Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Selected Presentations
Timeline
Generic

Valora Richardson

Decatur,USA

Summary

Visionary digital learning strategist with over 15 years of experience leading educational innovation across higher education and nonprofit ecosystems. Expertise in emerging technologies including AI, adaptive learning, and digital equity initiatives. Proven record in developing research-to-practice frameworks, designing scalable online platforms, managing cross-functional teams, and securing national partnerships. Committed to advancing powerful learning experiences for historically underserved learners.

Overview

28
28
years of professional experience

Work History

Director, Digital Solutions and Innovation

UNCF
Atlanta, GA
02.2022 - 11.2024
  • Lead strategic development and implementation of digital learning initiatives across the HBCU network.
  • Develop shared learning platforms, manage online course creation, and build faculty digital capabilities across partner institutions.
  • Oversee program quality, vendor relationships, and cross-institutional stakeholder engagement while ensuring strong student outcomes.
  • Secure funding partnerships, and expand program reach.
  • Coordinate with HBCU administrators, faculty, and technology partners to drive educational innovation and strengthen online learning infrastructure.
  • Served as product owner and led the design, development and launch of HBCUv.
  • Developed and conducted the Digital Learning Content Review Council which evaluated digital learning assets from Harvard, MIT, and adaptive learning vendors and led to the production of 16 comprehensive course enhancement guides which recommended course content enhancements to meet the unique needs and contexts of HBCU students.
  • Developed the HBCUv Faculty Collective, an operational framework, to guide future faculty development work on the platform.
  • Development of HBCU Authentic Engagement Framework aimed at creating learning experiences reflective of and responsive to HBCU context.
  • Served as project manager and liaison for the SNCC Legacy Project work.
  • Successfully delivered several national faculty development opportunities: Implemented Camp Canvas, Established the Digital Learning Review Council, Organized HBCUv Faculty Convening, Conducted UNITE workshops focusing on AI and HBCU Authentic engagement.

Adjunct Graduate Faculty – Learning Sciences

GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY
Atlanta, Georgia
01.2018 - 01.2022
  • Collaborated with the Learning Sciences Program Chair to develop and manage graduate course curricula in Instructional Technology.
  • Created comprehensive assessment materials including tests, assignments, and online discussion activities aligned with standardized learning objectives.
  • Designed and delivered graduate-level courses in instructional technology, focusing on best practices in online learning, digital pedagogy, and emerging educational technologies.
  • Facilitated engaging, student-centered learning experiences in both synchronous and asynchronous environments.
  • Assessed student learning outcomes and provided constructive feedback to support academic growth.
  • Integrated culturally responsive teaching strategies to enhance student engagement and success.
  • Collaborated with faculty and instructional designers to align course content with institutional goals and accreditation standards.

Director, Hampton U Online

HAMPTON UNIVERSITY
Hampton, VA
01.2020 - 06.2021
  • Worked closely with the President, Chancellor/Provost, and other college leaders to establish strategic priorities and vision for online programs while providing administrative oversight and coordination of all aspects of digital education, including delivery, infrastructure, and financial foundations.
  • Created and implemented quality standards across all online offerings and developed best practices for student support and teaching in online environments.
  • Collaborated with academic units, senior leadership, and research partners to develop high-potential degree and certificate programs, grow enrollment, and play a key role in acquiring necessary technology and infrastructure.
  • Ensured compliance with accreditation standards, State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) requirements, and Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility guidelines.
  • Expanded the Hampton U Online's offerings by bringing three new programs online – B.S in Psychology, B.S. in Computer Information Systems and B.S. in Public Safety Administration.
  • Worked with college leaders to develop an overarching vision and strategy for new and existing online education initiatives.
  • Developed and implemented a restructuring plan for staffing.
  • Developed and implemented a strategic marketing plan which included the total redesign of the Hampton U Online website.
  • Developed a community portal for Military/Veteran students.
  • Received accreditation by the Virginia Department of Education and NC-SARA.
  • Refined relevant online education governing policies and procedures.
  • Selected and implemented an online faculty recruitment system.
  • Optimized CRM Recruit for maximum efficiency in recruiting and admitting students.
  • Developed new faculty onboarding.

