The Office of Digital Learning coordinates and leads System-wide efforts to expand digital assets and uncover new strategies that will maximize the impact of online learning across North Carolina.

Digital Learning leverages the vast reserves of creativity and experience from across the 17-institution System. Through collaborative activities and events, the office helps faculty and staff discover new and innovative models of online and hybrid education. In addition, the office harnesses the consolidated purchasing power of our 17 institutions. This work helps institutions secure more affordable pricing options on infrastructure and licensing related to the delivery of online education.

UNC Online Team

The UNC Online Team is one operational arm of the Office of Digital Learning, focused on tools and programs that directly engage the student population. The team designs, builds, and supports a set of shared services. More than 40,000 students utilize these services each year. These services include:

  • An online programs catalog with over 400 fully online programs offered across the UNC System
  • A cross-institution courses registration tool, which allows UNC System students to register and calculate transfer credits for online courses at any other constituent institution for no extra charge
  • A proctoring system that ensures academic integrity through the use of UNC Online-licensed proctors to administer exams

Jim Ptaszynski, Ph.D.
Vice President for Digital Learning | 919-843-5705
Dr. Ptaszynski leads efforts to accelerate the adoption of technology to support student and institutional success across the 17 institutions in the UNC System. His also supports new initiatives to improve access, reduce cost, and expand program offerings through digital learning technology. 

Kevin Nathanson
Senior Director of Product Management and Technology Integration, UNC Online | 919-962-4208
Mr. Nathanson is responsible for the planning, design, development, and operation of the UNC Online System. He liaises with all key technology stakeholders, including System and institutional executive leaders, registrars, financial aid offices, distance education directors, IT departments, testing/proctoring centers, and online course instructors. He also leads other key technology development programs, including the military academic credit database and a set of course equivalency tools, designed to facilitate NC Community College System transfers.

Diane Horton
UNC Online Proctoring Coordinator | 919-962-4786
Ms. Horton ensures proctors and proctoring sites meet defined test security and quality standards. She also assists with website design and maintenance, proctor recruiting, and other duties as assigned. Additionally, she provides support and guidance to online students, faculty members, and proctors who participate in the UNC Online Proctoring Network.

Mandy Dough
UNC Online Service Manager | 252-737-4295
Ms. Dough is responsible for UNC Online customer service. In this capacity, she leads support interactions with students, prospective students, faculty, and other stakeholders. She operates systems for managing relationships with these audiences, measuring performance and ensuring customer satisfaction.

Learn more at UNC Online.

John Falchi
Director, Special Projects
Mr. Falchi is responsible for guiding the System-wide adoption of the Quality Matters program. This program supports faculty development of high quality online education across the 17 UNC System institutions. He plans and facilitates the Digital Learning Initiative Symposium. The annual symposium fosters inter-institutional sharing of innovations that lead to greater access, affordability, and quality of UNC digital education. Mr. Falchi is also responsible for working closely with learning technology and digital education content providers to establish System-wide models to promote equitable access for all UNC students.