Meet the WVU Online Team
We work closely with prospective and current students, and collaborate with our campus partners to provide a quality online learning experience.
Looking for student support? Connect with an admissions coach.
Leadership
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Chad Mezera Assistant Provost for WVU Online Email Chad |
Chad Mezera currently serves as the Assistant Provost for WVU Online.
In this role, he drives transformative initiatives to position West
Virginia University as a leader in digital education. Recognized
as an advocate for accessible, high-quality education, Chad champions
innovative strategies to deliver online courses and degrees while
ensuring a world-class student experience. His work is central to
setting institutional priorities, elevating the visibility of WVU’s
online programs, and upholding quality standards across all facets
of digital learning.
A proud two-time graduate of West Virginia University, Chad earned a bachelor’s degree in advertising and a master’s in journalism. With nearly 20 years of expertise in online program growth, he played a pivotal role in launching and expanding the nation’s first fully online Master’s in Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) at WVU. Under his leadership, the program became a gold standard for online graduate education. Chad’s contributions to WVU began in 2005 as Marketing Director for the IMC program in the Reed College of Media. His leadership quickly earned him a promotion to Program Director, where he redefined strategic planning and operations. Between 2011 and 2017, he helped grow enrollment by 777%, transforming the IMC program into WVU’s largest master’s degree offering. Under his leadership, the IMC program earned recognition from the Online Learning Consortium (OLC) as the Online Program of the Year in 2015. His success in scaling programs and fostering innovation earned him the role of Assistant Dean of Online Programs for the College of Creative Arts and Media before assuming his current position. Before joining WVU, Chad excelled in corporate communications, leading internal communications for a top-tier government IT solutions provider. He also directed marketing campaigns for a think tank focused on enhancing government efficiency at the federal, state, and local levels. Learn More About Chad |
Administrative Support
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Stephanie Smith Administrative Assistant Email Stephanie |
Steph is an essential member of the WVU Online team, serving as the
team's administrative assistant. She provides administrative support
for the unit, assists with the call center, and helps with expenses,
invoice processing, and keeping the team organized. Steph began
working at West Virginia University in June 2014, starting her
career at the School in Academic Innovations, which later became
WVU Online.
In addition to her administrative duties, Steph helps with HR onboarding and directs prospective and current students to the right resources. |
Student Support Services
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Jennifer Pruzinsky Director of Enrollment Management and Student Services Email Jennifer |
Jennifer oversees enrollment management and student services for
WVU Online. She collaborates with academic program leaders and
enrollment management teams at the University and leads the Leader
Engagement Center (LEC) team of WVU Online Admission Coaches,
who assist online students through the application and enrollment
processes. The LEC team also supports students throughout their
educational experience at WVU. Additionally, Jennifer manages
student registration for Winter Intersession and Maymester special
sessions.
With over 15 years of experience in higher education, enrollment management, student services, and event management, Jennifer brings a wealth of knowledge to her role. She earned a M.A. in Student Affairs in Higher Education after obtaining a B.A. in Psychology and Biology. Jennifer is an active member of several professional associations and has had the honor of participating in an Army Educator Tour and United Kingdom Higher Education Tour. Jennifer values the diverse backgrounds and motivations that students bring to the online learning environment. She enjoys helping them reach their professional and personal goals, especially military and veteran students, moms starting or returning to education, and those with some college credits but no degree. What Jennifer enjoys most about working with online students: "All students have their own motivation for pursuing a degree, and they bring their own story and diverse backgrounds to our online learning environment. I enjoy working with them to determine how our programs can help them reach their professional and personal goals. Online education expands access to educational opportunities worldwide and for individuals needing flexibility. I especially appreciate working with military and veteran students, mom’s starting or returning to further their own education, and students who have earned some college credits, but no degree yet."Meet Our Admissions Coaches |
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Jessica Carr Online Admissions Coach Email Jessica |
Jessica serves as an Admissions Coach at WVU Online, acting as
a point of contact for prospective students. She answers questions,
provides program and university information, connects students
with other areas of WVU, and guides them through the admissions
process. Once admitted, Jessica ensures students are on the
right track by connecting them with their academic advisors.
She also acts as a bridge between prospective students and
online academic programs, ensuring both sides have up-to-date
information.
