New Pearson Executives to Strengthen OPM Partner Experiences, Drive Innovation -- Updated
Brought to you by Pearson’s Online Program Management team.
HOBOKEN, NJ (August 1) -- Pearson's Online Learning Services Group, the division that partners with higher education institutions to deliver online degrees, certificates and short courses, has announced new executive appointments and promotions as part of its plan to build and strengthen partnerships and spur innovation.
"We're moving in an exciting, renewed direction at Pearson Online Learning Services, bringing our expanded product and service portfolio to colleges and universities--from enrollment and data analytics to Pearson exclusives like Credly, Faethm, and Smarthinking. We're laser-focused on being the best OPM partner and our new leadership team not only has the experience, but the creativity and passion to transform our business and push us further," said Kees Bol, managing director for Pearson Online Learning Services.
Pearson's Online Learning Services group partners with over 30 higher education institutions around the world, supporting over 450 undergraduate and graduate online degree programs, certificates, and short course programs.
New executive appointments include:
Sasha Thackaberry, Ph.D., joins Pearson Online Learning Services as Vice President of Student and Partner Services. She leads Pearson’s learning design and student retention organizations. Prior to joining Pearson, as vice president for online and continuing ed, she built Louisiana State University’s online learning organization and stackable pathways strategies. Earlier, she was AVP for Academic Technology, Course Production and New Learning Models at SNHU. She chairs the WCET Executive Committee, co-chairs UPCEA’s Council for Chief Online Learning Officers, is a board member at Quality Matters, and serves on its Advisory Panel for the annual Changing Landscape of Online Education (CHLOE) survey. She holds a PhD in higher education administration and an MAT from Kent State University, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from the University of Akron.
Scot Chadwick is the new Vice President of Partner Success for Pearson Online Learning Services, where he leads university relationships, aligning Pearson’s expertise and resources to help universities expand their reach and impact via their online programs. An 18-year veteran of online higher education, Chadwick previously led units within Pearson's eCollege and OpenClass businesses and since that time has held leadership roles in higher education, notably at the University of Colorado as Vice Chancellor, Enterprise Development, leading CU Online.
Michael Collins leads the Marketing and Learner Acquisition team at Pearson Online Learning Services. Before joining Pearson, he was Managing Director and Chief Marketing Officer for CFA Institute, the leading provider of global investment management education and testing across 165 countries. Michael’s worldwide team aligned centralized global strategy with regional marketing execution. Collins has worked for public and private companies including JPMorgan, Rockefeller & Company, Iomega, SAGA Software, Mercator Software, Gevity HR, and Computer Sciences Corporation (now DXC Technology). He holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Rowan University in Glassboro, NJ.
Joining Pearson Online Learning Services from IBM Consulting is Lisa Knight, the new Vice President of Innovation and Product Strategy. Knight will drive the development of innovative solutions to exceed the needs of Pearson's academic partners and the learners who rely on flexible online learning programs. Knight has over 20 years of experience in strategy and innovation, has worked with 15+ Fortune 500 companies, and was instrumental in the creation of IBM Canada’s Enterprise Strategy practice in 2017.
Joseph Morgan has been promoted to Vice President of Business Development for Pearson Online Learning Services, responsible for expanding and building unique and new academic partnerships to bring quality online learning to adults everywhere. Previously, Morgan held executive roles at Kaplan, as CEO of Noodle, Founder of Colloquy and MaverixLab.
Joshua Richards has been promoted to an expanded role as Vice President of Technology and Operations for Pearson Online Learning Services, where he focuses on enhancing Pearson's OPM technology and shared services capabilities in support of employees, learners and academic partners. Richards is a 20-year veteran of Pearson and has held multiple technology leadership roles over that time that have driven continued digital transformation in education.
Learn more, and explore Pearson's online learning offerings and OPM services.
About Pearson
Learning is the most powerful force for change in the world. More than 20,000 Pearson employees deliver our products and services in nearly 200 countries, all working towards a common purpose – to help everyone achieve their potential through learning. We do that by providing high quality, digital content and learning experiences, as well as assessments and qualifications that help people build their skills and grow with the world around them. We are the world’s leading learning company. Learn more at pearsonplc.com.
For media inquiries contact:
Allison Bazin (allison.bazin@pearson.com / 609-247-0275)