Linda Baer, Senior Vice Chancellor, has announced the appointment of Dr. Patrick Opatz as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Minnesota Online. Current COO Dr. Gary Langer will continue to be actively involved in Minnesota Online activities, but has been asked by Linda Baer to assume greater responsibility in other key areas of Academic Affairs.
Linda Baer sees this as a great opportunity for Minnesota Online. "Over the past several years, Gary has been asked to play a greater and greater role in advancing innovation in Academic Affairs, extending him beyond the day-to-day management of Minnesota Online. As the COO, Pat will be able to focus all his energies on this important component of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities."
Gary will continue to play a leadership role in online learning, but will focus more on strategic issues, building collaborations, and advancing emerging technology. Dr. Opatz will be managing the day-to-day operations of Minnesota Online, working with the Minnesota Online Council in developing and delivering the tools and resources institutions need to serve students taking online courses or using online services.
Pat has more than 15 years experience in higher education, serving in planning and administrative functions at the University of Minnesota, St. Norbert College, and the MnSCU system. Prior to becoming the Chief Operating Officer, Pat was the Business Development Director for Minnesota Online. He will continue to manage the business development functions as he expands his role to managing all aspects of Minnesota Online.
The appointment was announced last week at the Minnesota Online Council meeting.