FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Maryland Distance Learning Association and MarylandOnline Announces Richard W. Smith as the 2025 Barbara Zirkin Award Recipient
Bel Air South, MD – April 6, 2025 – The Maryland Distance Learning Association (MDLA) and MarylandOnline (MOL) is pleased to announce Richard W. Smith of Harford Community College as the recipient of the prestigious 2025 Barbara Zirkin Award. This annual award recognizes higher education professionals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedicated service, and unwavering commitment to both MDLA and MOL.
The Barbara Zirkin Award honors the memory of Dr. Barbara G. Zirkin, a distinguished academic and a strong advocate for education in Maryland. Dr. Zirkin, who passed away in 2019 at the age of 75, was a respected figure in the academic community. Her life was marked by a deep commitment to learning and the advancement of educational opportunities for all. This award serves as a tribute to her impactful contributions and legacy.
Richard W. Smith has been a steadfast supporter of both MDLA and MOL, consistently championing the goals of each organization and demonstrating a profound dedication to the advancement of higher education within the state. His leadership and service have been instrumental in fostering innovation and growth within the distance learning landscape in Maryland.
The Barbara Zirkin Award was formally presented to Richard W. Smith at the 2025 MDLA Spring Conference in Hanover, Maryland on April 5, 2025.
MDLA and MOL congratulate Richard W. Smith on this well-deserved recognition and thank him for his ongoing commitment to excellence in higher education and his support of both organizations.
About the Maryland Distance Learning Association (MDLA):
The Maryland Distance Learning Association (marylanddla.org) is a professional organization dedicated to promoting quality distance learning practices and fostering collaboration among educators, institutions, and organizations involved in online and blended learning in Maryland.
About MarylandOnline (MOL):
MarylandOnline (MOL) is a future-focused consortium of Maryland higher education institutions that serve its members through expertise, networking, and advocacy, drawing on the strengths of its member institutions to advance excellence in online education and fuel student success.
About Barbara Zirkin:
Dr. Barbara G. Zirkin was a respected academic who dedicated her life to education. Her commitment to learning and her service to the community left a lasting impact. The Barbara Zirkin Award was established to honor her memory and recognize individuals who embody her spirit of leadership, service, and dedication to higher education in Maryland.
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