Team

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, 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.

Leigh Saunders serves as the Director of Marketing and Enrollment Management, where she leads the marketing and enrollment management team for the Office of Distributed Learning. Over her ten-plus years with the University of Minnesota, Leigh has spearheaded strategy for systemwide undergraduate and graduate degree programs, as well as specialty healthcare portfolios. Today, she and her team direct the expansion of the University of Minnesota Online portfolio, as well as drive strategic marketing across ODL's program support initiatives to help programs throughout the university system scale sustainably.

Leigh earned her B.A. in Business from the University of St. Thomas and maintains an active role in national higher education marketing networks, including UPCEA. Over her five years on the planning committee—where she currently serves as Co-Chair—she has helped guide strategic planning, execute the annual conference, and consistently present on ODL's innovative approaches to online enrollment strategy, marketing operations, and program scaling.

Jessica Haensch, is an Enrollment Advisor with the Office of Distributed Learning, where she provides enrollment management support for online programs and systemwide strategic initiatives aimed at boosting enrollments and degree completion. A proud University of Minnesota alumna, she earned a B.A. in German in 2002 and later joined the University staff in 2009 following a career in corporate recruiting. During her time at the University, Jessica has been primarily focused on student support and recruitment, spending the majority of her tenure as a collegiate scholarship and financial aid coordinator. Deeply committed to a student-centered approach, she works to create an inclusive, welcoming, and encouraging environment while helping students overcome barriers to higher education. In her current role, Jessica guides students through enrollment and re-enrollment, program options, and institutional resources. She also supports her ODL team with enrollment management strategy and a wide variety of projects. She truly enjoys working with University systems and collaborating with system-wide stakeholders to improve processes for future learners. 

Gabrielle Clavo, is a marketing and digital learning specialist in the University of Minnesota’s Office of Distributed Learning. She earned her B.S. in Public History in 2021 and her M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Learning Technologies, grounding her work in accessible design, thoughtful storytelling, and community‑centered digital strategy. With more than five years of experience in social media management, graphic design, and website management, she brings a strong blend of creativity and technical expertise to her role. Gabrielle manages the UMN Online website and assists in digital initiatives that help students navigate programs with clarity and confidence. She develops platform‑specific social campaigns, designs cohesive visual assets, and builds user‑friendly digital experiences that highlight the people and stories behind UMN’s online programs. Across every project, she is committed to creating digital spaces where learners feel connected, supported, and seen.