D’Youville University Expands Institute for Teaching Innovation

D’Youville University announced today a strategic expansion of its Institute for Teaching Innovation (ITI), reflecting the evolving role of digital and hybrid learning in modern higher education. As part of this evolution, the university has transitioned its former Online Learning Department, integrating its staff and responsibilities into a more comprehensive academic support structure.

The newly enhanced ITI will serve as a central hub for teaching excellence, providing robust faculty development resources, one-on-one support, workshops, and leadership in the integration of emerging technologies. The goal is to support student engagement and effective instruction across all delivery methods—face-to-face, hybrid, and fully online.

Julianna Woite has been appointed as Director of the Institute for Teaching Innovation, effective August 1. She will lead a team that includes two transitioned Learning and Design Specialists and an Instructional Technologist/LMS Specialist.

Under Woite’s leadership, the ITI will expand its focus to include:

• Implementation of tools such as AI, VR/AR, and learning analytics
• Support for competency-based and outcome-driven instruction
• A future-proofed model for teaching innovation that evolves with technology and student expectations

“Online learning is no longer a siloed offering—it is embedded across nearly every program we offer,” said Woite. “This reorganization ensures that our faculty are supported in innovative and evidence-based practices that benefit all students, regardless of how they learn.”

This transition underscores D’Youville’s commitment to academic leadership, faculty support, and institutional adaptability. As the higher education landscape continues to shift, D’Youville is positioning itself at the forefront of teaching and learning innovation.

For more information about the Institute for Teaching Innovation, visit dyu.edu.

About D’Youville University 

D’Youville University is a nationally ranked private university founded in 1908 and headquartered in Buffalo, New York, which offers degrees in the health sciences and business. D’Youville University promotes a healthy mind, body, and spirit. Through transformational educational experiences, students are prepared for growth, career success, and upward mobility. For more information, visit dyu.edu.