Digital & Lifelong Learning

Our Work

As the hub for digital and lifelong learning, we partner with units across the university to advance uniquely Vanderbilt ways of delivering education to meet the evolving needs of learners and maximize the university’s global impact.

Our Guiding Principles

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Embody the Vanderbilt Way

Create lifelong learning experiences that are inclusive, collaborative, rigorous, engaging, and uniquely Vanderbilt.

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Experiment and Iterate

Apply a data driven approach to pilot and iterate on development of new programs, technologies, and digital and lifelong learning experiences.

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Maximize Vanderbilt's Impact

Identify and develop innovative education programs that will strengthen Vanderbilt’s mission, reach, and impact on learners globally.

Learning Innovation

Supporting faculty and expanding Vanderbilt’s impact through innovative digital and lifelong learning programs.

  • Degrees & Certificates

    Dedicated to enabling high-quality, uniquely Vanderbilt programs, our team can partner with you to plan, develop, and launch online or hybrid graduate degrees, and certificates.

    Learn more about for-credit programs

  • Non-Credit Offerings

    Supporting lifelong learning and professional education through non-credit offerings, we are positioned to help you reach new audiences, and further engage existing learners.

    Learn more about non-credit offerings

  • MOOCs

    Partnering with online learning platforms, we can help you launch a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC). Available to learners across the globe broadening your reach.

    Learn more about MOOCs

Digital & Lifelong Learning Advisory Services

The Institute for the Advancement of Higher Education (AdvancED) can support faculty to expand Vanderbilt’s impact through innovative learning programs and provide expertise and innovation in instructional technologies. We can discuss your needs and provide direct assistance or vendor recommendations for everything from market research, marketing and enrollment, instructional design, and more.

As the hub for digital and lifelong learning, we partner with units across campus to catalyze and facilitate innovative learning. Whether you are looking for full program support, market research, media production, or best practices our team can assist you.

Interested but looking for other solutions? Check out AdvancED's other areas of support and services.

Explore Educational Technology

Providing technical and pedagogical support for faculty, staff, and students our team is here to help you achieve your teaching and learning goals.

Learn more about educational technology

Explore Teaching & Learning Support

Core to Vanderbilt's mission of discovery, AdvancED will help hone you expertise to the learning styles of your students and maximize the impact of your teaching.

Learn more about teaching & learning support

Our Team

Mallika Vinekar

Mallika Vinekar

Executive Director

Mallika is the Executive Director of the Office of Learning Innovation (formerly the Office of Digital Education) and comes to Vanderbilt from the education technology sector. Prior to joining Vanderbilt, she was at Coursera, a global online learning platform, where she helped shape the company’s strategy for building its online degree portfolio. She also managed the company’s partnership with Vanderbilt. Previously, she was a management consulting at Deloitte Consulting in New York. She holds a BA in Urban Studies and Political Science from the University of Pennsylvania, and an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.

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Amanda Harding

Amanda Harding

Director, Strategic Initiatives & Partnerships

Amanda’s background and expertise lies within the graduate education space, higher education administration functions, and program management. Prior to joining the Office of Learning Innovation, a subset of the AdvancED team at Vanderbilt University, Amanda helped launch Vanderbilt’s Data Science Institute, including their Master of Science in Data Science program. She earned her BS in Business Administration, a Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, and her Ed.D. in Leadership and Learning in Organizations through Vanderbilt Peabody College.

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Connor Bacon

Connor Bacon

Associate Director, Media & Learning Technology

Connor oversees our digital media operations, focusing on processes and execution surrounding our end-to-end digital media production. Hailing from the northwest, Connor has spent the last 7 years as a filmmaker and cinematographer primarily in the marketing and advertising world. Holding a BA in Visual Communication Design from Eastern Washington University, he is mostly self-taught when it comes to the world of production. With a keen eye for detail and love for process, he has now expanded his expertise towards higher education at Vanderbilt. When he's not behind a camera, he can be found climbing rocks and hiking outdoor trails.

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Jessica Beckmann

Jessica Beckmann

Senior Digital Marketing & Recruitment Manager

Jessica joins the Office of Learning Innovation, a subset of the AdvancED team at Vanderbilt University, with almost a decade of digital marketing experience. Specifically, she brings 5 years of experience in higher education, managing student recruitment marketing efforts for top-tier institutions such as Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College and Northwestern University’s Kellogg School. Prior to joining OLI, Jessica worked in the technology sector, but is excited to return to the higher education space, where her true passion lies. A longtime member of the Vanderbilt community, she earned her BA in Sociology and Spanish at Vanderbilt. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking and teaching hot yoga.

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Jeanine Romine

Jeanine Romine

Associate Director, Educational Programs

Jeanine is an Associate Director of Educational Programs, working remotely from Austin, TX. With a 15+ year background spanning brand marketing to project management, Jeanine brings a proven track record of guiding strategy and product teams towards success. Having started her career at companies such as AT&T, BMW, Clif Bar, and Chevron, she has a been instrumental in driving initiatives forward and achieving organizational objectives. Now she brings her enthusiasm and project management expertise to Vanderbilt and is poised to make a lasting impact on our institution and the learners we serve. Jeanine earned her BA in Advertising from the University of Texas at Austin. She received the inaugural 2023 Leadership Award from the Office of Faculty Affairs and Professional Education (OFAPE). Outside of the office, Jeanine runs after her two young boys and enjoys reading, travel, and avoiding laundry.

