On Feb. 23, 2026, over 200 higher education professionals from across Louisiana joined LSU Online—both in person and virtually—for the Spring Innovation Series event titled "Environments That Shape Us: Enriching the Student Experience."
This year’s theme focused on how curriculum design, advising models, course interactions, and institutional policies shape student experience and can nurture learners into capable, compassionate, and engaged citizens.
The event featured keynote presentations, faculty and staff recognition, and a collaborative panel discussion focused on building human-centered learning environments.
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Cristi Ford
The morning presentation by Dr. Cristi Ford, Chief Learning Officer at D2L, was titled “The Future is Human: Reimagining Learning, Leadership, and Connection in Changing Times.”
During her session, Dr. Ford invited participants to consider what it means for students, faculty, and staff to flourish in a time of rapid technological change. More than focusing on tools or platforms, she employed story, reflection, and shared dialogue to discuss the conditions that bolster students’ success in higher education spaces across the world.
Using her more than two decades of experience in digital learning leadership, Dr. Ford also gave practical insights into cultivating learning environments that make room for both innovation and human connection.
Guest Speaker: Dr. Peter Felten
The second presentation, “Connections are Everything: How Trusting Relationships Drive Learning and Flourishing,” was delivered by Dr. Peter Felten, Executive Director of the Center for Engaged Learning at Elon University.
Dr. Felton drew on nearly 500 interviews with students, faculty, and staff to highlight the importance of developing a constellation of relationships in supporting academic success and personal well-being. He taught practical and scalable ways institutions can create conditions to make systems more humane where both students and faculty can connect, grow, and thrive.
Innovators, Leaders, and Excellence in Student Support
During the event, several faculty and staff whose work strengthens online learning outcomes and student success in the LSU community were recognized. Those awardees are listed below:
Innovative Contributions to Online Learning Award
- Jana Fontenot, Adjunct Professor, Medical Billing & Coding, LSUE
- Dr. Elizabeth Levitzky, Assistant Professor and Director, BSPH Program, LSU Health New Orleans
- Dr. Dan Rice, Associate Professor and Director of the E. J. Ourso College of Business Behavioral Research Lab, LSU
Embracing Change Award
- Dr. Chantel Chauvin, Senior Instructor, Department of Sociology, LSU
- Dr. Adena LeJeune, Associate Professor, Accounting, LSUA
Meeting Students’ Needs Award
- Janice Holmes, Distinguished Instructor, Department of Accounting, LSU
- Kristen Mauch, Associate Dean, College of Art & Design, LSU
- Melinda Stallings, Adjunct Faculty, LSU Continuing Education
- Donnie Thibodeaux, Dean of Enrollment Management, LSUE
Leading Transformation Award
- Dr. Vicki Colvin, Dean, College of Engineering, LSU
- Dr. Jill Trepanier, Professor and Department Chair of Geography & Anthropology, LSU
Closing Panel Discussion on Student Experience
The event concluded with a panel discussion on “Designing Environments Where Students Flourish: Bridging Policy, Practice, and Presence.”
Moderated by Dr. Radhika Krishnadas, Associate Vice President of Program Learning and Design at LSU Online, the panel featured:
- Dr. Edward Benoit, LSU School of Information Studies
- Courtney Kirschner, LSU Online
- Megan Nelson, LSUS MHA and LSUHSC New Orleans alumna
- Teresa Seymour, LSUA
Panelists discussed how intentionally and thoughtfully designed human-centered approaches can positively influence the student experience. The conversation included strategies for building communities where students feel connected, supported, and prepared for life beyond graduation. Panelists also considered how the future of learning depends on how well we can design systems that not only amplify access but also deepen that human connection.
By bringing together perspectives from administration, faculty, student support professionals, and alumni, the panel emphasized how every touchpoint contributes to student success.
Join Us at the Next Innovation Series Event
As always, the 2026 Spring Innovation Series reaffirmed LSU Online’s commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation across Louisiana’s educator community to stay in the forefront of high-quality and innovative student-centered practices.
Missed this Innovation Series event? View the recording and event photos here.
You can also stay connected with us to join the conversation next time. For more information about the Innovation Series, contact Hala Esmail at hesmai1@lsu.edu.
FAQs
What is the LSU Online Innovation Series, and who does it serve?
The LSU Online Innovation Series is an annual professional development event designed for higher education faculty, staff, and administrators across Louisiana. The event brings together educators both in person and virtually to explore emerging practices in online learning, student success, instructional design, and academic innovation.
The 2026 Spring Innovation Series welcomed more than 200 participants and featured national keynote speakers, collaborative discussions, and faculty and staff recognition awards celebrating excellence in online education and student support.
What was the central theme of the 2026 Spring Innovation Series event?
The 2026 Spring Innovation Series centered on the theme “Environments That Shape Us: Enriching the Student Experience.” The event explored how learning environments, advising models, course design, and institutional support systems influence student growth and success.
Sessions focused on creating human-centered educational experiences that help students build confidence, strengthen engagement, and prepare for success both during and after college.
What did keynote speaker Dr. Cristi Ford say about the future of learning in higher education?
Dr. Cristi Ford, Chief Learning Officer at D2L, emphasized that the future of higher education should remain centered on people, even as technology continues to evolve. Drawing from her experience in digital learning leadership, she highlighted the importance of fostering meaningful connections between students, faculty, and staff while embracing innovation in online education.
Her presentation encouraged institutions to create learning environments that support collaboration, reflection, engagement, and long-term student success.
How do trusting relationships affect student academic success, according to the 2026 Innovation Series?
During the 2026 Innovation Series, Dr. Peter Felten shared research demonstrating that meaningful relationships play an important role in both student achievement and personal well-being. Drawing from hundreds of interviews with students, faculty, and staff, he highlighted how supportive academic communities can strengthen engagement, retention, and overall student success.
The discussion reinforced the importance of building accessible, student-centered learning environments where students feel connected, supported, and encouraged throughout their educational journey.
What types of faculty and staff were recognized at the 2026 Spring Innovation Series?
The 2026 Spring Innovation Series recognized faculty and staff across four award categories: Innovative Contributions to Online Learning, Embracing Change, Meeting Students’ Needs, and Leading Transformation. Honorees represented institutions across the LSU Family of Institutions, including LSU, LSUA, LSUE, and LSU Health New Orleans.
The awards celebrated educators, academic leaders, and student support professionals whose work continues to strengthen online learning, student engagement, and educational innovation across Louisiana.
