Online office names new director to lead boost in programs

Following an IU Board of Trustees announcement last week outlining plans to boost the university’s online degree program in the coming year, Judith Halstead was named director of The IU Office of Online Education Friday.

Halstead previously served as associate director for nine moths and is a professor in the IU School of Nursing. She will succeed Barbara Bichelmeyer, who will now take on the title of senior director in the online office. Bichelmeyer will also serve as interim chancellor at IU Southeast in New Albany, Ind.

IU Online currently offers more than 80 online degree programs, and in the next year, every IU school will have a graduate online program, IU President Michael McRobbie told the board.

Halstead also recently served as executive associate dean for academic affairs at the IU School of Nursing, and has made several strides in developing online degree programs in the health fields across all IU campuses, according to a press release.  She most recently led the creation of online RN-BSN degree programs across all IU campuses.

"It is an exciting time to be involved in online education at Indiana University," Halstead said in the release. "I look forward to continuing to provide leadership to these efforts."

Executive Vice President for University Academic Affairs John Applegate said Halstead will be a key player in the establishment and growth of the Office of Online Education.

"We look forward to taking advantage of her extensive experience in an expanded leadership role,” Applegate said.

— Samantha Schmidt