July 23, 2007
By George Mauzy
Ohio University has named Marsha K. Ham executive director of lifelong and distance learning, effective Sept. 1. She succeeds Thomas Shostak, who retired this summer after 10 years as dean of lifelong learning.
The Division of Lifelong Learning consists of Independent and Distance Learning, Conference Services, Ohio University Without Boundaries, Summer Sessions/Winter Intersession, Hong Kong and International Outreach, and the Ohio University Online Learning Program.
"Dr. Ham brings extensive experience with distance education program development and marketing to our University," said Charles Bird, vice provost for university outreach "By all accounts, she is an energetic and creative leader, and I look forward to working with her as we expand our distance education opportunities."
Ham, a native of Birmingham, Ala., operates her own consulting company, MK Ham & Associates, in Iowa. The company consults clients on the development and logistical management of continuing education, distance and online programs.
During the 2005-06 academic year, she worked as vice president for external programs at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa, where she managed the university's centers throughout Iowa, including a new online center. Ham previously held the positions of associate director of distance learning, program development specialist of distance learning and interim dean of the Extended University at the University of Arizona.
"I'm very excited about working at Ohio University and moving to Athens because all of my conversations with people there have been positive and forthright," Ham said. "I look forward to working with the Lifelong Learning team and with campus colleges and departments to build new programs that will take the excellence of the university to the region and the world as we continue to grow and build upon current programs."
Ham earned her doctoral degree in higher education organization and administration from the University of Arizona, her master's degree from the University of Alabama and a bachelor's degree in fashion merchandising from Auburn University.
Related Links:
