SHSU Online Expands Team to Support Statewide Distance Education Initiative

August 27, 2026 By Dr. Ruth Chisum

A woman speaks during a video call from a home office, seated behind a laptop with books and office decor in the background.

As SHSU Online launched the Distance Education Professional Development Center (DEPDC) in partnership with the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), the department is expanding its team to support the Center's statewide mission. The grant-funded initiative represents a significant investment in adult education across Texas and will create several new positions dedicated to serving Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) programs.

While new staff will play an important role in the Center's operations, the DEPDC will be led by experienced members of the SHSU Online leadership team who will leverage the University's expertise in online learning, instructional design, faculty development, and technical support.

Leading the Center's professional development efforts, Mr. Jacob Spradlin, Executive Director of Online Instructional Design and Support, and Mr. Jason Woodall, Associate Director of Online Instructional Design and Support, will oversee the development and delivery of a year-round professional development program for AEL instructors across Texas. Their work will include instructor training, workshops, webinars, and educational resources designed to strengthen distance education teaching practices statewide.

On the technical operations side, Mr. Daniel Walker, Executive Director of Online Student Services, and Mr. DJ Modisette, Associate Director of the SHSU Online Support Desk, will lead the expansion of a specialized unit within SHSU Online's 24/7 Support Desk. This team will recruit, train, and prepare support specialists who will provide technical assistance to approximately 85,000 TWC adult learners, as well as AEL instructors and staff throughout the state.

Overall leadership and grant administration for the DEPDC will be coordinated by Dr. Ruth Chisum, Assistant Vice President for SHSU Online Operations, and Mrs. Angela Gill, Finance and Business Operations Specialist for SHSU Online, working alongside a grant-funded Program Manager who will be hired in the coming months. Together, they will provide strategic oversight of the Center, coordinate operations across all functional areas, and ensure successful implementation of the grant's statewide initiatives.

A smiling teacher holds a tablet and stands before a whiteboard in a bright classroom, facing three seated students.

Image credits: Unsplash.com

To support the Center's growing operations, SHSU Online is currently recruiting for several grant-funded positions, including a Program Manager, Training and Engagement Coordinators, Technical Operations Coordinators, Technical Support Analysts, and Trainers/Facilitators. These professionals will help deliver instructor professional development, coordinate statewide initiatives, and provide technical support for Texas Adult Education and Literacy programs.

Individuals interested in joining this exciting statewide initiative are encouraged to visit the Employment @SHSU website to learn more about current employment opportunities and application details.

Through the DEPDC, SHSU Online continues to expand its impact beyond the university, applying its expertise in online education to support educators, learners, and workforce development efforts across the State of Texas.