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Catherine Seok

Catherine Seok

Project Manager

Catherine is a Project Manager in the Office of Learning Innovation, a subset of the AdvancED team at Vanderbilt University. She is passionate about creating accessible and meaningful learning opportunities for students. Prior to joining OLI, she worked as a high school history and journalism teacher, teaching and managing the development of new courses that reflected values of equity and inclusion. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education and History from Vanderbilt University in 2022. Outside of work, she enjoys spending her time journaling and drawing.

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Marcy Pedzwater

Marcy Pedzwater

Instructional Design Manager

Marcy is an Instructional Design Manager within AdvancED. With over five years of experience teaching and working in higher education, Marcy is passionate about creating and supporting high-quality learning experiences for students. Prior to joining the Office of Digital Education, she worked for the Writing and Learning Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She holds a Ph.D. in English and Comparative Literature from UNC-Chapel Hill and a B.A. in Literature and a B.A. in Spanish from UNC Asheville. Outside of work, you can find Marcy knitting, crocheting, and going on hikes with her dog.

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Jillian Moulton

Jillian Moulton

Digital Marketing Strategist

Jillian joins the Office of Learning Innovation and AdvancED team as a Digital Marketing Strategist. Bringing a distinctive and enriched perspective to her role, Jillian draws from her extensive background in the digital marketing space, particularly within the dynamic realm of the entertainment sector. She earned her Bachelors in Business Administration from Belmont University and is excited to be a member of the Vanderbilt community. Beyond her professional endeavors, Jillian enjoys being outdoors, riding horses, and candle making.

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Anubha Nagar

Anubha Nagar

Data Analyst

Anubha is a Data Analyst in the Office of Learning Innovation with AdvancED, passionate about creating a data-driven environment for her team and supporting strategic initiatives with data-backed solutions. Before joining OLI, she worked as a Data Scientist at Pfizer. She holds a Master’s degree in Data Science from Vanderbilt University. Outside of work, Anubha enjoys playing tennis, painting, and traveling.

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Katherine Prioletti

Katherine Prioletti

Enrollment Advisor

Katherine joins the Office of Learning Innovation, a subset of the AdvancED team at Vanderbilt University, as an Enrollment Advisor. Katherine’s background and experience lies within higher education, specifically enrollment management and student affairs. She specializes in online enrollment, student support, and recruitment. Katherine holds a master’s in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration from Nazareth University. In her spare time, she enjoys being outdoors, hiking or playing tennis. 

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Lisa Lei

Lisa Lei

Instructional Designer

Lisa is an Instructional Designer within AdvancED. She is passionate about creating innovative, multimodal learning experiences and leveraging new technologies to promote educational equity. Prior to joining Vanderbilt University, Lisa served as an Instructional Technology Assistant at the Columbia Video Network. She also gained Instructional Design experience from Columbia University and iFLYTEK, a leading AI technology company in China. Additionally, she taught AP Psychology to students from five different countries. Lisa holds a Master of Education degree in Instructional Technology and Media from Teachers College, Columbia University, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Bilingual Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Boston University.

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Grace Carlson

Grace Carlson

Instructional Designer

Grace is an Instructional Designer within AdvancED. Prior to joining Vanderbilt, Grace worked as a high school chemistry and physics teacher at Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools. Her experience in the classroom has driven her passion for creating accessible and engaging materials for all learners. Grace holds a Master of Education in Secondary Education from Vanderbilt University and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. In her free time, you can find Grace spending time outdoors with her dog, trying out new restaurants across Nashville, or binging reality television.

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Seth Shepherd

Seth Shepherd

Production Specialist

Seth joined Vanderbilt in 2021 with 5 years of experience in video production and education. He works closely with the digital media team on our end-to-end media production, with a focus on editing. Seth holds a BS in Journalism and Cinema Studies from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. Outside of work, you'll probably find him running or at the Belcourt Theater.

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Allison Alonzo

Allison Alonzo

Production Specialist

Allison is one of the AdvancED's Production Specialists. She joins Vanderbilt after 5 years of television and film on set experience. Allison graduated from Belmont University with a BFA in Motion Pictures with an emphasis in Cinematography & Directing. Off campus, Allison is often found golfing, cooking, or reading & drinking tea at a local coffee shop!

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Sydney Tomaine

Sydney Tomaine

Graphic Designer

Sydney Tomaine is AdvancED’s Graphic Designer. She graduated with her BFA in Graphic Design from The University of Alabama. Before she joined the Vanderbilt team, you could find her on the track, or behind a camera - capturing a variety of different special events around the country. She likes a variety of different design elements but loves some good typography and layouts.

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Partner Intake

Imagine What's Possible.

Whether you’re looking to try something new, wanting to better connect with your students or need to develop your curriculum for hybrid or online environments, AdvancED’s team of skilled practitioners is ready to support your next step.

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