Adjunct Faculty, Design and Media Production Technology

GEORGIA PIEDMONT TECHNICAL COLLEGE
Atlanta
01.2017 - 01.2021
  • Under general supervision, prepares lesson plans for classroom instruction for credited technical/occupational courses on design and media production.
  • Teaches both lecture and laboratory activities in hybrid, face-to-face and online formats and may involve Internet classes.
  • Teaches all phases of the program curriculum to adults or high school students participating in college-level classes at the college or at participating area high schools.

Assistant Director, Faculty Development & Support, Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning

GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY
Atlanta, GA
01.2015 - 01.2020
  • Led a seven-person learning technology team providing professional development and support services to over 2,500 faculty members at Georgia State University.
  • Developed and implemented a proactive faculty engagement strategy to enhance technology integration in courses and curricula.
  • Oversaw personnel, resources, and campus facilities supporting faculty use of learning technologies.
  • Managed service ticket system to ensure rapid, high-quality customer support.
  • Assessed faculty development needs and increased participation in training opportunities.
  • Conducted research on emerging learning technologies and managed their implementation through various projects.
  • Served as Learning Technology division representative on committees, councils, and working groups.
  • Managed grant budgets and resource allocation.
  • Orchestrated the consolidation of the learning technology teams from Georgia Perimeter to Georgia State.
  • Received a $50,000 grant from the Association of Public and Land Grant Institutions to explore the relationship between Social Justice and Student Success.
  • Received a $20,000 grant to develop an OER Global Business Textbook.
  • Developed Learning Analytics Research Plan for the academic technology department.
  • Researched and Implemented OER Solution (Pressbooks) for the University.
  • Developed Mastering Online Teaching Certification program Series which consisted of 5 3 to 6 week workshops to prepare faculty to teach online – Mastering Accessibility, Mastering Online Teaching, Mastering Engagement, Mastering assessments.
  • Developed and implemented lecture classroom simulcast (CISCO) training for faculty and students.

Instructional Technology, Assistant Director

GEORGIA PERIMETER COLLEGE
Decatur
01.2011 - 01.2015
  • Partnered with the Director of Learning Technology to develop and communicate strategic vision for Instructional Design and Technology initiatives across the college.
  • Secured resources and oversaw operations of seven digital media labs (ideaSPOTs) for faculty use.
  • Led selection, acquisition, and deployment of technology innovations including web conferencing, lecture capture, and equipment reservation systems.
  • Served as technical professional development coordinator, overseeing faculty training and technology adoption initiatives.
  • Developed and implemented a comprehensive faculty digital equipment checkout system which included the purchase and distribution of high end multimedia equipment (cameras, light kits, audio systems, etc.) to each of the ideaSPOT labs as well as the selection and implementation of the online equipment reservation system.
  • Envisioned and developed social media marketing plan for the organization.
  • Developed style guide for video and paper-based training materials.
  • Coordinated the deployment of over 400 iPads for the iTeach program.
  • Developed training and support plan for the migration to Desire2Learn as a result of the plan 400 faculty and staff were trained both virtually and face to face for the new learning management system.
  • Serving on the project team for SharePoint website deployment.
  • Serving on the iCollege Advisory committee.

Instructional Technologist

GEORGIA PERIMETER COLLEGE
Decatur
01.2006 - 01.2011
  • Served as consultant to faculty and staff in the use of software and hardware utilized for instructional purposes.
  • Developed instructional materials for face-to-face and online instruction.
  • Planned and managed instructional design projects.
  • Assisted with the delivery and maintenance of distance learning content and media.
  • Managed the use of the Instructional Design Lab.
  • Developed online payroll system and information security training for the entire college.
  • Developed the basic online course design template for GPC Online.
  • Collaborated with a subject matter expert to develop the Film 1010 course template for GPC Online.
  • Produced online 'Field Experience' video for Education students.
  • Developed the Online Tutor Training Course for the Learning and Tutoring Center (Decatur Campus).
  • Piloted the use of iPods in online instruction for Fire Science.
  • Developed various learning objects in support of classroom instruction and professional development.
  • Served as WebCT co-administrator.

