the conference yet? Do that now: usdla.org/2024-conference-registration

As a trailblazer in the realm of higher education, Robbie K. Melton is wielding a wealth of experience as the Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and the National SMART Technology Innovation Center at Tennessee State University.

Her distinguished career showcases a commitment to advancing education through strategic planning and training in the emerging Internet of Everything (IOE) smart connected technologies and technology innovation showcases.

As a Keynote Speaker, Author, Researcher, Consultant, Trainer, and Tech Evaluator, Robbie’s multifaceted expertise spans various facets of the educational landscape. Her focus on emerging immersive technologies, such as augmented and virtual reality, reveals a keen understanding of their transformative potential. Through rigorous research, she has witnessed the unique power of these technologies to ignite profound moments of insight, fostering a deeper understanding of abstract concepts among students.

Robbie’s advocacy for ethical development and conscientious use of emerging technologies is evident in her approach to virtual reality design. By intentionally incorporating diverse student avatars and perspectives through community participation, she strives to create culturally resonant and inclusive immersive experiences that transcend backgrounds.

Beyond her leadership in immersive technologies, Robbie is recognized as an “Appologist” among educators. Her extensive research on evaluating and integrating mobile apps in an educational context has led to the creation of a comprehensive Mobile App Resource Center. This valuable repository offers educators guidance on thoughtfully incorporating smartphones, tablets, and wearables to enhance diverse teaching and learning environments.

Click here to read the entire cover story of Chief Navigators magazine.

This month's Verizon Policy Breakfast features Rep. Cathy McMoris Rogers

When: Feb. 29, 2024 — 8:45 to 10am EST

Where: Verizon Technology and Policy Center

1300 I Street NW, 5th Floor, Washington, DC 20005

About the event: February has an extra day this year! Leap into February 29th and join us for a Policy Breakfast. We look forward to welcoming U.S. House Energy and Commerce Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers to Verizon for a conversation with Kathy Grillo, SVP of Public Policy and Government Affairs at Verizon. Please note that this invitation is non-transferable, the event is closed to media, and we will follow the Chatham House Rule. Also, refreshments will be available. Attendees should confirm that their acceptance of refreshments complies with applicable government ethics rules.

Register here!

Thank you for supporting USDLA, our Sponsors, and our State Chapters.

Chuck Sengstock, President

Valary Oleinik, President-elect



About United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) 

Formed in 1987, USDLA is a 501(c)3 non-profit association formed in 1987. Our weekly newsletters reach more than 100,000 people globally, including our members and sponsors working in industries including pre-K-12 education, homeschooling, higher education, continuing education, corporate, military, government, and telehealth. Our mission is to promote the development and application of distance learning for education, training, advocacy, and networking: USDLA.org