Staff

Eric Watkins was named Vice Provost of Distributed Learning in September 2022. He leads the Office of Distributed Learning, providing leadership for online and hybrid educational programs across the UMN system. Eric is also a professor in the Department of Horticultural Science, where since 2004 he has conducted research in turfgrass breeding and genetics. Eric received his B.S. (Science in Agriculture) from the University of Minnesota in 1998, and his Ph.D. (Plant Biology) from Rutgers University in 2004. He has taught a number of courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, and served as coordinator for both undergraduate and graduate programs. He received the University of Minnesota John Tate Award for Undergraduate Advising (2016), the Crop Science Society of America Teaching Award (2018), and is a fellow in Crop Science Society of America (2023).

Senenge Andzenge is the Assistant Vice Provost and Director of Program Design & Innovation with the Office of Distributed Learning. As an organizational scientist, Senenge helps leaders, teams, and organizations acclimate to the integration of technology in teaching and learning environments. His research, scholarship, and practice take a critical lens to technology in learning and emphasize people over tools. Senenge holds an Individualized BES in Business Economics and Rhetorical & Analytical Writing, MA in Management & Organizational Development, M.Ed in Work & Human Resource Development, and a PhD in Curriculum & Instruction with an emphasis in Learning Technologies. Senenge was previously on faculty at Minneapolis College (formerly MCTC) and Metropolitan State University, teaching courses in educational philosophy & planning and academic development. Prior to his career in higher education, Senenge spent over a dozen years as a consultant in project management and organizational development. 

Paula MacDonald, M.S, is the Distributed Learning Analyst for Systemwide Initiatives with the Office of Distributed Learning where she leads strategic efforts to expand degree completion and other multi-campus learning opportunities at the University of Minnesota. Paula is passionate about making higher education accessible to all individuals. She has been active in the diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility space as an American Sign Language (ASL)/English Interpreter and educator. Paula holds a Certificate in Deaf Studies, an A.A.S. in English/ASL Interpreting and Transliteration, B.A. in Individualized Studies, and a M.S. in Interpreting Pedagogy-completing her teaching practicum at Karl-Franzens University, Graz, Austria. Since 2013, she has had the privilege of working in higher education in a variety of capacities including as an instructional designer, online educator, program manager, and assistant program director. She is a champion for intentional application of evidence-based best practices to career relevant pedagogy, andragogy, and heutagogy curricula which have lasting positive impacts on individuals and strengthen communities.

Fritz Vandover, Ph.D., is the Program Analyst for Distributed Learning with the Office of Distributed Learning where he leads the development and management of internal and external resources to build the University’s capacity to create and operate online academic programs. Fritz also manages and supports the University’s relationship with Coursera. At the intersection of higher education and technology since 2000, Fritz has accrued a unique set of experiences supporting the use of technology in teaching and research and online program development at both small and large institutions of higher education as well as at a small online program management firm. These experiences allow Fritz to build relationships and fluently converse with a broad range of stakeholders within academic, institutional, and technological areas. Fritz has an M.A. in American History from Washington University in St. Louis, a Ph.D. in Higher Education Policy and Administration from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, and was a recipient of a Fulbright Specialist grant in 2016.