People and Events
2009 BEYA winner ascends to Presidency of world’s premier Distance Learning Association
By USBE
Nov 23, 2009, 16:15

The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) has elected Reggie Smith III as president. The non-profit organization, formed in 1987, promotes the development and application of distance learning for education and training, and serves the needs of the distance learning community globally.

With this ascendancy to president of USDLA, Reggie Smith becomes the first African-American member to assume this position. Earlier in the year Smith also received national recognition by receiving the 2009 Black Engineer of the Year Award (BEYA) for Community Service.

"We welcome Reggie Smith as our new president. Reggie brings knowledge and a level of acumen that will assist the association in its continued efforts to promote the development and application of distance learning," said John G. Flores, PhD, USDLA executive director.

Reggie Smith currently works for Booz Allen Hamilton and has been involved in distance education since 1991 along with serving on several committees for USDLA since joining the board of directors in 2004. Smith, who has worked as a deputy director of Learning Technologies for Alion Science & Technology and vice president of operations for Magicsoft, is also a recognized authority on media and telecommunications issues, having received numerous awards and served as keynote or presenter at several national and international conferences, including VIRTUAL EDUCA International Conference, the e-Learning Conference & Expo, the TeleCon East, West & European Expos and the 22nd Annual Black Media Coalition's Conference.

"Being the first African-American president to the Board of Directors of the United States Distance Learning Association, shows that USDLA understands the value in diversity and what it can contribute to its longevity," said Smith. "My background has enabled me to understand the total picture not just the technical perspective because it is not just about the technology but how it enables user communities to connect the dots and truly harness the knowledge continuum globally."