Lincoln (Neb.) - Sept. 22, 1999 - James O'Hanlon, dean of Teachers College at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, has accepted a two-year appointment as associate vice chancellor for extended education and outreach effective Oct. 1.
O'Hanlon, who will retain his duties as dean, will be responsible for coordinating the university's efforts to make its educational resources available to all Nebraskans through distance education. He'll work with Nebraska's extended education partners, which include the community colleges, state colleges and other components of the University of Nebraska system, the Division of Continuing Studies, the Cooperative Extension Division and Information Services at UNL, Nebraska Educational Telecommunications and the five Learning Centers - College Park in Grand Island, the Panhandle Learning Center in Scottsbluff, the Northeast Lifelong Learning Center in Norfolk, the Nebraska Plains Higher Education Center in North Platte and the Southeast Learning Center in Lincoln
In his new role, O'Hanlon will assume many of the extended education duties that Irv Omtvedt was responsible for coordinating on a part-time basis since the office was created in October 1997. Omtvedt has been vice chancellor for the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources since 1988 and NU vice president for agriculture and natural resources since 1992, and took on the additional role as the university's first vice chancellor for extended education in 1997. He will step down from the latter position a the end of this month to devote full time to his IANR responsibilities until he retires June 30.
"At a time when the need for lifelong learning is greatly expanding and the continuing advances in technology provide us with new opportunities to deliver learning off-campus, Jim O'Hanlon is an outstanding choice to lead the university's efforts in extended education and outreach," Omtvedt said. "Jim's knowledge of emerging technologies and his expertise in delivering education at all levels ensure that the University of Nebraska will continue to build on the progress that we've made this area."
As associate vice chancellor for extended education and outreach, O'Hanlon will report to Richard Edwards, senior vice chancellor for academic affairs, and to Omtvedt as vice chancellor for IANR.
"I'm delighted that Dean O'Hanlon has agreed to serve in this role," Edwards said. "We need a strong and bold leader, and we found one. With his comprehensive knowledge of education, Jim will strengthen not only our leadership position in distance education, but also strengthen distance education as a core mission of the university."
Chancellor James Moeser also welcomed O'Hanlon's appointment and applauded Omtvedt's efforts in the area of extended education.
"I want to acknowledge the tremendous leadership for extended education provided by Irv Omtvedt," said Chancellor James Moeser. "I believe that Dean O'Hanlon's appointment is ideal because extended education is really an extension of the university's learning mission. Jim has the confidence of his fellow deans and will foster wonderful working relationships allowing the university to advance not only in meeting statewide needs, but in solidifying its position as a national leader."
A native of Blair, O'Hanlon earned his bachelor's and doctor
of education degrees (1957, 1964) at NU and his master's degree
at Ohio State (1958). He has been a member of the Teachers
College faculty since 1966 and has served as dean since 1983.
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