Dr. Beth René Roepnack, a native of upstate New York, began her role as the associate director of online faculty development at the University of West Georgia in September. She previously worked at DeVry University for 17 years, and one of her responsibilities was teaching the first distance learning class in the general education department.
“At the time, I thought that distance learning was one of the worst ideas in education,” she reminisced. “How could the magic that students and I created in the classroom be translated into the sterility of the online environment?”
As a surprise to her, she and the students connected over chat sessions, phone calls and emails. By the end of the semester, she realized what a great opportunity it was for those who had difficulty with a traditional class setting due to work schedules and personal situations.
Dr. Roepnack received her bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in cognitive psychology from Arizona State. She earned her Ph.D. in education leadership from Colorado State University. While at DeVry, she received such awards as the Ron Taylor Recognition Award 2012 and the prestigious PRIDE Award (Professional Recognition of Integrity, Dedication and Excellence) in 2010.
In her new role at UWG, she will be assisting UWG faculty and Colleges in the development of online course and program offerings.
“Everyone I work with at UWG is wonderful people and a joy to work with. I feel incredibly lucky to work with such a personable bunch of people,” Dr. Roepnack concluded. “Everyone I have met at UWG is friendly and does their best to make me feel at home.”
She and her husband of 11 years share a home with two children and pets with a large organic vegetable garden.
