Paustian, executive director of the UAB Division of eLearning and Professional Studies for almost four years, has managed support for faculty and staff with instructional design and media production services, academic technology tools and training and more — services that are increasingly important as faculty design hybrid and online courses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The need for this new position demonstrates the importance of technology in meeting UAB’s education goals,” said Pam Benoit, Ph.D., senior vice president for academic affairs and provost. “Dr. Paustian has been appointed as the first person to hold this new position because of her clear capabilities as an educator and as a leader.”
“I am honored to be provided this opportunity and serve an institution that I love so much,” Paustian said. “I am fortunate that in this role, I will continue to work with our university’s creative and adept faculty.”
Paustian, who joined UAB in 2001, has been director of the School of Health Professions Health Care Management program, associate chair of academic operations in the Department of Health Services Administration. She also directed the university’s Quality Enhancement Program: Learning in a Team Environment.
Paustian is the recipient of the UAB President's Award for Excellence in Teaching, the UAB Faculty Senate Distinguished Service Award and the Excellence in Teaching and Joseph F. Volker Award Outstanding Faculty award presented by the School of Health Professions.