Dr. Kenneth E. Hartman, the academic director at Drexel University Online, has been named chairman of the 2007 National Distance Learning Week (NDLW) committee.

NDLW, sponsored by the United States Distance Learning Association, will take place November 12-16, 2007. Numerous events will be held around the country and online to educate the public about the growing importance and presence of distance learning.

Dr. Hartman will lead the 15-member NDLW committee, which is made up of representatives from education, corporations, the military, government, telehealth and the media. Members will work to promote the awareness of distance learning within their organizations.

With more than 26 years in higher education, Dr. Hartman has many honors to his name including the 2006 Drexel School of Education’s Faculty Fellow and Associate Award and the 2007 Penn Educator of the Year Award from the University of Pennsylvania. He’s also an author and NBC-10’s on-air technology contributor.

Senator Edward Kennedy, chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, commented on the importance of distance learning and the National Distance Learning Week initiative. “Online learning programs are invaluable because they provide a segment of our population with critical literacy and job-related skills as well as the means to take their careers to the next level,” said Senator Kennedy. “It is important that people have a greater awareness and appreciation for distance learning.”