Mary Price has been named employee of the third quarter by the U of A Global Campus.

As ­a senior instructional designer at Global Campus, Price mentors new instructional designers who support faculty to develop online courses offered by U of A academic colleges. She also assists with the online course evaluation process, researches innovative ways to present course materials and helps connect faculty to other design and support resources.

"I am very appreciative of my colleagues for nominating me," Price said. "It's a great pick-me-up, a boost after a long year."

Price constantly searches for innovative ways to improve the delivery of course content and volunteers wherever she is needed, her coworkers said.

"Mary is such a joyful and supportive member of the Instructional Design team," her colleagues said. "She always lifts our spirits. She leads the Innovation values team with excitement, empathy and authenticity. This isn't just another assignment to her. It is an important and necessary step in increasing the potential and leadership of GC. She willingly steps up in any situation. You can find her at the office working with faculty and collaborating with other team members. She is a critical member of the team."

Cheryl Murphy, vice provost for distance education and head of the Global Campus, recognized Price as the employee of the quarter at the April staff meeting conducted online.

"Mary has such an enthusiastic energy about her," Murphy said. "Her ability to create high-quality content for our online courses is a tremendous asset to the students and teaching faculty at the University of Arkansas. We are fortunate to have someone with her skills and positive attitude."

Price began her career at the U of A in 2016, working with the College of Engineering to develop online courses for the Master of Science in Operations Management and Master of Science in Engineering degree programs. She joined the Global Campus as an instructional designer in 2018.

The Instructional Design and Support Services team at Global Campus supports instructors in the development and delivery of online courses and in the use of educational technology across campus. Instructional designers are trained to meet national quality standards and follow state and federal distance education guidelines. The team helps instructors use the latest pedagogy and technology to deliver course materials, design online assessment tools and engage with online students.

The Global Campus awards the employee of the quarter to recognize outstanding achievements and accomplishments that relate to the unit's goals and the U of A mission. The award recipient receives a commemorative certificate and a monetary award.

Other third quarter nominees were Christina Smith, assistant to the assistant vice provost of student outreach and innovation; and Lesley Speller, a student engagement specialist.

The Global Campus supports the U of A academic colleges and schools in the development and delivery of online degree programs and courses, self-paced online courses and workforce development programs. This unit provides instructional design services, learning technology support, media production services and assistance with financial administration, recruitment and marketing.

The Global Campus also supports the W.E. Manning Memorial Scholarship, which is open to undergraduate and graduate students studying in online degree programs offered by academic colleges.