Our staff is dedicated to helping students succeed in online courses and enabling distance faculty to focus on teaching rather than technology. In addition to responsive helplines and personal assistance, our staff constantly seeks ways to improve our online programs and to develop innovative ways to promote quality in online teaching and research. The extended efforts of our staff, through the Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration and an annual international conference devoted to distance learning administration, have brought widespread recognition to UWG's distance programs. The UWG DDEC staff work closely with the UWG's Extended Degree Unit in charge of the University System of Georgia eCore Administrative Services. Both groups fall under the leaderships of Dr. Melanie Clay and Dr. Donald Wagner. eCore Staff link.

Melanie N. Clay Ph.D., Associate Dean of Extended Degree Progams ( Melanie's Vitae )

Melanie is responsible for leading the support staff, marketing and evaluating the distance learning program, and developing training for faculty and students involved in distance courses. She is the founder and editor-in-chief of the Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration , and the administrator of the Distance Learning Certificate Program . She holds a Ph.D. in Educational Studies from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln, a Specialist in Educational Leadership, a Master's in Public Administration from the State University of West Georgia, and a Bachelor's in Journalism from the Ohio State University. She lives in Carrollton with her husband Matthew, her teenage daughter, and their two young sons.

Email Melanie.

Janet P. Gubbins, Director of Distance and Distributed Ed. ( Janet's Vitae )

A former student facilitator, Janet joined the full-time staff in January 1998. She serves as the GeorgiaVIEW Vista (WebCT) Administrator for University of West Georgia. Her responsibilities include assisting faculty with course development, overseeing services for distance students, and distance learning data management. She holds a Master's in Public Administration from the State University of West Georgia. She and her husband Craig have a young son and an infant daughter.

Email Janet.

Dawn Senfeld, UWG eCore Academic Advisor

Dawn joined the Distance & Distributed Education's staff in May 2009. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of West Georgia. She serves as an Academic Advisor for UWG eCore students, providing student support for eCore courses. She also serves as the Conference Event Manager for our annual conference on Distance Learning Administration.

Email Dawn.

Julili came to the Distance and Distributed Education staff in July 2009, having previously worked with the UWG Newnan Center (Extended Degree Program). Based in Newnan, she serves as an Academic Advisor for UWG eCore students, providing student support for eCore courses. Julili holds a Master of Science in Technology and Science Policy from Georgia Tech and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from University of Arkansas. She also holds a Master’s Certificate in Project Management from the Stevens Institute.

Email Julili.

Kevin Mobbs joined West Georgia in 2005 as an instructor in the Department of Music and now serves as Faculty Development Coordinator for the DDEC. His duties include faculty training, course development, and administering services such as Wimba Tools, CoursEval, and SecureExam. He holds degrees in Music, Political Science and is currently pursuing an Ed.S. in Instructional Technology. In addition to his responsibilities in Distance Education, Kevin is an active educator and musician.

Email Kevin.

Matias is a recent graduate of the University of West Georgia with a B.B.A in Management Information Systems. He joined the Distance & Distributed Education's staff in September 2009. He serves as a Support Specialist, provides telephone and face-to-face student support for online students, and technical support for professors, courses, and distance students who use web-based learning technologies.

Email Matias.