In addition to supporting students throughout their online learning journey, Jessica works with program teams to offer virtual information sessions, share important updates, and make the enrollment process as smooth as possible by collaborating with other departments at WVU to find answers for students. Jessica has worked in college admissions roles since 2014 and started working for West VIrginia University in 2022. She has been inspired by the students she has worked with and enjoys meeting people from all over the country who are in different parts of their educational journey. Whether they have never been to college before, are looking to earn a graduate degree, or want to finish an undergraduate degree they started years ago, Jessica looks forward to listening to their stories and understanding their goals. Jessica holds a Regent Bachelor of Arts from WVU. Supports: Eberly College, Chambers College of Business and Economics Undergraduate Programs, College of Applied Human Sciences - School of Sports Sciences, School of Nursing, School of Public Health. School of Social Work. Jessica's advice to prospective students: "The first step towards something new can be scary, but the reward in the end will be worth it. My number one goal is to ease your mind and make the process of going to school as smooth as possible. You are not alone and you can do this!"Meet Our Admissions Coaches |
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Ann Clayton Online Admissions Coach Email Ann |
Ann strives to be a kind and helpful resource for students
throughout the application process. Her goal is to help them
move forward with their educational goals and to be available
to address any concerns they may have. She believes that
open and thoughtful communication between students, herself,
and program directors makes the student process much more
seamless.
Before joining WVU in 2024, Ann spent over 15 years in higher education, teaching, counseling, and advising students. She worked with students from their initial inquiry through to their graduation. One of her favorite moments was signing "Yes!" on a student's graduation application. What Ann loves most about working in higher education is watching students accomplish their goals. She believes that it takes great courage to go back to school at any age, and she loves being part of that journey. She enjoys being a listener when students need an ear, a cheerleader when they need reassurance, and a source of information when they feel lost. Ann believes online students still seek a sense of community, and she wants to help them feel connected as Mountaineers. Ann holds an MA in Counseling Psychology from Michigan State University and is a Licensed Professional Counselor. Supports: Statler College of Engineering, Chambers College of Business and Economics Graduate Programs, College of Creative Arts & Media, Davis College of Agriculture & Natural Resources, College of Applied Human Sciences. Ann's advice to prospective students: "My advice would be that you can do it. It may be hard, and it may be stressful, but it will be worth it, and you can do it. Everything starts with one step and a little bit of effort. Just keep those two things in your mind and you'll accomplish your goals before you know it."Meet Our Admissions Coaches |
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Marie Pavlik Senior Program Coordinator Email Marie |
Marie has been coaching and advising undergraduate non-degree
students from application to enrollment since she started
working at the University. She collaborates with academic
groups to plan Special Sessions, through managing CLSS,
request forms, website content, and faculty questions,
and she assists with non-credit opportunities at WVU Online.
Marie also provides resources on registration and WVU policies,
working with academic groups and service units for registration
and evaluating prior coursework for program prerequisites.
After completing her master’s at WVU in 2010, Marie worked in various customer-facing roles in hospitality, food and beverage, and retail, always aiming to return to the University, which she did in 2015. Marie has dived into projects related to the student experience, streamlining processes, and clearly communicating information. She focuses on seeking efficient ways to handle student requests, updating application processes, and more. She understands that each student is unique with their goals and paths to get there, and she enjoys being a part of their journeys. She also enjoys being a resource for undergraduate, and non-degree students, as well as her colleagues across campus. Marie holds a B.A. in English with a Minor in Professional Writing & Editing, and an M.A. in Educational Leadership Studies - Higher Education Administration, both from WVU. Supports: Undergraduate non-degree students and inquiries, Special Sessions, non-credit. Marie's advice to prospective students: "Make sure you are allowing yourself a proper work/life/school balance. Take good care of your needs so you can manage work, family, school and whatever else you have to balance." |
Instructional Design & Teaching Support
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Chrys Dean Senior/Interim Assistant Director of Instructional Design Email Chrys |
Chrys Dean has been an Instructional Designer for 19 years,
working first in the K-12 space and then in higher education,
joining WVU in 2007. In her role at WVU, she collaborates
with faculty to develop online courses, solve instructional
puzzles, use technology tools, apply accessibility standards,
and implement pedagogical approaches to enhance student
experiences and increase engagement. Chrys also works
with faculty and technical staff to test and troubleshoot
technology tools for teaching. She enjoys the variety,
problem-solving, and collaboration involved in improving
student experiences through online course design.
Chrys holds an MA in Technology Education and Instructional Design. Chrys' advice to prospective students: "Read the syllabus and orientation materials carefully, and then ask questions. Do not be afraid to ask questions; it is intrinsic to improving the learning process." |
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Carla Corsetti Multimedia Specialist Email Carla |
Carla collaborates with instructional designers and instructors
at WVU to create graphics for eCampus and Ultra courses.
Her work encompasses graphic banners, animations, conducting
research, and video editing, which includes compiling
videos into smaller segments, minor audio editing,
and incorporating graphics into videos.
