Learning Management System RFP Evaluation Committee selected

The Office of Information Technology (OIT) has formed a committee to recommend a vendor for the next learning management system (LMS) as part of the Learning Management System Evaluation Project. 

The Request for Proposal (RFP) Evaluation Committee is made up of faculty, staff, and students from across campus who will evaluate vendor proposals based on technical requirements and feedback gathered from current LMS users.

OIT launched the RFP process with the support of the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost to select an LMS platform that best aligns with the University's evolving teaching and learning goals. Blackboard has been OHIO’s preferred LMS for more than 20 years, during which time the technology to support teaching and learning has changed significantly. Blackboard has introduced a new Ultra platform, and OIT expects that the current Blackboard Learn platform will be retired in the next 5-7 years.

The RFP process will conclude with a recommendation if Ohio University will select a new LMS vendor or transition to Blackboard’s new Ultra platform.

Planned RFP timeline 

• Early Fall 2022: Gather campus feedback and form RFP Committee
• Mid Fall 2022: Launch official RFP 
• Spring 2023: Award RFP 
• Summer 2023: Announce implementation timeline for either a new LMS company or Blackboard Ultra

After the RFP is awarded, a new timeline will be announced regarding LMS implementation, which will be a phased approach over the following two years. No change will occur to current courses in Blackboard during the RFP process.

LMS RFP Evaluation Committee members

The members of the RFP Evaluation Committee include:

• Michelle Donaldson – Learning Systems Analyst III, Office of Information Technology
• Aimee Edmondson – Acting Associate Dean for Graduate Studies, Research and Creative Activity, Scripps College of Communication; University Curriculum Council
• Tobe Gillogly – Assistant Clinical Professor/Chair, Interdisciplinary Health Studies, College of Health Sciences and Professions
• Michael Greene – Learning and Development Administrator, University Human Resources
• Kennedy Huntsman – Athens Honors Tutorial College student, Political Science major, Student Senate
• Shantelle Jenkins – Assistant Professor of Instruction and Associate MPA Director, Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service
• Jennie Klein – Associate Director and Graduate Director, School of Art + Design, Professor of Art History, College of Fine Arts
• Kari Lehman – Vice Provost for OHIO Online
• Peter Lim – Application Support Analyst & IT Coordinator, Regional Higher Education
• Eszti Major-Rohrer – Manager, Enterprise Learning Systems & Academic Technology Services, Office of Information Technology
• Yza Melvin – Senior Technology Analyst, Office of the University Registrar
• Shawn Ostermann – Associate Professor, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Russ College of Engineering and Technology 
• Rachel Patterson – OHIO Online student, Interior Architecture major
• Renee Perry – IT Acquisitions Manager, Office of Information Technology
• Melinda Rhodes-DiSalvo – Executive Director, Center for Teaching, Learning, and Assessment
• Sarah Rist – Assistant Professor of Instruction, Marketing, College of Business
• Jay Ryu – Professor, Political Science, College of Arts & Sciences
• Paul Shovlin – Assistant Professor of Instruction and Director of Composition, College of Arts & Sciences
• Becky Simons – Instructional Designer and Team Lead, Office of Instructional Innovation
• Jennifer Smith – Assistant Professor of Instruction, Music Theory, College of Fine Arts; University Curriculum Council
• Mike Snavely – Senior Director, Instructional Operations, Technology and Learner Success, Graduate and External Programs, College of Business
• Nick Stanley – Ohio University Chillicothe student, Middle Childhood Education major
• Jesse Strycker – Assistant Professor, Educational Studies, Patton College of Education
• Marjorie Vogt – Clinical Professor, Nursing, College of Health Sciences and Professions
• Lindsey Ward – Academic Technology Team Lead, Office of Information Technology
• Allison White – Associate Professor, Chair of Applied Sciences and Professions, University College, Regional Higher Education
• Andria Williams – Assistant Director, Technology Solutions, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine

To learn more about the project, submit feedback, or get involved, visit the Learning Management System Evaluation Project page.