Blackboard, Inc., Recognizes University for Innovative Course Design  

ORANGE BEACH, Ala. – Blackboard, Inc., recently named two Columbia Southern University employees as the winners of the 2026 Exemplary Course Program (ECP) Awards.

The Blackboard Exemplary Award recognizes faculty and course designers from schools, colleges and universities around the world who develop engaging and innovative courses that represent the best in technology and learning. Courses are awarded for demonstrating excellence in four areas: course design, interaction and collaboration, assessment and learner support.

The award was given to the university’s senior instructional designer Robyn McKenzie, and Adam Cochran, course writer and academic discipline director for math and sciences. The two were recognized for their revision of BIO1301, Non-Majors Biology.

“As the course writer, my goal was to create a biology course that emphasizes understanding over memorization,” said Cochran. “The course encourages students to explore how biological principles influence their daily lives, making complex scientific concepts accessible, meaningful, and engaging for non-science majors.”

This latest recognition is the university’s seventh Blackboard Award.

“We are proud to recognize educators like Robyn and Adam, whose work reflects the creativity, care and intention behind impactful course design,” said Dr. Lisa Clark, associate vice president of Academic Transformation at Blackboard. “Their efforts help create learning experiences that are more engaging, effective and supportive for students.”

Additional team members who contributed to the win are Megan Bowers, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; Prebble Ramswell, Ph.D., academic program director for general studies, communications and human services; Kim Snyder, editor; Adam Wilson, digital eLearning specialist; and Darla Connely, course technologist and manager of course technology.

To learn more, visit ColumbiaSouthern.edu.

About Columbia Southern University

As an innovator in online education, CSU was established in 1993 to provide an alternative to the traditional university experience for today’s adult learner. CSU offers online associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs such as business administration, criminal justice, fire administration and occupational safety and health. Visit ColumbiaSouthern.edu or call (877) 347-6050 to learn more.

CAPTION: Robyn McKenzie, left, and Adam Cochran