Melissa Vito recognized for exemplary leadership in online learning
Melissa Vito was honored with the OLC Fellow recognition during the Accelerate Conference in Orlando, Florida in November 2024.
Melissa Vito, UTSA vice provost for academic innovation, has been named an Online Learning Consortium (OLC) Fellow. This recognition reflects Vito’s leadership and the collective accomplishments of the academic innovation team under her guidance.
Since 2010, the OLC Fellowship remains one of the highest honors in the field of online education. It recognizes individuals who have demonstrated significant experience, extraordinary contributions and distinguished service in online learning and embody the values of innovation and collaboration.
“Melissa is an innovative leader who has empowered teams across UTSA to push boundaries,” said Heather Shipley, UTSA provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “Her outstanding work has transformed our approach to digital education and helped us move the needle in online education.”
Since joining UTSA in 2018, Vito has fostered an environment where innovation thrives. Under her direction, UTSA Online has become a nationally ranked program, now in the top 18% of all online bachelor's degree programs, according to U.S. News & World Report. She also spearheaded the creation of the Academic Innovation Center (AIC), a dynamic space that has become a hub for faculty, students and staff to experiment with innovative teaching and learning practices.
"I’m deeply inspired by the UTSA community and the dynamic energy of San Antonio—a city and university on the move,” said Vito. “By fostering digital, media, and future literacy skills and creating transformative academic experiences, we’re empowering our students to be career-ready and to confidently navigate the challenges of a rapidly evolving digital economy."
Vito has encouraged her team and colleagues to strategically integrate new technologies into faculty development and curricula. She helped UTSA become an Adobe Creative Campus, as well as contributed to a study of Adobe tools’ impact on student success.
Following the launch of ChatGPT in November 2022, she directed her team to host faculty forums which evolved into the Generative AI (GenAI) Peer Learning Network. Through this initiative, UTSA has developed tailored resources, including the GenAI guides for students and faculty. In March 2024, UTSA hosted the first-ever UT System-wide conference on GenAI, attracting over 150 participants, including faculty, instructional designers and industry experts.
Vito’s leadership has also contributed to broader initiatives, such as UTSA’s involvement in the Student Experience Project, the UT System Exemplary Student Pathways Project and the UTSA Classroom Transformation Project. These initiatives have been recognized in the 2022 and 2024 EDUCAUSE Horizon Reports for their role in shaping the future of higher education and fostering innovative and engaging learning environments.
The Online Learning Consortium is a global community committed to advancing quality and access in online education. This recognition of Vito as an OLC Fellow highlights her dedication to collaboration and her ability to inspire those around her to achieve excellence.
Connect with Vito on LinkedIn and learn more about UTSA Academic Innovation.
EXPLORE FURTHER
- Explore the impact of The Student Experience Project
- Learn how UTSA is leveraging Generative AI in teaching and learning
- Discover how creative technologies amplify student success
