Empowering the Future of Digital Learning: The Impact of the MarylandOnline Leadership Institute

by: Dr. Shinta Hernandez, Director of MOLLI

As online education becomes central to higher ed, the need for skilled, strategic, and equity-minded leaders is more critical than ever. That’s where the MarylandOnline Leadership Institute (MOLLI) steps in. MOLLI is at the forefront of addressing this need, offering a unique, high-impact professional development experience for those poised to lead in this dynamic space.

The Importance of Leadership Development in Online Education

Online education is not merely a change in modality—it demands new strategies for engagement, equity, curriculum design, student support, and institutional alignment. Leading in this space means understanding technology, pedagogy, policy, and collaboration in a significantly different way. Many leadership programs may touch on these themes, but they rarely dive deep into the unique challenges and opportunities presented by online learning.

This is where MOLLI stands out. It recognizes that the leaders of today and tomorrow must be equipped not just to manage digital transformation but to innovate and inspire within it.

What Sets MOLLI Apart

A signature component of MOLLI is its Residential Program (RP), which is a holistic, experiential, collaborative, and cohort-based residential program designed specifically for professionals in online education. Participants engage in a transformative journey that blends virtual learning with a residential component, immersive discussions, applied projects, and mentoring relationships.

The following elements are just some of the ways that make the MOLLI RP unique:

• Online Learning at the Core: Unlike traditional leadership programs, the MOLLI RP is built for digital education professionals.

• Community of Practice: Participants connect with diverse leaders across institutions for deep dialogue and lasting collaboration.

• Hands-On Application: Participants tackle real challenges from their home institutions and leave with actionable strategies.

• Equity-Driven: The MOLLI RP centers equity, access, and inclusion in digital learning design and leadership.

Transforming Professional Journeys

The impact of the MOLLI RP on participants is profound. Graduates leave with greater clarity of purpose, a sharper strategic lens, and expanded leadership capacity. Many alums report increased confidence in navigating institutional politics, leading change initiatives, and mentoring others in digital learning spaces. Others have leveraged their MOLLI RP experience to step into new leadership roles, lead major online learning redesign efforts, or shape college-wide initiatives in teaching and learning innovation.

Just as important, the MOLLI RP helps participants define their own leadership identities. In a field where the pace of change can feel overwhelming, the program encourages reflective practice and grounded vision. It equips leaders not just with skills, but with the mindset and network needed to sustain long-term impact.

Why It Matters Now

Online education is not just the future—it is the present. The MOLLI RP plays a critical role in preparing the leaders who will shape its future. For those committed to transforming education through technology and the virtual environment, the MOLLI RP is not just a program—it’s a catalyst for change.

How to Join Us in Annapolis, MD from July 21-24, 2025

Apply to the MOLLI RP by visiting the website. The final application deadline is Monday, June 30, 2025.