Dr. Nikki LaGrone brings a passion for online learning
By Laura Pohl, Contributing Writer
Twenty years ago, in the era of dial-up modems, Dr. Nikki LaGrone found her calling as an expert in online course delivery and instructional design. Today, she leads an office of five providing instructional design services through the Center for Teaching and Learning at Governors State University (GovState).
In 2005, LaGrone was raising a family while working full time in the social work field. At home with a new baby, LaGrone was able to work remotely for her community health position. “My training was fully on-line and it was a god-send,” she said. “I wouldn’t have been able to maintain my work-life balance.”
The trainer then said something that changed her life: “You could be good at this.” LaGrone had earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale and was ready to start a master’s degree in social work. Instead, her career path turned 180 degrees and she decided to pursue an online master’s degree in education from American InterContinental University. In 2008, she began working at DeVry University Online as an instructional designer.
“It saved my life,” she said of earning her master’s degree online. “I couldn’t have gone to school after work with a young family. And I’ve been in love with online teaching ever since. Online student engagement is dear to my heart.”
LaGrone arrived at GovState in 2011 as an Online Instruction Specialist and became Program Director in 2021. She continued her career journey by pursuing a doctorate degree in Instructional Technology from Northern Illinois University.
She officially became Dr. LaGrone on March 24.
LaGrone’s dissertation reflects her passion. "The Relationship Between Learner Culture Dimensions and Online Student Engagement.” She collected data from 358 survey respondents at two public universities in Illinois. She found that age, income and education level were significant demographic factors in online student engagement.
“These findings will be useful in online course instruction development and strategies that support diverse online learners and increase engagement,” LaGrone said.
As for the future, the field of instructional technology is “here to stay,” LaGrone said. “We’re past the point of proving its value.” She foresees an increasing use of AI, but it will never take over the role of faculty teaching.
“The future will be innovative but we’ll always have human engagement.”