Graduate Research Assistant & Graduate Teaching Assistant

Georgia State University
Atlanta, Georgia
01.2004 - 01.2006
  • Served as Instructor of Record for undergraduate courses in Instructional Technology.
  • Conducted and analyzed research, project management assistance, and instructional technology product development throughout the College of Education.
  • Developed one of Georgia State's first online courses entitled 'Advanced Medical Terminology' using WebCT (Campus Edition) 2004.
  • Taught undergraduate course 'Teaching, Learning and Technology Integration'.
  • Design and developed the 'Electronic Exhibit Room' website for the NCATE accreditation visit in March 2006.
  • Co-taught graduate course 'Developing Multimedia Training and Performance Systems'.
  • Developed and delivered training for the ePortfolio technology used with a select group of Freshman Learning Communities. Provided classroom support for faculty implementing the ePortfolio technology.

Educational Technologist

FERNBANK SCIENCE CENTER
Atlanta
01.1997 - 01.2005
  • Company Overview: DeKalb County School System
  • Developed and delivered courses in technology, computer languages, software and hardware.
  • Developed web-based multimedia instructional materials.
  • Provided technical support for the center's Interactive Distance Learning (IDL) classroom and its computer lab.
  • Developed and delivered in-service technology education to Fernbank and DeKalb County School System faculty and staff.
  • Reported to the administration on budgetary considerations in technology.
  • DeKalb County School System

Education

M. S. - Information Technology

KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY
Kennesaw, GA
06.2025

Ph.D. - Instructional Technology

GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY
Atlanta, CA
01.2013

M.S. - Technical Communication

SOUTHERN POLYTECHNIC STATE UNIVERSITY
Marietta, GA
01.1997

B.A. - English

GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY
Atlanta, GA
01.1991

Skills

  • AI in education
  • Digital literacy
  • Responsible innovation
  • Research and evaluation
  • Learning sciences
  • Online program development
  • Instructional design
  • Equity-centered design
  • Inclusive pedagogy
  • Cross-sector partnerships
  • Fund development
  • Strategic planning
  • Team leadership and mentorship
  • Public speaking
  • Policy advocacy

Selected Presentations

  • The EdUp Experience podcast, Episode 837, Insights Edu Conference, 02/01/24
  • Reimagining Black Education: The Future of Black Education, Educause, 10/01/23
  • Connected Campus by Pathify Podcast, Episode 35, 09/01/23
  • Adult and workforce learning: How will AI shape future careers., Accelerate Edtech Impact Stanford University, 11/01/23
  • AI 101: A primer for Faculty, CETLA 20th Anniversary, Keynote Speaker, Howard University, 05/01/23
  • Digital Learning at HBCUs, Gates Digital Learning Initiatives, 04/01/23
  • How HBCUs are transforming their online communities, Times Higher Ed - Digital Universities Conference, 05/01/22
  • Multi campus collaborations driving digital innovations at scale., ASU+GSV Summit, 04/01/22

Timeline

Director, Digital Solutions and Innovation

UNCF
02.2022 - 11.2024

Director, Hampton U Online

HAMPTON UNIVERSITY
01.2020 - 06.2021

Adjunct Graduate Faculty – Learning Sciences

GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY
01.2018 - 01.2022

Adjunct Faculty, Design and Media Production Technology

GEORGIA PIEDMONT TECHNICAL COLLEGE
01.2017 - 01.2021

Assistant Director, Faculty Development & Support, Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning

GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY
01.2015 - 01.2020

Instructional Technology, Assistant Director

GEORGIA PERIMETER COLLEGE
01.2011 - 01.2015

Instructional Technologist

GEORGIA PERIMETER COLLEGE
01.2006 - 01.2011

Graduate Research Assistant & Graduate Teaching Assistant

Georgia State University
01.2004 - 01.2006

Educational Technologist

FERNBANK SCIENCE CENTER
01.1997 - 01.2005

M. S. - Information Technology

KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY

Ph.D. - Instructional Technology

GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY

M.S. - Technical Communication

SOUTHERN POLYTECHNIC STATE UNIVERSITY

B.A. - English

GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY

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