Learn how an innovative cross-institutional partnership led to the creation of sixteen high-impact online learning experiences for professionals supporting military families. This session highlights strategies for navigating government contracts, building sustainable collaboration models, and fostering digital transformation aligned with strategic goals in online and blended education.

Session Topic and Relevance 
Building sustainable partnerships that advance digital equity and foster innovation is crucial for the future of online learning. This session will showcase the development and success of a unique collaboration between two large institutions to create high-quality, free, professional development learning experiences focused on behavioral health needs in military family communities. Over a three-year partnership, the team developed sixteen online learning experiences, covering topics such as military family culture, integrated social care, autism spectrum disorder, current child development trends, and suicide prevention. This work directly supports Track #2: Leadership, Partnerships, and Organizational Strategy by demonstrating leadership in building alliances, aligning workforce education with community needs, and designing sustainable digital learning initiatives that are scalable and strategic. 

Background and Context 
This project was a first-of-its-kind partnership for our instructional design and online operations unit. Success required adjusting project scoping documentation, refining collaborative workflows, and designing new models for cross-team coordination. Project teams included instructional designers, video producers, graphic designers, student workers, project managers, and partnership directors from one institution, and subject matter experts, project directors, and administrative staff from the collaborating organization. The partnership's impact was significant, resulting in over 4,100 professional registrations between January 2023 and March 2025, providing critical training to an underserved professional community. 

Engagement and Innovation 
Attendees will gain behind-the-scenes insights into how to successfully launch, manage, and sustain major cross-institutional collaborations, including practical strategies for: 

• Strategic planning for digital transformation in online education 

• Navigating government contracts and deliverable timelines 

• Developing iterative, content-centered design processes with multidisciplinary teams 

• Designing interactive, story-driven learning experiences using technologies like Rise 360 and animated media 

• Building frameworks for sustainable partnership and innovation 

This session will also emphasize the leadership decisions, partnership strategies, and resource management practices that enabled success, aligning closely with the goals of empowering leaders and fostering institutional innovation. 

Plan for Interactivity 
Rather than a traditional lecture format, this session will incorporate structured participant engagement: 

• A brief interactive poll at the beginning to understand the audience’s experience with partnerships and cross-team projects 

• Scenario-based group discussions on common challenges in forming sustainable educational partnerships 

• A concluding reflective discussion on lessons learned and tips for replicating or scaling partnerships at attendees’ home institutions 

Session Outcomes and Takeaways 
By the end of this session, attendees will be able to: 

• Identify strategies for building and sustaining cross-institutional partnerships for digital learning innovation 

• Describe best practices for managing complex project teams and government-funded educational initiatives 

Alexus Maschinot

Senior Instructional Designer at Purdue University-Main Campus

I'm a senior instructional designer with over a decade of experience leading online learning in higher education, specializing in scalable, learner-centered design. I’ve led award-winning projects and cross-functional teams, bringing strategic insight and a practitioner’s perspective that bridges vision and execution.

Alexa Burleigh

Instructional Designer at Purdue University-Main Campus

I'm an Instructional Designer at Purdue University Online with a passion for creating engaging, learner-centered experiences. I hold a Master’s degree in Learning Design and Technology from Purdue University and have spent the past four years working in the instructional design industry. My work focuses on integrating innovative design strategies to support diverse learners and foster meaningful online learning environments.

Brian Becker

Senior Instructional Designer at Purdue University-Main Campus

Brian Becker is an accomplished Instructional Designer with extensive experience in higher education and e-learning development. Currently a Senior Instructional Designer at Purdue University, he leads course development teams, mentors peers, and drives professional development initiatives. With a strong foundation in learning theory, multimedia design, and accessibility, Brian is adept at creating engaging, inclusive online and hybrid learning experiences. His expertise spans instructional tools such as Articulate Rise and LMS platforms like Brightspace and Canvas. Brian holds dual master’s degrees in Educational Leadership and Immersive Media, and his work has earned multiple awards, including Purdue’s Excellence in Online Course Design and Delivery.

Vincent Hornbach

Senior Video Production Specialist at Purdue University-Main Campus

I’m a Senior Video Production Specialist at Purdue University with over a decade of experience developing content for Online Learning in Higher Education. While I primarily record and edit video, I also have experience with motion design, animation, and video compositing.

Victory Soe

Sr. Dir. Global Online Partnerships & Strat Initiatives at Purdue University-Main Campus

I’m an experienced higher education leader focused on driving growth through strategic partnerships, online program innovation, and global collaboration. As Senior Director of Global Online Partnerships & Strategic Initiatives at Purdue University Online, I build initiatives that extend Purdue’s reach, generate new revenue, and create access for learners around the world.

With a background in international education, academic affairs, business development, and regulatory compliance, I work across functional teams and institutional boundaries to shape scalable online offerings. I serve as Purdue Online’s primary liaison for global collaborations, internal academic units, and university-wide strategic committees.
Core strengths include:

- Developing international, domestic, and corporate academic partnerships

- Securing government grants, funding, and strategic alliances

- Leading cross-border program design, course mapping, and delivery models

- Managing fiscal planning, consultant coordination, and reporting compliance

- Representing Purdue Online in university initiatives (Global Academic Committee, PARI, Purdue for Life, and others)

I’m passionate about collaborative leadership and building forward-thinking infrastructure to support the future of online learning.