About This Episode
What does it take to scale a successful online graduate program in journalism and communication? In this compelling episode of Edu Unlocked, host Ashish Fernando sits down with Dr. Evan Kropp, Executive Director of Distance Education at the University of Florida’s College of Journalism and Communications (UFCJC).
Dr. Kropp shares his journey from a marketing executive to a mission-driven educator, building inclusive, high-quality online programs that don’t just enroll students—but transform them.
Key Topics Covered:
1. Why online doesn’t mean lesser—and how employers are starting to agree
2. Tripling enrollment at UFCJC without compromising on quality
3. The real role of culture, community, and grit in student success
4. Building high-impact faculty teams across 7 U.S. states
5. How AI is helping—not replacing—teaching and learning
Why customization and empathy matter more than ever in online education. Plus, hear how ESPN recruiters came asking for UFCJC grads—because they're that prepared. Whether you're an education leader, edtech innovator, or lifelong learner, this episode is packed with practical insights on building impactful, people-first online learning environments.
Host & Guest
Dr. Evan Kropp
GuestExecutive Director of Distance Education
Evan Kropp, Ph.D., is an academic innovator and digital learning strategist who helps higher education institutions deliver transformative online education through visionary leadership, strategic alignment, and human-centered design. As Executive Director of Distance Education at the University of Florida’s College of Journalism and Communications, he leads the strategic development of nationally recognized undergraduate and graduate programs—ensuring scalability, instructional excellence, and meaningful learner success.
Kropp’s leadership is defined by collaboration, academic rigor, and an unwavering focus on quality. Since joining UF in 2019, he has championed initiatives that strengthen access and elevate educational standards, including earning CEPR certification from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) for the college’s online public relations program, launching new graduate concentrations in Digital Journalism and Multimedia Storytelling, and implementing a college-wide course quality initiative that enhanced teaching and learning outcomes.
With expertise spanning academic innovation, digital pedagogy, and organizational leadership, Kropp fosters inclusive, future-ready online ecosystems that empower students and educators alike. As an affiliate faculty member in the Department of Media, Production, Management, and Technology, he continues to mentor and teach, advancing excellence in media education and digital communication.
Key Achievements:
1. Earned PRSA CEPR certification for UF’s online public relations program, a national benchmark for quality.
2. Launched innovative graduate concentrations in Digital Journalism and Multimedia Storytelling.
3. Implemented college-wide course quality standards enhancing online learning effectiveness.
4. Expanded the online program portfolio to reach broader, more diverse learner populations.
5. Bridged strategic communication and technology to strengthen institutional competitiveness.
6. Served as faculty mentor and instructor, integrating research and practice in digital media education.
7. Earned a Ph.D. in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Georgia, with advanced credentials in teaching and higher education leadership.
Ashish Fernando
HostFounder & CEO, EDMO
Ashish Fernando is the visionary founder and CEO of EDMO, a revolutionary educational technology platform that's transforming how people learn and grow. With over 15 years of experience in education and technology, Ashish has dedicated his career to making quality education accessible to learners worldwide. Before founding EDMO, Ashish held leadership positions at several prominent EdTech companies and worked as an educational consultant for Fortune 500 companies. He holds an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business and a Master's in Computer Science from MIT. Ashish is a frequent speaker at educational conferences and has been featured in publications such as EdTech Magazine, Learning & Development Today, and TechCrunch. He's passionate about the intersection of technology and human potential, believing that the right tools can unlock extraordinary learning outcomes for everyone. Under his leadership, EDMO has grown to serve over 100,000 learners globally and has partnerships with leading educational institutions and corporations. Ashish continues to drive innovation in personalized learning, adaptive assessment, and educational analytics.
Key Achievements:
1. Founded EDMO in 2019, now serving 100,000+ learners globally
2. Named 'EdTech Innovator of the Year' by Learning Technology Awards 2023
3. Featured speaker at Global Education Summit 2024
4. Published researcher in educational technology and learning analytics
5. Advisor to multiple EdTech startups and educational initiatives
Show Notes
- 1 00:10 Dr. Evan Crop discusses his ongoing efforts to improve and fill knowledge gaps, emphasizing the difference between doing work and leading a team to create a successful culture.
- 2 01:46 Introduction of Dr. Evan Crop’s background, including his role at the University of Florida's College of Journalism and Communications
- 3 04:35 Dr. Crop shares his career pivot during the early 2000s recession, moving from a decade in marketing and business to education to make a meaningful impact.
- 4 07:47 - Discussion on how Dr. Crop’s education in communications allows him to connect with faculty, contribute to curriculum development, and stay updated with industry trends.
- 5 11:56 Dr. Crop highlights the growth of UFCJC’s online graduate program from 185 to 950 students and the importance of maintaining quality over quantity.
- 6 18:07 Addressing the challenge of creating a sense of belonging for online students, with Dr. Crop noting the geographical dispersion of his team and students
- 7 26:59 Explanation of the initiative to achieve Quality Matters certification for all online classes at UFCJC, involving a significant investment in an instructional design team to enhance course quality.
Key Quotes
"I really wanted to give back. I really wanted to be able to impact people. And to do that, I thought the field I love, communications, was the place to do it."
"It’s one thing to do the work, it’s another to build and lead a team to create a culture that is successful."
Resources
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