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Meet our Staff

Here are the faces who help design, coordinate and implement Drake University’s online and continuing education programs.

Belle Cowden

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.

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Kara Wendelin Carnahan

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.

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Dianna Gray

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

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Shannon Hilscher

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

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Nichole Stabile

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

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Megan Flynn

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.

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William Klein

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.

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Suzanne Wisslead

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

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