Online degree program special education

GRAMBLING, LA.

Grambling State University's Distance Learning program, also known as Grambling Online, is joining the consortium of higher education institutions which offer courses through eArmyU, a virtual university program for U.S. Army personnel. Managed by IBM Business Consulting Services, eArmyU is the largest virtual university program for enlisted service members in the U.S. Army, according to officials.

This fall, Grambling State University (GSU) will become one of 32 colleges and universities in 19 states offering online courses to more than 30,000 soldiers in the United States and abroad. The eArmyU program has been in existence since 2001 and enrollment is expected to reach 80,000 by 2005. Grambling joins Hampton University in Virginia and North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro as the only historically Black universities in the consortium (see Black Issues, Jan. 18, 2001).

"Although there are hundreds of institutions offering distance-learning courses on the Web, this opportunity could help to make Grambling a premier university in the area of e-learning," says Dr. Ben Lowery, director of distance learning at GSU.

Through Grambling and the eArmyU program, soldiers will be able to obtain a bachelor's degree online in mass communications specializing in public relations or a certificate or associate's degree in paralegal studies.

"We're excited about this chance to be a part of the learning opportunities for military personnel and their families," says Dr. Obadiah Simmons, acting dean of the division of continuing education & special projects. "We're even more excited about the opportunity to expand Grumbling State University's tradition of educational excellence to the electronic learning community and to represent the state of Louisiana in this unique educational venture."

For more information about eArmyU, log on to <www.eArmyU.com>. For more information about Grambling Online, log on to <www.gram.edu>.