Evan L. Kropp, Ph.D., is a higher education leader, digital learning innovator, and strategic thinker dedicated to advancing online education and professional development in the 21st century. As the Executive Director of Distance Education for the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications, Evan oversees one of the nation’s premier online undergraduate and graduate programs. In this role, he provides vision, leadership, and operational oversight, ensuring that every element of the student experience—from curriculum design to faculty engagement—meets the highest standards of academic excellence and industry relevance.
Evan’s career in higher education has been marked by a consistent commitment to innovation, accessibility, and student success. Over the past decade, he has guided the evolution of online programs to meet the demands of a rapidly changing communications landscape. His leadership focuses on creating programs that are not only rigorous and research-driven but also deeply practical, equipping graduates with the skills and confidence needed to thrive in competitive professional environments. Evan is particularly passionate about aligning academic theory with real-world application, ensuring that every course delivers tangible value to students at all stages of their careers.
In his current position, Evan has played a critical role in the continuous growth and enhancement of UF Online and UF CJC Online. Through strategic planning and forward-thinking initiatives, he has expanded program offerings, fostered strong faculty development programs, and championed innovative approaches to online learning. One of his key initiatives involves developing a repository of short, video-based courses designed for lifelong learners. These micro-courses, which award digital credentials, make professional development more accessible to diverse audiences. This project reflects Evan’s belief that education should be an ongoing journey, adaptable to the changing needs of professionals in a dynamic global economy.
Beyond his administrative work, Evan is an active voice in conversations about the future of higher education. He is the creator of Kropp on Campus, a LinkedIn newsletter that explores trends in digital learning, faculty development, and emerging technologies in education. Through this platform, he shares insights, research, and practical strategies with a broad audience of educators, administrators, and industry professionals. His writing reflects a deep understanding of both the challenges and opportunities facing modern universities and offers actionable solutions for navigating this transformative era.
With core expertise spanning online learning design, higher education administration, faculty training, program evaluation, and strategic communication, Evan brings a holistic perspective to his work. He believes that education should be inclusive, future-oriented, and relentlessly focused on quality. By blending academic scholarship with practical leadership, he continues to influence the direction of online learning and contribute to the success of both institutions and individuals.