The University of North Carolina welcomed a new hire following a national search.

UNCW welcomed Associate Vice Chancellor for Distance Education Jeremy Dickerson '97, '99M in August, according to a news release.

In this role, Dickerson will report to Provost Marilyn Sheerer and provide leadership and guidance to the university’s online and distance learning programs, including the Office of e-Learning and the Onslow Extension Office, officials said in the release. He started his appointment on Aug. 14.

“Jeremy Dickerson brings nearly 20 years of experience in instructional technology, online course development and program management, teaching and research to this role,” Sheerer said in the release. “His commitment to seamlessly integrating technology-rich higher education programs into the overall fabric of a university community makes him an ideal fit for this strategic position.”

Dickerson was previously a professor of instructional technology at Coastal Carolina University (CCU) in South Carolina.

He began his academic career at UNCW’s Watson College of Education, where he was an instructional technologist and then director of technology for six years.

His previous experience also includes serving as CCU’s coordinator of online instructional technology programs and prior to that, as an assistant professor of information technologies education at East Carolina University.

“Returning to UNCW as Associate Vice Chancellor for Distance Education is the opportunity of a lifetime for me,” Dickerson said in the release. “Early in my career, my experience with the Watson College of Education positioned me to excel in an exciting field, and I look forward to being back in Wilmington to help faculty and staff across campus expand UNCW’s academic footprint by elevating the university’s distance education and online learning programs to new levels of success.”

Over the years, Dickerson’s teaching experience has ranged from serving as an adjunct instructor through holding the rank of full professor with tenure. His research interests focus on integrating technology with teaching and distance education, officials said in the release.

He has numerous publications and has presented at professional conferences across the United States and internationally, officials said. He has also been a consultant in business and industry, specializing in training and online learning.

Dickerson earned a Bachelor of Arts and a master’s degree in education from UNCW. He also holds a doctoral degree in technology education with a minor in training and development from N.C. State University. He previously served in the U.S. Army Reserve and is a native of Onslow County, officials said.