Awards
FDLA Awards Nominations
Celebrate Excellence in Distance Learning!
The Florida Distance Learning Association (FDLA) is proud to recognize outstanding contributions to the field of distance education through our annual FDLA Awards. These awards honor the innovators, leaders, and dedicated professionals who advance quality online, hybrid, and blended learning across Florida’s K–20 educational landscape.
The upcoming FDLA/FAMTE 2027 conference is a great time for us to recognize those individuals that have excelled in the field of distance learning here in Florida. Do you know someone who should be recognized? Submit your nomination today and help us highlight the exceptional talent in our field! The deadline for award nomination submission is December 14, 2026.
The upcoming FDLA/FAMTE 2027 conference is a great time for us to recognize those individuals that have excelled in the field of distance learning here in Florida. Do you know someone who should be recognized? Submit your nomination today and help us highlight the exceptional talent in our field! The deadline for award nomination submission is December 14, 2026.
Distinguished Leadership in Distance Learning (K–20)
Honors individuals who have demonstrated visionary leadership and long-term impact in distance education. Nominees should exemplify innovation, collaboration, and influence in advancing the field through initiatives such as program development, advocacy, or scholarship.
Distinguished Service in Distance Learning (K–20)
Recognizes professionals who have significantly influenced distance learning organizations through service and dedication. Nominees may have guided initiatives, shaped policies, or supported the growth and mission of educational communities.
Innovator in Distance Learning:
K–12
Celebrates K–12 educators who have developed creative, evidence-based approaches that enhance student outcomes or engagement in distance learning. Examples include innovations in teaching strategies, course design, student support, or program development.
Innovator in Distance Learning: Higher Education
Honors higher education professionals who have implemented innovative solutions improving the quality, access, or effectiveness of online and blended learning. Nominees may be recognized for excellence in instructional design, technology use, or student success initiatives.
Best Paper Award
Each year, FDLA recognizes the most impactful scholarly paper submitted to the FDLA Journal. The Best Paper Award winner is selected by a review committee and announced at the conference. Submit your paper on our FDLA Journal website.
FDLA Award Winners 2026
Distinguished Service in Distance Learning: Emily Franklin, Roslyn Miller, Jia Borror Best Conference Paper: PAVING PATHWAYS: Navigating the Intersection of AI and Student Support in Higher Education by Tracy M. Balduzzi, Lori Driscoll EdD, Sean Nufer, and Amanda MajorFDLA Award Winners 2025
Innovative Leadership in Distance Learning: Higher Education: Dr. Martha Hubertz (University of Central Florida) Distinguished Service in Distance Learning: George Romagosa, VP of Technology for the South Florida Chapter of the Association for Talent Development Best Conference Paper: Dr. Jamie Anne Marcus and Professor Bonnette Webb (Palm Beach State College)FDLA Award Winners 2023/2024
Innovative Leadership in Distance Learning: Higher Education - Crystal Marull (University of Florida) Distinguished Service in Distance Learning: Amanda Major (University of Central Florida) Best Conference Paper: Ambika Kapil, Luis Gonzalez, Niraj Pathak, Arthur Sikora, and Santanu DeFDLA Award Winners 2022
Distinguished Service: Jamie Manburg, Nova Southeastern University and Ruthmae Sears, Florida Distance Learning Association Innovative Leader in Distance Learning K-12: Aspreet Dayal Innovative Leader in Distance Learning (Higher Ed): Nancy Swenson, University of Central Florida Visionary Award for Distinguished Leadership in Distance Learning: Dr. Anymir Orellana, Nova Southeastern University FDLA Educator of the Year: Kristen Fraser FAMTE Mathematics Educator of the Year: Angie Su, NSUFDLA Award Winners 2021
Distinguished Service: Dr. Sarah Ransdell, Nova Southeastern University Innovative Leadership in Distance Learning K-12: Kristen Condella, Monroe County School District Innovative Leadership in Distance Learning Higher Ed: Dr. Honggang Yang, Nova Southeastern University Outstanding Leadership: Dr. Victoria Brown, Florida Atlantic University Excellence in Teaching and Training: Dr. Glenda Gunter, University of Central Florida Visionary Award in Distance Learning: President George Hanbury, Nova Southeastern University Best Paper Award: Looking Through the Lens of Online Faculty in Higher Education by Theresa West, Technical College System of GeorgiaFDLA Award Winners 2018/2019
FDLA Distance Educator of the Year: Elizabeth (Biz) Metzger (Broward College) Pioneer in Distance Learning: Evangeline Tsibris Cummings (University of Florida) Visionary Award for Distinguished Leadership: Susan Stephan (Nova Southeastern University) Distinguished Service Award: Tina Calandrino, Nancy Swenson, Amanda Major (University of Central Florida) Innovative Leader in Distance Learning: K-12: Charlene Montford (Legacy Academy) Innovative Leader in Distance Learning in Higher Education: Jamie Manburg (Nova Southeastern University) Innovative Leader in Prekindergarten Exceptional Education: Susan Kabot (Nova Southeastern University) FAMTE K-12 Teaching Award: Terri Sebring (FLDOE) FAMTE Mathematics Educator of the Year Award: Rob Schoen (Florida State University)
See Past Winners
How to Nominate
Do you know someone making a real difference in distance learning?
Eligible nominees must be full-time members of a K–20 institution who have made meaningful contributions to distance learning as educators, designers, administrators, or support personnel.