Augusta University Online graduates first cohort of MEd program

Nearly one year after its official launch, Augusta University Online celebrated the graduation of its first cohort of 33 students through the Master of Education in Instruction program in August.

It was a whirlwind first year of operations for Marc Austin, PhD, associate provost and inaugural dean of AU Online, and his staff who began building out the framework for the endeavor in 2022, but with the first students having graduated, he is excited to see where things go from here.

“Working learners face numerous challenges in earning an advanced degree while managing their busy lives,” said Austin. “The remarkable achievement of these talented students, completing their programs in record time and with accolades, reflects our commitment to not only providing access to students across the state but also to our promise of ensuring student success in online learning. We hope their experience creates a professional network of Jags ready to support future online learners who follow the amazing trail they blazed.”

The MEd in Instruction program, taught in partnership with AU’s College of Education and Human Development, is aimed at helping education professionals meet the needs of modern classrooms, from creating a more inclusive learning space to adapting to new social and educational technologies.

The program is aligned with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and focuses on empowering teachers to be more confident in their development as educators, instilling teachers with student-focused classroom strategies, integrating research, theory and practice to develop advanced teaching strategies, and improving classroom management, instructional technology implementation and self-assessment practices.

“We are thrilled to graduate our first cohort of educators from AU Online,” said Judi Wilson, EdD, dean of COEHD. “These educators are true difference makers in their profession, and these graduates are to be commended for pursuing an advanced degree to enhance and expand their skills as teachers. Our AU Online team has provided incredible support for our faculty as they designed and taught these courses and for our students as they navigated through this online program.”

Included in the first graduating class are five who became double Jags, including Ronda Painter and Tierra Bradshaw. Both were the first from their families to graduate from college. Painter earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in December 2021 and Bradshaw earned a Bachelor of Science in Special Education in May 2023, both from COEHD.

Now, Painter and Bradshaw have set a new standard by being the first from their families to obtain a master’s degree as members of the first cohort to graduate from Augusta University Online’s Master of Education in Instruction program.

Painter won’t be the last of her family to earn a degree from AU. Her nephew, Deion Hampton, has followed her lead and is enrolled as a first-year student this fall in AU’s School of Computer and Cyber Sciences.

“He did an internship in high school for cybersecurity and was trying to make his choice on where to go, and he revealed to me that he was going to AU, and I was so happy for him,” she said. “I’m really proud of him, and it was exciting to get to go with him to orientation.”

Painter, a teacher at Blythe Elementary in Richmond County, and Bradshaw, a teacher in Warren County, chose to continue their education through AU Online because of their familiarity with the professors and their knowledge of the high quality of instruction and education they would get.

“My experience with AU Online has been incredibly enriching. It can truly be described as an experience like no other,” said Bradshaw. “The flexibility of the online format allowed me to balance my studies with other responsibilities. The support from faculty and peers made the learning experience both rewarding and enjoyable.”

Students experience courses that are intentionally designed to be engaging and supportive, fostering a deeper connection to the material and contributing to higher retention rates.

Through the seamless integration of expert knowledge and instructional design, students enjoy courses that are both accessible and intellectually stimulating, enhancing their engagement and success in the online learning environment. The alignment of course elements with program goals has provided students with a clear, cohesive learning journey, making it easier for them to stay on track and achieve academic excellence.

The research-driven approach to course development has elevated the online learning experience, offering students a well-rounded, engaging educational journey that consistently supports their growth and success.

“I was already an AU alumna, so I knew the rigor that AU has built into its programs, and I already had respect for the professors who are exceptional at what they do,” said Painter. “I knew AU would provide me with the best knowledge to help my students.”

“It was fantastic knowing we have a program that’s designed for education professionals so we don’t have to sacrifice a job that we love to further education,” said Painter. “By attending fully remote classes, teachers are not sacrificing time for commuting and facing schedule conflicts. As educators, we prepare our students to be digital citizens. I absolutely enjoyed the Advanced Technology course. I utilized the latest apps to actively engage students in learning. The Diversity course reiterated the importance of respecting cultural differences and provided additional resources to support the whole child.”

Ongoing improvements based on student feedback have created a dynamic, responsive learning experience where students feel more connected and supported, leading to better outcomes and higher levels of achievement.

Along with being familiar with the faculty, Painter and Bradshaw also chose the MEd program because they have their eyes set on leadership positions down the road, and each said they plan to return to AU to become triple Jags by earning their doctorates.

AU Online currently offers five graduate-level degree programs, including the Master of Science in Information Security Management, Master of Education in Instruction, Master of Public Health, Master of Public Administration and Master of Arts in Intelligence and Security Studies, as well as a Certificate in Public Health.