Quality Matters (QM), the international leader for quality assurance in online and innovative digital teaching and learning environments – has announced the winners of the 2025 QM Awards, recognizing individuals and institutions who have demonstrated an extraordinary dedication to providing high quality online learning experiences for students.
The Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship (ACCBE) at Kent State University has earned the Outstanding Impact by a U.S. Higher Education Organization Award for its efforts toward building a sustainable framework of learner-centered design, support and teaching excellence. Since launching its online quality assurance program in 2016, the college has achieved over 40 QM-Certified courses, with an eventual goal of achieving all four QM Program Certifications for each of its programs.
“QM Certification serves as a nationally recognized signal of trust – communicating that ACCBE’s online programs are designed to the highest standard,” said Amy Grincewicz, Ph.D., Director of Instructional Design. “This distinction enhances our ability to attract, support and retain diverse learners seeking meaningful, career-ready educational experiences.”
Blinn College is also recognized with the Outstanding Impact by a U.S. Higher Education Organization Award for building a sustainable system for onboarding both faculty and learners to the core principles of quality online learning. Outcomes of this initiative include nearly 600 (75%) faculty members having completed QM professional development designed to improve the quality of online courses. “This award will support our quality assurance work by acknowledging the work our faculty and staff have done over the past decade and encourage their continued efforts in this regard,” says Joyce Langenegger, Dean for Academic Support Services.
Saudi Electronic University is honored with the Outstanding Impact by a Non-U.S. Higher Education Organization Award for leading the field through a deep commitment to QM’s core principle of continuous improvement with a data-driven quality assurance system that positions it as a regional leader in online education. With the launch of a large-scale overhaul of its quality systems in 2020, the institution launched new programs for evaluating course feedback and standards alignment, in addition to investing in QM professional development and course reviews. “This award will serve as an important recognition of SEU’s long-standing commitment to quality online learning,” says Dr. Abdulrahman Alatawi, Vice Dean for Institutional Excellence.
Marisa Wier of Michigan Virtual has earned the award for Outstanding Impact by a K-12 Organization or Individual. Wier has proven to be an instrumental force for quality at Michigan Virtual, a nonprofit network serving K-12 students with online education since 1998. Wier’s experience as an instructional designer and educational thought leader have helped Michigan Virtual achieve QM Certification for more than 20 courses in 2023 and 2024, giving confidence to the institution’s learners and teachers alike. Wier spearheaded the institution’s recent efforts toward course certification, resulting in a significant uptick in QM-Certified courses, more efficient workflows, and strong improvements in stakeholder feedback.
The 2025 QM Awards will be presented to the winners in person at QM Connect 2025, taking place November 3-5 at the Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson, AZ.
About Quality Matters
Grounded in research. Driven by best practices. A community that puts learners first. Quality Matters (QM) is the global organization leading quality assurance in online and innovative digital teaching and learning environments. It provides a scalable quality assurance system for online and blended learning used within and across organizations. When you see QM Recognition and Certification Marks on courses or programs, it means they have met QM Course or Program Quality Standards in a rigorous review process.