Anna Richardson
Director of Online Learning
Responsibilities
Anna provides leadership on the support, online student experience, and success of NIU’s adult online learner students from initial inquiry, through the application and admittance process, all the way to graduation. She leads the team of online student success staff that offer one-stop online student support.
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.
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)
