Evan Kropp Discusses Redefining Online Education at UF

Evan Kropp, University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications (UFCJC) executive director of Distance Education, was featured in “From Grit to Growth, Redefining Online Education at UF.” The episode of the Edu Unlocked podcast, hosted by tech entrepreneur Ashish Fernando, was posted on April 30.

In the interview, Kropp shares his journey from marketing executive to mission-driven educator focused on building inclusive, high-quality online programs that don’t just enroll students—but transform them.

He touches on a variety of topics, including the growing legitimacy of online degrees, how he succeeded in tripling enrollment at UFCJC without compromising quality, the real role of culture, community and grit in student successes. He also discusses building a high-impact faculty team across seven U.S. states, how artificial intelligence (AI) is helping—not replacing—teaching and learning and why customization and empathy matter more than ever in online education.

Kropp emphasized the importance of maintaining the University of Florida culture in online programs, helping students feel connected to the Gator Nation.

“I am trying to constantly improve because it’s one thing to do the work and another to build a team and create a culture that’s successful,” said Kropp.

He adds, “A decade ago, when higher education programs were picking up steam online, a lot of the students would say. ‘is my degree going to stay online, is it the same degree on campus? Will it be as high quality [as an in-person degree] or useful in the marketplace with employers?’ That’s not the case anymore. I think people have really started to understand that you can have a high-quality online program.”

Category: College News
Tagged: Distance Education Evan Kropp Online Learning
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