College of Science, Health & the Environment
Singh receives USDLA awards for outstanding leadership, quality research

Singh receives USDLA awards for outstanding leadership, quality research

Jitendra Singh, a professor in the School of Nursing & Healthcare Leadership, has received both the 2021 Outstanding Leadership Award and the Quality of Research Paper Award from the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA).

Singh was nominated in two of the seven USDLA categories recognizing leadership and innovation within the distance/digital learning industry as part of its International Award program. These highly coveted awards are presented annually to organizations and individuals who compete across several categories of excellence.

“Dr. Singh is a results-focused leader,” said Arrick Jackson, Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs. “He serves as associate editor of the Journal of Research in Innovative Teaching & Learning and is an editorial board member of Healthcare and the Journal of Educational Technology Systems. The MSUM community is extremely proud of Dr. Singh and what he has been able to accomplish.”  

Singh has reviewed more than 100 manuscripts and influenced key policy issues for these peer-reviewed journals. Singh’s published articles on issues of distance learning, LEAN principals, telehealth, and healthcare leadership, and he’s a frequent speaker at international conferences on these and other topics. He developed MSUM’s online Health Services Administration (HSAD) program, created synergistic double majors with Project Management and Nursing, developed certificates in long-term care administration, and healthcare leadership, quality and patient safety, expanded transfer partnerships with community colleges, and led successful HSAD accreditation efforts.

Dr. Singh’s research award was for “Leaning online education during COVID-19 pandemic – attitudes and perceptions of non-traditional adult learners,” published in Quality Assurance in Education. This paper presents the results of a study integrating online, university education with the LEAN process. The research presented an evidence-based approach to implement LEAN principles to streamline online education programs and teaching and learning processes while preparing classes for non-traditional adult learners (NALs). 

“The International Award program has provided prestigious recognition for educational influencers around the globe for many years” says Arletha McSwain, President of USDLA. “These award winners are truly leaders in the distance/digital learning industry and their work in support of pedagogy is unsurpassed.”