Drake Online and Continuing Education has recently been restructured into two key functional areas: Enrollment Management Services and Learning Design Services. This restructuring reflects our ongoing commitment to providing seamless, high-quality support across the entire online student journey—from inquiry and enrollment through course design and delivery.
The following leadership appointments are part of this restructuring:
- Dianna Gray, promoted to Strategic Director of Enrollment Management Services
- Shannon Hilscher, promoted to Manager of Learning Design Services
Dianna and Shannon have demonstrated exceptional leadership, collaboration, and dedication to Drake University, and will guide their teams effectively through this next phase of transition and growth.
Enrollment Management Services will focus on recruitment, admissions coordination, and student success operations to ensure an outstanding experience for prospective and current online learners. Several team members have taken on new or expanded roles within Drake Online:
- Suzanne Wisslead, promoted to Senior CRM Specialist
- Kelly Marckres, transitioned to Enrollment Management Specialist
- Tracy Davies, transitioned to Program Assistant for Enrollment Management
We are also pleased to welcome two new colleagues to the team:
- Crystal Fierro-Galbraith (joined August 2025) as Enrollment Management Specialist
- Sam Fiducci (joined January 2025) as Digital Marketing Specialist
Learning Design Services will continue to advance excellence in online course design, faculty collaboration, and the integration of innovative teaching practices and technologies. With this enhanced focus on student-centered, engaging learning experiences:
- Nichole Kiefer Stabile’s title has changed to Learning Design Specialist
- Trey Leech (joined November 2025) as a Learning Design Specialist
Supporting both teams, Bill Klein has transitioned to the role of Learning Analytics and Innovation Specialist, where he will manage data systems, analyze enrollment and learning trends, and implement technological solutions to support our goals.
Additionally, Kendra Colbert serves as Office Support Coordinator, overseeing daily administrative operations, supporting staff, and ensuring the smooth coordination of office functions.
These changes position Drake Online for continued success in expanding access to high-quality online education. Please join me in congratulating our colleagues on their new roles and in welcoming our newest team members to Drake Online!
— Belle Cowden, Associate Provost for Online Programming