Office of Academic and Learning Innovation Receives 2025 John R. Bourne Award for Excellence in Online and Digital Programming

Boulder, CO. — The University of Colorado Boulder is proud to announce that its Office of Academic and Learning Innovation (ALI) has been awarded the 2025 John R. Bourne Award for Excellence in Online and Digital Programming by the Online Learning Consortium (OLC), a leading professional organization dedicated to advancing quality digital teaching and learning worldwide.

Presented annually by OLC, the John R. Bourne Award recognizes individuals, teams, and organizations that demonstrate outstanding innovation, impact, and effectiveness in developing or expanding online and digital learning. This year’s award honors ALI’s National Leadership in Scalable, Student-Centered Online Degrees, highlighting the team’s transformative approach to designing, delivering, and managing high-quality online education.

Since its launch in 2018, ALI has reshaped the online learning landscape at CU Boulder by creating new pathways for students to access rigorous graduate education from anywhere in the world. Through innovative program design, flexible learning models, and learner-first support systems, ALI has empowered thousands of students globally to pursue advanced degrees that fit their goals and schedules.

“We are honored to receive this recognition from OLC,” Randall Fullington, Executive Director of ALI said. “Our mission has always been to expand access to world-class education through thoughtful, student-centered digital innovation. This award affirms the incredible dedication and collaboration of our faculty, staff, and partners across campus.”

The John R. Bourne Award spotlights exemplary practices that elevate teaching, learning, and administrative processes through digital tools, platforms, and content. ALI’s continued impact reflects CU Boulder’s commitment to educational access, excellence, and innovation at scale.