PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 26, 2020 CONTACT: Teesa Brunson, Ed.D. | [email protected] | (803) 376-5724 Allen University faculty earn Master Class for Teaching Online Badges (Columbia, S.C.) – Two Allen University faculty members recently earned Master Class for Teaching Online Badges from Arizona State University Continuing and Professional Education program. Dr. Tracey Ann Carter, chair of the social sciences department, and Dr. Toni Sims Muhammad, associate vice president for academic affairs–distance education, completed a 2-week asynchronous online course on effective pedagogy in the online teaching and learning space. Participants also engaged in peer-sharing strategies to enhance online learning and experienced the course as students, which included assignments with due dates. Sponsored by the UNCF Institute for Capacity Building, in partnership with Arizona State University, the Master Class for Teaching Online was intended to assist HBCU faculty with online instruction. “Being that most higher education institutions shifted to online and remote instruction due to COVID-19, training opportunities like these ensure that our faculty make the transition with relative ease,” said Sims Muhammad. “We will continue to share what we learned as well as support more faculty participating in similar opportunities.” Carter stated the online master class was a great opportunity to enhance one’s craft in online teaching. “We learned many instructional strategies on managing, facilitating 1530 Harden Street, Columbia, South Carolina 29204-1085 | T 803.376.5725 | F 803.376.6018 | allenuniversity.edu and creating our courses for the best student learning experience,” said Carter. “This course has given me new tools to add to my online toolkit.” Carter and Sims Muhammad are eager to share their experiences with the Allen University faculty. “We thank UNCF for sponsoring these types of online and distance education professional development opportunities and look forward to working with the Allen University Faculty and Instructional Support Staff to further our development of leading online courses and programs,” Sims Muhammad said. For more information, contact Dr. Toni Sims Muhammad, associate vice president for academic affairs–distance education, at 803-376-5819 or [email protected]. ### Caption (left to right): Dr. Tracey Ann Carter, Dr. Toni Sims Muhammad Allen University is a Christian liberal arts institution located in the capital city of Columbia, South Carolina. Allen provides an environment of academic excellence to heighten students’ chances of succeeding in a culturally diverse and economically global world. Allen maintains accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate and master’s degrees. The university also holds membership with the United Negro College Fund. 1530 Harden Street, Columbia, South Carolina 29204-1085 | T 803.376.5725 | F 803.376.6018 | allenuniversity.edu .