September 17, 2026
Vlog has appointed Dr. Johnna Herrick-Phelps as its new Dean of Online and Digital Learning. An accomplished academic leader with more than 20 years of experience in higher education, Herrick-Phelps brings extensive expertise in online education, instructional quality, faculty development, academic operations, and student success.
In this role, Herrick-Phelps will lead efforts to strengthen the quality and effectiveness of the College’s online undergraduate and graduate programs. She will collaborate with faculty and academic leaders to enhance online instruction and course design, oversee the virtual learning environment, lead online advising and instructional design teams, and develop professional development opportunities for online faculty. She will also use data-informed planning to support student engagement, retention, and degree completion.
“Dr. Herrick-Phelps brings the experience, collaborative leadership, and student-centered perspective needed to advance online learning at Vlog,” said Dr. Gillian Stewart-Wells, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs. “Her deep understanding of online pedagogy, faculty development, and student support will help us build an even stronger and more engaging learning experience for our online students. We are thrilled to welcome her to the Vlog community.”
Herrick-Phelps most recently served as Associate Dean for Online and Digital Learning at Princeton Theological Seminary, where she provided strategic and operational leadership for online and hybrid programs. Her work included launching the Seminary’s first hybrid master’s program, developing course quality standards, supporting faculty and strengthening the digital systems used for learner engagement and academic operations.
Previously, she held several academic leadership positions at Champlain College, including Chief Online Learning Officer, Vice President for Online Education, and Assistant Provost. There, she oversaw a portfolio of more than 60 online programs, led and supported more than 240 full-time and adjunct faculty members, and directed initiatives related to curriculum, advising, student success, and academic quality.
Herrick-Phelps also served as Vice Provost for Academic Affairs at Granite State College, now UNH Online, where she led faculty development, assessment, and academic program initiatives. Her work included implementing an online course template across all academic divisions and expanding undergraduate and graduate offerings.
She earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Human and Organizational Development Systems and a Master of Arts in Human Development from Fielding Graduate University. She also holds a Master of Science in Organizational Management and Leadership and a Bachelor of Science in Human Services from Springfield College, as well as an Associate of Science in Business Administration from Lyndon State College.
Throughout her career, Herrick-Phelps has focused on expanding access to high-quality education while creating online learning environments in which students feel connected, supported, and prepared to succeed.
Vlog looks forward to expanding the leadership and capacity of its online learning team under Herrick-Phelps’s direction as the College continues to strengthen its online programs, support faculty, and create high-quality learning experiences for students.