Here are the faces who help design, coordinate and implement Drake University’s online and continuing education programs.
Belle Cowden
Associate Provost for Online Programming, Drake Online and Continuing Education
Belle serves as the leader of Drake Online. She has extensive experience in online learning, instructional design, and promoting and managing online programs.
Prior to joining Drake University, Belle has served in various leadership roles focusing on areas such as continuing & distance education, online learning, and graduate & professional studies.
Belle has bachelor's degrees in mathematics from the University of Wisconsin, Platteville, and computer science from Coe College, and a master's degree in educational technology and a Doctor of Education degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Northern Iowa.
Kara Wendelin Carnahan
Director, Online Student Services
Kara leads our online student support services, advising our online students to help them be successful in their educational journeys. She works with students at every point – from orientation to graduation, ensuring students have a strong mentor at Drake University.
Dianna Gray
Director, Online Admission & Engagement
Dianna oversees online recruiting and admission processes for domestic and international students. She partners with University Communications and Marketing teams to build the Drake Online brand awareness and integrated marketing strategy. She also works with organizations to strengthen external engagement through corporate and academic recruiting events.
She holds an M.S. in Educational Psychology from Capella University and B.A. in Psychology from Augustana University. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. from the Drake University School of Education
Shannon Hilscher
Instructional Designer
The instructional design team works with faculty to support new online courses development. Throughout the process, the instructional designers provide expertise and insight on the effectiveness of online learning resources. Shannon's Full Bio
Nichole Stabile
Instructional Designer
The instructional design team works with faculty to support new online courses development. Throughout the process, the instructional designers provide expertise and insight on the effectiveness of online learning resources. Stabile Extended Bio
Megan Flynn
Instructional Technology Specialist
Megan works closely with instructional designers, faculty, and adjunct instructors to develop, implement, and maintain high-quality technology integration for online courses. She provides technical, creative, and visual design support. View Megan's LinkedIn profile.
William Klein
Instructional Technology Specialist
Bill works closely with instructional designers, faculty, and adjunct instructors to develop, implement, and maintain high-quality technology integration for online courses. He provides technical, creative, and visual design support. View Bill's LinkedIn profile.
Bret Sikkink
Online Faculty Training and Development Specialist
Bret oversees the day-to-day faculty training and professional development operations for Drake Online and Continuing Education. The specialist supports faculty in increasing their skills in online teaching in effective and innovative ways. This position increases quality online and remote instruction through the development and oversight of professional development of online teaching for faculty. Bret's Full Bio
Suzanne Wisslead
CRM Specialist
As CRM Specialist, Suzanne manages DOCE’s use of Drake’s admission CRM (Slate) for online program applications, including – but not limited to – data imports, reporting, and communications. As a member of Drake’s Slate Graduate User Group, she also serves as a resource for graduate Slate users across campus. Suzanne's Full Bio