Charlene Stubblefield, award-winning executive director of Prairie View A&M University’s Center for Instructional Innovation and Technology Services, has graduated to a new role as president-elect of the Texas Distance Learning Association (TxDLA).

TxDLA Board Chair Michelle Singh said Stubblefield will lead the association dedicated to digital learning across the state.

Last year, TxDLA presented Stubblefield with a Bennie Tschoerner Award for Outstanding Commitment to the Texas Distance Learning Association. According to TxDLA, Bennie Tschoerner awards are given to those who put their noses to the grindstone and “make things happen” for TxDLA.

The nonprofit association promotes distance learning for Texans and connects the Distance Learning community by promoting participation in online learning and innovative educational practices.

“I am excited and grateful for this opportunity to lead this organization as it implements effective distance learning strategies for Texans and beyond,” Stubblefield said in a statement.

Stubblefield, the first African American to serve as President in the organization’s history, will step into her new role July 1st.

Last May,  the 2009 Black Engineer of the Year Award winner for Community Service was named CEO of the United States Distance Learning Association.

Prior to his appointment, Dr. Reggie Smith served as Chair Emeritus of the Board of Directors. In 2009 and 2010, Smith was elected as the association’s first African-American president and then chairman.

Over the years, Smith has been recognized for his service in supporting distance learning, including the Federal Government Distance Learning Association’s Hall of Fame Award, and the Virtual World Association’s Excellence Award among others.

“Distance learning is about using available technologies and technology infrastructures to make more effective learning opportunities accessible to all learners, whatever their age, location, or reason for learning from anywhere, at any time, and at any pace, in accordance with the individual needs of each student,” Smith said last year.

“It is critical in today’s fast-paced environment, which requires innovation, upskilling, and reskilling for lifelong learning. Distance learning is the only efficient, scalable, sustainable way to build and protect the value of our current and future workforce,” he said.