Antioch University has named Dr. Terry Ratcliff Executive Dean for Antioch University Online starting March 25. He brings extensive experience in online and distance education having served in a variety of roles in higher education over the past 30 years including assistant dean of students, director of enrollment, dean of adult and continuing education, director of online learning, and chief academic officer. Dr. Ratcliff has contributed to higher education as a consultant to colleges and universities to improve student retention, online teaching and learning, and faculty development. He will serve on the University Leadership Council, the University Academic Council, and the Council of Chief Academic Officers. He is based at Antioch University Seattle while serving the entire University.
Working in a variety of institutional settings, Dr. Ratcliff has a depth of experience in the development and implementation of online courses and programs and the increased use of technology in teaching and learning. At Whitworth University, he was tasked with developing the first online courses for traditional students. As Executive Director of Distance and Extended Education at the University of Idaho, he was responsible for the development of a strategic plan for online learning. At Pacific Oaks College, he supervised the Assistant Dean for Academic Technology and Online Learning. In collaboration with the other assistant deans, they strengthened the instructional design process and developed a training and support program for online adjuncts.
An online instructor since 1998, he has facilitated courses on a variety of learning platforms. Dr. Ratcliff has Quality Matters certification as both Higher Education Peer Reviewer and Higher Education QM Coordinator.
Active in the Association for Continuing Higher Education, he has served in volunteer and elected roles at the regional and national level. He completed an elected term as a Director at Large on the organization’s board of directors in 2016. Dr. Ratcliff is also active in higher education accreditation, serving as a volunteer site visitor for the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Dr. Ratcliff earned his EdD in higher education from the University of California-Berkeley, a master’s degree in adult and higher education from Arizona State University, and a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Idaho.
