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Interim Regional and Continuing Education Dean

Barger continues distance education leadership

Debra Barger is the interim dean of the Center for Regional and Continuing Education. Barger, associate dean of the center since 1998 and director of summer session and extension programs from 1988 to 1998, began her new duties on June 2.

Barger plans to continue the leadership in distance education established under former dean Ralph Meuter and oversee a transition to online and virtual classroom delivery of distance programs.

The move from satellite and microwave technology to online technology removes the challenge of geography. With satellite technology, students still had to come to a central location to view the transmission. In the virtual classroom, students can learn anywhere there is a computer and an Internet connection.

For the faculty, the transition is fairly easy, Barger said. Faculty were already in front of cameras for satellite classes and had to master synchronizing their deliveries with student interaction at distant sites.

The teacher shortage in metropolitan areas ensures that there will be enough students for the summer degree and liberal studies online programs. The Web-based liberal studies curriculum was fully implemented this fall. An online program addresses the need for more teachers in urban areas and is attractive as an alternative to long hours of com- muting.

"We're trying to be an ombudsman for the off-campus student. Imagine all of the things that students wouldn't know if they didn't come on campus -- how to get a student card, for example, or set up an e-mail account," Barger said.

Prior to joining CSU, Chico, Barger resided in Wiesbaden, Germany, from 1981 to 1988. She served as assistant dean for City Colleges of Chicago-Europe, where she administered educational programs to NATO forces and Department of Defense civilians throughout Europe and the Middle East.

Barger earned a master's degree from the L.B.J. School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin in 1981. Her bachelor's degree is from Smith College.

Barger is a member of the University Continuing Education Association and the Western Association of Summer Session Administrators, where she served as president from 1996 to 1997.

Kathleen McPartland