Anna Richardson
Director of Online and Adult Learning
Responsibilities
Anna provides strategic leadership for NIU’s online learning ecosystem and the success of online and adult learners from initial inquiry through graduation. She leads the Office of Online Learning team and advances coordinated, high-quality student support and program delivery in collaboration with campus partners.
Education
- Ed.D., Higher Education Administration, Northern Illinois University, in progress
- Certificate of Graduate Study in Higher Education Online Pedagogy, University of Illinois Springfield, 2022
- Certificate of Graduate Study in Women's and Gender Studies, Northern Illinois University, 2021
- M.A., Communication Studies: Critical and Cultural Studies, Eastern Illinois University, 2017
- B.A., Communication Studies: Electronic Media Production, Eastern Illinois University, 2015
- Strategic Enrollment Management Administrative Processes and Barriers Working Group (2023-2024)
- Graduate Enrollment Management Implementation in Slate Working Group (2023-2024)
- Innovative Teaching and Learning Advisory Committee, ex Officio
- Online Learning Advisory Council, ex Officio
- Member, National Academic Advising Association (2023-present)
- Member, Online Learning Consortium (2018-present)
- Member, University Professional and Continuing Education Association (2018-present)
Rhode, J. and Richardson, A. (2024, July). Transitioning online enrollment and student support services from OPM partner: Tips and lessons learned. Presented at UPCEA Summit for Online Leadership and Administration + Roundtable (SOLA+R) and Distance Teaching and Learning Conference (DT&L), Minneapolis, MN.
Rhode, J. and Richardson, A. (2024, April). Conducting a comprehensive institutional review of online student support services using the OLC Quality Scorecard. Presented at Online Learning Consortium Innovate 2024, Online.
Rhode, J. and Richardson, A. (2023, October). Transitioning online enrollment and student support services from OPM partner: Tips and lessons learned. Presented at Online Learning Consortium Accelerate 2023, Washington, D.C.
- LGBTQ+ Ally Training, Northern Illinois University, 2026
- Undocumented Student Ally Training, Northern Illinois University, 2026
- UPCEA Professional Development Course: Managing New Enrollments: From Prospective Student to Matriculant, 2024
- Online Learning Consortium (OLC) Institute for Emerging Leadership in Online Learning (IELOL), 2023
Presidential Award for Staff Excellence in recognition of positively influencing the work environment, fostering cooperation, achieving goals and/or overcoming obstacles/challenges, while carrying out employment responsibilities, 2025.
Applause
The following comments from NIU faculty were shared through NIU Today Applaud a Colleague:
"Anna does an incredible and thorough job of making sure prospective graduate students and online recruit inquiries are taken care of with the best experience. She is very detail-oriented and helps each individual through the process with a smile." (February 26, 2020)
