Marie Barber, 71, executive director of online and distance education, died Nov. 13.

Barber played an instrumental role in the establishment, growth and success of the university’s ability to serve students across Nebraska, the United States and the world.

Barber began her time at Nebraska as a graduate student and worked at the university for more than 40 years. In 1995, she was part of a team awarded a federal Department of Education grant to redesign and deliver the curriculum of the university’s Independent Study High School for an online environment. That experience served as an educational laboratory that later informed the development and delivery of college-level online courses and supported her work in instructional design technology.

More recently she was a curriculum developer in the Division of Continuing Studies, becoming director of the department in 2001. She became executive director of online and distance education in 2012, working collaboratively with colleges and academic support units to further mainstream and integrate online education.

Barber was passionate about teaching and learning and was a pioneer in her field. She expanded instructional design to be a campus-wide resource available to all instructors, increased educational access for students beyond the campus, and contributed to many teaching symposia and professional development workshops.

She was a long-time, active member of the University Professional and Continuing Education Association and was recognized for outstanding service to the organization.

Services will be at a later date in North Dakota. Memorials may be given to The Monarch, 4201 South 78th Street, Lincoln NE 68506. Condolences can be left on the Roper and Sons website.