HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State University announced today that its online learning program, the FHSU Virtual College, has earned certification from the United States Distance Learning Association, a nonprofit distance learning association whose work focuses on supporting distance learning research, development, and praxis across the complete arena of education, training, and communications.

In announcing the coveted certification, the chair of the Quality Standards Certification Committee, Dr. Arletha McSwain, said, “USDLA is proud to welcome the FHSU Virtual College to an elite group of institutions that have earned national recognition for providing exemplary online degree programs and certificates.”

The USDLA’s certification report pointed to the Virtual College’s visionary quality standards program as a driver in ensuring the university’s ability to remain on a path to continuous innovation and improvement in online education.

“Since the Virtual College was established in 1997, the online learning enterprise at Fort Hays State has grown thoughtfully and steadily to the point where today it is the single largest source of enrolled students at the university,” said FHSU President Tisa Mason.

“This phenomenal growth is the direct result of our consistent focus on delivering a high-quality, affordable and distinctly FHSU online experience,” she said.

The rigorous USDLA certification recognizes the commitment that Fort Hays State has made in following best industry practices for its Virtual College. The university is one of only five certified distance education providers in the country to successfully complete the comprehensive, 120-point quality review of all levels of distance education and training.

“This certification is a testament to the dedication everyone, past and present, put forth in creating an exceptional worldwide online operation,” said Dr. Dennis King, associate vice president for enrollment management. “All of the faculty, students, staff and alumni should be very proud of what they have created.”

The USDLA team that conducted the certification review was impressed with the Virtual College.

“Fort Hays State is making online learning a priority, and it shows,” said Dr. Chuck Sengstock, a USDLA Quality Standards Certification Committee Member.

“We were impressed with the initiative and dedication of the online faculty, staff, and administrators. We were equally impressed with the collective results of the online student interviews.”  

About the FHSU Virtual College

Fort Hays State, founded in 1902, entered into distance education in 1911 when faculty voted to offer courses free by mail so that one-room school teachers across western Kansas could afford to pursue the continuing education required to teach. The distance education department created then evolved continuously with changing technology and culture until, in 1997, the Department of Continuing Education and Instructional Technology became the FHSU Virtual College.