Evan L. Kropp, Ph.D.

Higher Education Administrator & Online Teaching and Learning Expert

Executive Director, Division of Distance Education, College of Journalism and Communications, University of Florida
Affiliate Faculty, Department of Media Production, Management, and Technology, College of Journalism and Communications, University of Florida

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About

Evan L. Kropp, Ph.D., is a higher education leader, digital learning innovator, and strategic thinker dedicated to advancing online education and professional development in the 21st century. As the Executive Director of Distance Education for the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications, Evan oversees one of the nation’s premier online undergraduate and graduate programs. In this role, he provides vision, leadership, and operational oversight, ensuring that every element of the student experience—from curriculum design to faculty engagement—meets the highest standards of academic excellence and industry relevance.

Guiding Excellence in Online Learning

Evan’s career in higher education has been marked by a consistent commitment to innovation, accessibility, and student success. Over the past decade, he has guided the evolution of online programs to meet the demands of a rapidly changing communications landscape. His leadership focuses on creating programs that are not only rigorous and research-driven but also deeply practical, equipping graduates with the skills and confidence needed to thrive in competitive professional environments. Evan is particularly passionate about aligning academic theory with real-world application, ensuring that every course delivers tangible value to students at all stages of their careers.

Driving Innovation in Higher Education

In his current position, Evan has played a critical role in the continuous growth and enhancement of UF Online and UF CJC Online. Through strategic planning and forward-thinking initiatives, he has expanded program offerings, fostered strong faculty development programs, and championed innovative approaches to online learning. One of his key initiatives involves developing a repository of short, video-based courses designed for lifelong learners. These micro-courses, which award digital credentials, make professional development more accessible to diverse audiences. This project reflects Evan’s belief that education should be an ongoing journey, adaptable to the changing needs of professionals in a dynamic global economy.

Championing Student Success & Accessibility

Beyond his administrative work, Evan is an active voice in conversations about the future of higher education. He is the creator of Kropp on Campus, a LinkedIn newsletter that explores trends in digital learning, faculty development, and emerging technologies in education. Through this platform, he shares insights, research, and practical strategies with a broad audience of educators, administrators, and industry professionals. His writing reflects a deep understanding of both the challenges and opportunities facing modern universities and offers actionable solutions for navigating this transformative era.

Thought Leadership in Action

With core expertise spanning online learning design, higher education administration, faculty training, program evaluation, and strategic communication, Evan brings a holistic perspective to his work. He believes that education should be inclusive, future-oriented, and relentlessly focused on quality. By blending academic scholarship with practical leadership, he continues to influence the direction of online learning and contribute to the success of both institutions and individuals.

Presentations, interviews, publications

NEW BOOK COMING JANUARY 2027

University Teaching in the Digital Age:
Making Sense of Teaching, Learning, and Higher Education to Teach with Confidence

University Teaching in the Digital Age is my forthcoming book focused on one of the most pressing challenges in higher education today: how to teach effectively in a rapidly evolving, digital-first environment.

Drawing on years of experience in online education, program leadership, and direct work with faculty and students, this book provides a practical, grounded look at what actually works in modern university teaching. It moves beyond theory and into application, offering clear strategies that instructors can use immediately.

The book explores how teaching has changed, what today’s students expect, and how faculty can adapt without losing their identity or confidence in the classroom. Topics include course design, student engagement, assessment, feedback, and the growing role of AI in teaching and learning. It is especially relevant for instructors navigating online or hybrid environments, but the principles apply across all modalities.

Rather than presenting a one-size-fits-all model, the focus is on helping educators make informed decisions, build effective systems, and develop a teaching approach that is both efficient and impactful.

This book is designed for instructors at all stages, from those new to teaching to experienced faculty looking to refine their approach in a changing landscape.

University Teaching in the Digital Age will be published by Cognella Publishing and is scheduled for release in January 2027.

Presale order link will be added when available.