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Susan C. Aldridge, PhD
Dr. Susan C. Aldridge is a highly accomplished leader in adult and distance education and president of University of Maryland University College (UMUC). As its chief executive, Dr. Aldridge oversees the largest state university in the United States, with divisions in Maryland, Europe and Asia; the world’s fastest-growing virtual campus; and more than 90,000 students in 25 countries.
A passionate educator and seasoned administrator with a distinguished career spanning more than two decades, Dr. Aldridge is deeply committed to creating high-quality academic programs and world-class services for adult students, including military servicemembers and their families. In just three short years at UMUC, Dr. Aldridge has focused her extraordinary vision and energy on expanding the university’s global outreach and presence; increasing its enrollments; strengthening its infrastructure; and streamlining its massive business operation.
Before joining UMUC, she served as vice chancellor for Troy University’s University College and eCampus in Alabama, directing operations in 17 states and 14 countries, and providing programs and services across 13 time zones.
In addition to receiving numerous awards and honors throughout her career, Dr. Aldridge has taken a leading role on higher education panels and academic conferences across the country and around the world—including the Fulbright Scholars Program in Egypt and a U.S. Department of Education-sponsored trip to promote U.S. education in South America. Dr. Aldridge has also served as chair and co-chair of the U.S.-China Forum on Distance Education, as well as co-chair of the U.S. Department of Defense Task Force on Distance Learning Standards. She is also one of 11 university presidents appointed to a commission sponsored by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, tasked with studying how the United States can improve its system for higher education.
Dr. Aldridge is a member of the NASULGC-Sloan National Commission on Online Learning, the Maryland Pre-K to 20 Leadership Council and the Servicemembers Opportunities Colleges (SOC) Board. In 2008, she was appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Defense to the Air University Board of Visitors. In 2009, she joined the Microsoft Advisory Council on Education Products. Dr. Aldridge received her doctorate and master’s degree from the University of Colorado, and her bachelor’s degree from Colorado Women’s College.