Solving STEM Retention in Online Programs: Experiential Learning That Works

Darcy W. Hardy is the founder and chief strategist of The Hardy Group. She is an award-winning distance and online learning professional who has worked as a higher education administrator, an IPA with the Obama administration, a board member of state and national associations, and a contributor in higher education edtech. Within the field of online learning, she focuses on strategy & vision; organization & governance; policy, process & practice; and quality oversight.

Darcy spent over 30 years in public higher education, including The University of Texas System, The University of Texas at Austin, UT San Antonio, and Texas State University – San Marcos. She was honored by Texas State University as a Distinguished Alumna in 2012. She was inducted into the USDLA Hall of Fame in 2009 and received the Mildred and Charles Wedemeyer Outstanding Distance Learning Practitioner Award in Madison, Wisconsin, in 2006. In addition, she was inducted into the Texas Distance Learning Association Hall of Fame in 2006 and received the WCET Richard Jonsen Award in 2005.

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Dr. Michael K. Moore’s passion is to broaden access to high-quality, affordable, and relevant education. As a first-generation college student, he appreciates the transformative power of a college education, and he strives to provide that opportunity to others. As vice president for academic affairs for the University of Arkansas System, he works with its 17 colleges and universities to broaden student access and success. His experience in building, launching, and leading innovative online degree programs has provided opportunities for students to realize their academic dreams.

Prior to his work in Arkansas, Michael served as senior vice provost and dean of undergraduate studies at the University of Texas at Arlington, where he was responsible for undergraduate student success and the strategic development of online programs. He is also the inaugural recipient of the Michael K. Moore Award for excellence in research and writing in the area of indigent criminal defense.

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Jim Bruno has worked for University of Phoenix for over 30 years in varied capacities. This includes 25 years of experience with the Academic Affairs department wherein his primary job responsibilities involved the evaluation, development, and implementation of curriculum and degree programs. During his time at University of Phoenix, he has had the opportunity to apply project management, strategic thinking, leadership, collaboration, and data analysis skills to situations ranging from curriculum and quality assurance to event planning and student retention.

Rob Robinson is a highly skilled technologist, strategist, and trainer who brings a rare blend of analytical depth and human‑centered leadership to The Hardy Group. He excels at quickly interpreting complex data and translating it into clear insights that drive institutional decision‑making.

His work leverages artificial intelligence and machine‑learning–driven analytics to help organizations identify opportunities, strengthen operations, and implement effective change management initiatives at scale. He is known for building consensus around strategic plans and new initiatives—often through training and learning development experiences that bring faculty, staff, administrators, and stakeholders into alignment.

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Christina has dedicated her career to empowering educators and educational institutions through innovative technology. Known for her empathetic and transparent leadership style, she has a history of building collaborative and impactful teams. Christina previously served as CMO at Blackboard. During her 13-year tenure there, she also served as VP of Blackboard K-12 and as VP of Higher Ed Marketing and Enrollment Services.