Online education has undergone significant transformation since its inception, becoming a vital component of higher education. In this insightful collection titled From Grassroots to the Highly Orchestrated, readers will encounter the compelling narratives of 43 educators and academic leaders. These contributors have played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of online learning across the United States.

This edited volume delves into the complex development of online courses, programs, and campuses, showcasing their significant growth over the years. It emphasizes key aspects of online education, including engaged leadership, administrative functions, academic support, and effective student onboarding.

The narratives within this volume provide a multi-faceted view of a growing and competitive field. They highlight critical success factors for onboarding and supporting online students, along with strategies for best-in-class online academics. Readers will find guidelines for effective online organizational leadership that can serve as an actionable roadmap for their own practices.

The topics explored in this collection are diverse. They cover the rapid changes that often impact online programming, navigating shared governance, managing high growth, and launching new online programs. Furthermore, the contributors discuss leading cross-functional teams to implement new modalities in online learning environments, leveraging rich data from learning management systems, and effectively engaging with online program managers (OPMs).

Additionally, the book addresses how to respond to shifts in student demographics and institutional priorities, creating a framework for resilience and adaptability. This collection invites readers to engage with stories of success and struggle, refining their approaches to online learning facilitation and program management.

Ultimately, From Grassroots to the Highly Orchestrated provides an opportunity for those involved in online education to consider how to develop strategic frameworks. These frameworks will support students while navigating the ongoing challenges posed by technological advancements, evolving student needs, and both local and global barriers to education.