Technology is pivotal in Florida State University’s pursuit of excellence. In support of the university’s strategic goals and initiatives, technology teams are aligning to meet the current needs of our research and learning communities.  

On April 5, the Office of Distance Learning (ODL) joined Information Technology Services (ITS) to coordinate critical enterprise academic systems and support. ODL became part of the ITS infrastructure, under the leadership of ITS chief information officer and associate vice president Jonathan Fozard.  

FSU Provost Jim Clark says the organization continuity enhances the technology services offered to the FSU community and brings together units to collaborate on important initiatives more closely.  

“By uniting these two departments, FSU is better positioned to advance our application of emerging academic technologies, promote best practices, and enhance the overall technology experience to facilitate our world-class instruction and research efforts,” says Clark. “This transition aims to maximize our technology investments and better align the dedicated technology personnel within the Office of the Provost.” 

ODL will operate as a new unit of Digital Learning and Academic Technologies within ITS, continuing under the direction of Robby Fuselier. The unit will continue to administer the same services, including the Canvas learning management system, and will provide support for online course design and on-site technology enhanced classrooms and oversee university testing services. The university community reaps the benefits of united academic technologies in areas such as course design, online learning, classroom support and new academic technology pilots.  

“The technology alignment happening across campus is a huge step forward in advancing our resources, capabilities, and partnerships at FSU.  I am truly excited for the opportunities ahead and excited for the renamed Office of Digital Learning and Academic Technologies to have an even larger impact in the months and years to come.”    

- Jonathan Fozard, FSU Chief Information Officer and Associate Vice President 

ITS and ODL have long upheld a strong partnership, working collaboratively to provide exceptional technological resources and academic experiences for the university. FSU furthers the ability to leverage technology and data to advance academic offerings by bringing the two teams together in one comprehensive unit.  

“Combining our expertise and resources further enhances a technology powerhouse on campus,” explains ITS associate vice president and chief information officer Jonathan Fozard. “This collaboration positions FSU at the forefront of national leaders in the field of higher education technology, where we are already drawing national attention and recognition for our partnerships and groundbreaking pilot programs.”  

The synergy allows FSU to leverage technological resources and data to directly support the ITS RISE 2030 campaign by aligning technology investments with FSU strategic planning and aspirations. The ITS RISE 2030 campaign, announced in Spring 2023, focuses on technology projects and priorities in Research and instruction, Innovation and modernization, Security and compliance, and Engagement and student success.  

“Direct collaborations among the teams and technologies powering the university’s online academic offerings will further facilitate world-class learning in the areas of online instruction and synchronous learning,” states Robby Fuselier, Senior Director, Digital Learning and Academic Technologies.  

With more than 600 employees, the expanded ITS is poised to serve the campus community and the state of Florida through the Northwest Regional Data Center, the State Data Center and Florida Virtual Campus. 

“ITS is thrilled to take on an expanding role in the advancement of technology resources and integrations at FSU,” says Fozard. “We look forward to continuing to collaborate with the broader university community to keep FSU at the forefront of innovation as we define the future of technology in higher education.”  

More information on the growth and alignment of university technologies can be found on the ITS website at its.fsu.edu/odl.