From IU Today
Mark Baer has joined IU Online as interim assistant vice president for online academic affairs.
Baer most recently served as a Faculty Fellow in the Office of the Vice President for Regional Campuses and Online Education, where his responsibilities included facilitating the Regional Faculty Council. He previously was president of the IU Northwest Faculty Organization, where he is an associate professor of theatre.
“Mark has been instrumental over the past year in working with various faculty committees as we’ve explored new models of academic governance for IU Online,” said Chris Foley, associate vice president in the Office of the Vice President for Regional Campuses and Online Education and director of IU Online. “I’m certain his leadership in academic affairs will help take IU Online to a new level and foster a more positive relationship with our campus colleagues.”
In his new role, Baer’s primary task will be to establish a strong and responsive academic element to IU Online. He will serve as the primary academic office liaison for online programs at Indiana University, coordinating with the academic officers of the campuses in launching and maintaining online programs. He will also work in close coordination with the IU Online program management team, as well as eLearning Design and Services within UITS.
“Mark’s leadership will be instrumental in helping IU Online create virtual academic departments, facilitate work with the UFC Online Education Committee, and establish and chair the IU Online Faculty Advisory Committee,” said Susan Sciame-Giesecke, vice president of regional campuses and IU Online. “We look forward to his leadership as we take this next step in reimagining IU Online.”
Baer said he looks forward to working with faculty colleagues to support online education. “My primary focus in this role will be increasing the feeling of ownership for every dean and faculty member whose unit offers online programming,” Baer said. “Bridging communication gaps, supporting faculty leadership, and ensuring shared governance will allow us to continue to expand the reach of a rigorous IU education. I am deeply grateful to VP Sciame-Giesecke for the mentorship she has provided over the past year and the support of AVP Foley and the IU Online team as we define this new position going forward.”
Baer joined IU Northwest in 2011. He holds a bachelor’s degree in theatre performance and international business from the University of Findlay and earned a Master of Fine Arts in directing from Illinois State University.