Karen Girton-Snyder

I hold a doctoral degree in educational leadership with a specialization in curriculum, technology, and higher education from the University of Delaware, a master's degree in instructional technology from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, a bachelor's degree in psychology from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, and an associate's degree in general studies from Pennsylvania College of Technology. My undergraduate studies in psychology and my doctoral fellowship experience in China provide me with a unique understanding of the complexities associated with diverse learner populations. My graduate studies in instructional design and my doctoral studies in educational leadership have bolstered my professional career and teaching practice and have provided me with the background and insight necessary to deftly navigate the intricacies of high-stakes, institutional initiatives in today’s dynamic, technology-driven, higher education environment.

Research – The diversity of my experiences both academically and professionally has fueled my scholarly research endeavors and many of my professional explorations. My research interests include: ePortfolios and curriculum assessment as well as instructional technologies, especially the impact of emerging technologies in online learning environments. I am also very passionate about experiential and service learning and their potential in higher education environments.

*Scholarships *– I was privileged to receive tuition scholarships and paid assistantships during both my graduate and post graduate study. I was a Project Manager and Lead Developer for Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania's Institute for Interactive Technologies during my graduate studies and I was an Instructional Designer and Faculty Trainer for the University of Delaware's Online Division during my doctoral studies.

Grants – I was the fortunate recipient of numerous grants during my doctoral studies, these include: a University of Delaware Office of Graduate and Professional Education Grant, an E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation Grant, a University of Delaware Alumni Enrichment Grant, an Ana-Lab Corporation Grant, and an Art Institute of Philadelphia Faculty Development Grant.

Fellowships – The Fellowship for Enhancing Global Understanding was coordinated by the US-China Center for Research on Educational Excellence at Michigan State University. I was one of four doctoral students selected to represent the University of Delaware as part of this multi-university fellowship program that included a month-long cultural exchange and exploration of China’s educational systems.

I have more than 30 years of leadership experience, ranging from not-for-profit organizations to divisions within larger corporations and higher education institutions as well as my own entrepreneurial venture. I have designed and developed a wide range of instructional technology solutions for clients ranging from Fortune 100 corporations to academic institutions and not-for-profit organizations. I have experience in all aspects of instructional technology development, including: project management, needs and performance analyses, instructional design, media production and computer programming. I also have more than 25 years of project management experience leading software development projects and institutional initiatives. I have chaired a variety of committees at numerous postsecondary institutions, including a curriculum committee; a faculty titles and executive promotion board; a Middle States Accreditation steering committee; an academic affairs committee; a technology committee; a persistence committee; and a professional advisory committee.

Education

• M.S.I.T. Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania (1995 — 1996)
• B.A. Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania (1990 — 1993)
• A.A. Pennsylvania College of Technology (1988 — 1990)