Kevin Shriner has been appointed the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s inaugural assistant vice chancellor for digital and online learning.

He will officially assume the position Feb. 1. Katherine Ankerson, executive vice chancellor, made the announcement on Jan. 12.

“I am excited to welcome Dr. Shriner to Nebraska,” Ankerson said. “He brings 25 years of experience in higher education, with deep expertise in online programs; a passion for making higher education accessible to all students; and a genuinely collaborative approach to his work.

“I look forward to his leadership as the university takes the next step in our rich history of online and distance education.”

Shriner comes to the university from EAB, an education company focused on best practice research, technology services, and enrollment services for non-profit institutions, where he is senior director of enrollment strategy. In this role, Shriner consulted with more than 800 institutions, including Big Ten institutions, in all 50 states to apply enrollment strategies, marketing insights, and market data on developing, launching, and strategically planning academic programs to meet the educational requirements of students and provide pathways to workforce outcomes. He is the primary strategist, consultant, and subject matter expert to hundreds of colleges and universities seeking to improve marketing, recruitment, and student success for adult degree learners and graduate students, with a focus in online programs.

He formerly served as associate dean for institutional effectiveness and associate dean for student success at Florida Southwestern College. During his tenure, he collaborated with faculty to create a first-year experience program and streamline program review and general education assessment.

“I am honored to champion Nebraska’s flagship university as it reaffirms its commitment to growth in online programs,” Shriner said. “I look forward to elevating UNL’s already successful distance education programs and creating new, accessible online educational opportunities for all students that will contribute to the growth and prosperity of our communities.”

As assistant vice chancellor, Shriner will lead the development, integration, and implementation of a comprehensive, transformative, and inclusive strategy for online and digital education, reflective of the goals and aims in the N2025 Strategic Plan. He will report to the executive vice chancellor and work closely with her leadership team and the colleges to establish campus-wide strategic priorities, a vision for online programming, and chart and implement a course for success. Shriner will provide expertise, leadership, and coordination on activities and initiatives that advance and support digital and online learning.

Shriner holds a Bachelor of Science in park resource management from Kansas State University. He also holds a Master of Arts in history, with an emphasis in African-American history, and a Master of Education in higher education from the University of Arkansas. His doctorate in higher education leadership is from Nova Southeastern University.