Office of Distance Learning Director Announced

Dr. Claire Pettit Arabie has been named director for the Office of Distance Learning, which facilitates and supports online programs and courses for the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

Dr. Arabie has a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership and joined the Office of Distance Learning as an Instructional Designer in 2013.

Before she was named interim director in April 2018, Dr. Arabie served as the department’s Instructional Support Manager, leading the Instructional Support Team in supporting faculty.

Dr. Arabie has presented at both regional and national conferences, including the Online Learning Consortium, WCET, and Quality Matters — all leaders in technology-based education and pedagogical practices.

“I look forward to leading our dedicated team in connecting with faculty and students, and moving our University forward as a premier provider and innovator of online programs,” Dr. Arabie said.

Since April, the University has announced three new online offerings — the Master of Science in Computer Science, the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration - Management, and a Graduate Certificate in Cardiovascular Nursing.

Dr. Arabie says the Office of Distance Learning will be actively working to advance its ability to provide support to both faculty and students in online programs.

“Offering a diverse portfolio of online programs and courses is crucial to increasing access to education across the state, for students whose lifestyle or personal responsibilities prohibit them from learning in a campus environment,” Dr. Arabie said.
“We’re proud to be able to use nationally-recognized best practices and educational tools in providing opportunities to these students.”