Jenny Jopling is Director of the Center for Distance Education at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA). She has over twenty years of experience in higher education and began her distance learning career as a designer and producer of computer-based instruction. She entered the field with a solid technical background in data communications, preceded by administrative, academic, and network computing.
While working in higher education, Jenny completed her MS, Instructional Systems Technology in 1990. Following, she worked closely with specification, evaluation, and training for face-to-face class room technologies, segueing into research and integration of videoconference technology at the University of North Texas (UNT). Her career took a natural turn into the area of distance learning as designer and producer for online courses that were administered via CD ROMs, LANs, and eventually the Internet. Next she led the online learning initiative and helped found UNT's Center for Distributed Learning, which involved establishing campus-wide policies and procedures, technical infrastructure, and direction of her staff who provided design, production, training, marketing, and support for online courses.

Jenny moved to the University of Texas at Arlington in 2004, where she is currently Director and continues to support the growth of 100% online and blended learning for multiple platforms. She works closely with campus administration, policy and procedure, research, and the exploration and integration of new, emerging technologies.

Membership with the Texas Distance Learning Association (TxDLA) began in 1996 and Jenny has served the organization as President and a Board Member. She chaired committees including the Executive Committee, TxDLA Management Search, Texas Distance Learning Hall of Fame, Don Foshee Memorial Scholarship, Conference Exhibits, Conference Procedures, Conference Site Selection, and Conference Website. She has also served as a member of numerous standing and ad hoc committees. TxDLA has recognized her dedication to the organization through an award for Outstanding Commitment to Service and the Don Foshee Outstanding Leadership award.

Jenny became active with the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) in 2000 and is a current Board member. While serving as TxDLA President, she gave regular chapter reports as a member of the State Chapter Presidents committee. Other USDLA activities include the International Forum for Women in E-Learning (IFWE) Conference Planning Committee (past and current), IFWE Sponsorship Chair, and IFWE Hospitality Co-chair (current). She is also a member of the USDLA Public Policy Forum, has participated in Global Affiliate Chapter events, and is chairing Hospitality for the 2008 USDLA conference.

Other professional organizations that Jenny is an active member of include the Western Cooperative for Educational Telecommunications and the American Association of University Women. Numerous presentations and workshops have been given at professional conferences and to individual organizations, along with consultations and contract work. She is also very active with online learning initiatives for the University of Texas System's Strategic Leadership Multimedia Group as co-chair of the E-learning and Instructional Design committee.