Dale E. Dowden Award for Outstanding Student Services in Distance Education

Purdue educator receives award for outstanding student services in distance education    

Released: June 22, 2006
Contact: Carol Brunty, 317.263.8846; cbrunty@ihets.org

INDIANAPOLIS— Purdue University Student Learning Center Manager Camilla Lawson was awarded the “Dale E. Dowden Award for Outstanding Student Services in Distance Education” at a statewide conference on June 16th. Lawson is the second Hoosier to receive the honor, which was developed in 2005 to recognize individuals whose tireless work provides the foundation on which student success, particularly in distance learning, often depends. The award honors former IPSE member Dale E. Dowden of Vincennes University for his lifelong focus on “being learner centered.”

Lawson has been involved in distance education for more than a decade, and her commitment to serving the needs of learners has helped thousands of Purdue University students complete their graduation requirements by studying at a distance.    

The award was presented at the annual conference of the Indiana College Network (ICN), a statewide distance education service sponsored by the Indiana Partnership for Statewide Education (IPSE), a leadership committee within the operated by the Indiana Higher Education Telecommunication System (IHETS) educational consortium. Lawson received a trophy and a cash award for professional development.  

“Distance education coordinators like Camilla are often unsung heroes, whose dedication and sheer determination makes the difference in encouraging students to stay with their studies,” said Susan Scott, director of e-learning at IHETS. 

The Indiana College Network (ICN) continues to report that while colleges in other states are seeing their distance enrollments begin to plateau; institutions in Indiana are experiencing tremendous growth. Distance education coordinators are an important part of what sets Indiana apart from those in other states. 

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