Before joining WVU, Carla worked on various freelance projects both before and after graduation. When she discovered the multimedia specialist position at WVU in 2007, she saw an opportunity to expand her creative skills and has never looked back. Her journey at WVU has been dedicated to further developing her skill set and enhancing the online learning experience for students. Carla values the connections and knowledge she has gained over the years in higher education. She loves creating for the diverse subject matter courses that come through her team, whether they need to be built from scratch or refined. Working with a team brings out the best in her and gives her the confidence to keep aspiring to her goals. An art lover, Carla initially majored in Fine Art at Penn State Fayette Campus, where she decided to focus more on digital art. After discovering the Graphic Design program at California University of Pennsylvania, she decided to attend and was in the first graduating class of the new Graphic Design program. Carla graduated with honors, earning a B.S. in Technology from California University of Pennsylvania. |
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Ryan Pratt Multimedia Specialist Email Ryan |
Ryan is a multimedia specialist for West Virginia University's
online courses. He assists instructional designers
and faculty with the production of images, videos,
and animations for a variety of online learning formats.
Ryan contributes to the success of the online programs
at WVU by crafting visual and interactive elements
that elevate course material. By translating complex
concepts into clear and visually appealing media,
he helps bridge the gap between content and comprehension,
resulting in a more effective and engaging student
experience.
Before joining WVU, Ryan worked as an apparel designer and freelance illustrator. With a BA in Visual Art, he was able to use this broad set of skills and a strong foundation in visual storytelling and technical precision as he transitioned into higher education. Since joining WVU in 2012, Ryan has enjoyed the continuous learning opportunities and the diversity of projects he encounters in higher education. His role has fostered a collaborative mindset, working closely with colleagues on complex projects that require significant oversight. Ryan's collaboration with faculty and campus partners is integral to his role. Together with instructional designers, they strategize and create multimedia solutions tailored to each course's needs, ensuring students receive a high-quality online education experience. |
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Lee Silverman Instructional Designer Email Lee |
Lee works primarily with faculty members to build
and optimize their online courses. He has conducted
research with faculty and students to examine how
to humanize online instruction and promote instructor
social presence and immediacy. Lee shares insights
from this research to help faculty find new ways
to bond with students and create great learning
experiences.
Before joining West Virginia University in 1997, Lee worked in the music and computer industries. He spent two decades in Information Technology, during which he completed his degrees and taught Computer Science courses as an adjunct. In 2017, Lee transitioned to working as an Instructional Designer, a role he loves. Lee also teaches Instructional Design graduate courses as an adjunct for the College of Applied Human Sciences and does voice-over work for numerous groups. Lee enjoys helping students learn useful skills and gain credentials to prepare them for their future endeavors. He encourages students to explore areas that interest them, find their passion and path, and keep moving forward. Lee holds a Doctor of Education in Instructional Design and Technology, Master of Arts in Instructional Design and Technology, Regents Bachelor of Arts - Summa Cum Laude, all from WVU. Additionally, he has an Associate Degree in Computer Information Management from IADT. Lee's advice to prospective students: "Explore areas that interest you, find your passion and path, keep moving forward. It will happen and it is totally worth it!" |
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Amanda Tracey Instructional Designer Email Amanda |
Amanda began her professional career as a Web Designer
for a local company in Morgantown before moving
to WVU Research Corp. as an Instructional Media
Technologist. She then worked in higher education
as an Instructional Media Designer for a college
in Pittsburgh for several years before returning
to WVU in 2016.
At WVU, Amanda has held roles as a Graduate Assistant in Instructional Design for WVU iDesign and as an Instructional Designer for WVU Online & Teaching and Learning Commons. She enjoys working with instructors to build online courses that are creative, engaging, and accessible. Amanda believes that online courses at WVU provide a great opportunity to pursue a quality education in a flexible and supportive atmosphere. Although her current role involves developing online courses, she also has experience as an online student, having completed several online courses at WVU while pursuing her master's degree. Amanda has had wonderful experiences as both an online student and an online course designer/developer, and she highly recommends joining the WVU family and becoming a Mountaineer! Amanda holds a B.S. in Graphics Communication Technology from Fairmont State and an M.A. in Elementary Education from WVU. |
Marketing & Communications
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Jasmine Van Schaick Director of Marketing & Communications Email Jasmine |
Jasmine promotes West Virginia University's online
programs both internally and externally. She
oversees digital advertising, program page
content, blogs, news, social media channels,
branding, email communications, and more for
WVU Online.
Jasmine began her marketing and communications career in the consumer goods sector, where she spent over a decade supporting global and domestic brands while working both in-house and agency-side. As the world moved toward digital marketing and e-commerce, her skill set evolved to include expertise in online advertising, social media strategy, and data analytics. Jasmine transitioned into higher education marketing in 2018, spending almost six years at the University of Virginia in marketing and communications and enrollment marketing roles before joining West Virginia University in September 2024. As a first-generation college student and a lifelong learner, Jasmine is passionate about online education, as she is a strong believer in learning without barriers. She values the opportunity to help people learn from anywhere, regardless of their life circumstances. Jasmine holds an MSc in Marketing from the University of Leicester and a BA (Hons) in Media & Communication from Edge Hill University, both in the UK. |