UNM Continuing Education has been honored for excellence in the Best Management Practice category by the Learning Resources Network (LERN), an international association in lifelong learning. The winning entry, which was submitted by UNM's Rita Martinez-Purson, was included in a showcase of internationally exemplary programs at the LERN Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida in November.
Photo: Rita Martinez-Purson
Information about the organization was on display in the conference Hall of Learning throughout the three-day conference. In addition, the winning programs will be featured in future LERN publications and on LERN’s Web site.
Judges indicated that there was a very high level of excellence in this year’s field of nominees. Julie Coates, vice president of Information Services for LERN, said that this year’s award nominees were among the highest quality ever submitted. Coates also noted that there were more winners selected this year than in any previous year, due to the excellence in quality of the nominations.
In selecting programs to be recognized for excellence, Coates said the primary criteria judges used for those selected was the quality of being at the leading edge in the field of lifelong learning, as evidenced by their nomination. In addition, judges also applied the following criteria: originality, innovation, appropriateness as a model for other programs, replicability, and measurable outcomes.
The awards selection process is very competitive, Coates said, and it is truly an honor to be selected. UNM Continuing Education’s entry was selected from more than 100 nominations from four countries.
Dr. Rita-Martinez-Purson, dean of Continuing Education at the University of New Mexico, has been elected to the Board of Directors for the Learning Resources Network (LERN), a national education association.