Following a long career in education, Indiana Online’s Executive Director, Ronda Eshleman announces her retirement.
Ronda was named Executive Director of Indiana Online in 2011 and during her tenure enrollments at Indiana Online tripled.
“Ronda has provided unparalleled leadership not only to Indiana Online, but to CIESC as a whole during her tenure. Her passion, dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit will be greatly missed,” said CIESC Executive Director Andrew Melin.
In addition to her service to CIESC and Indiana Online, Ronda acted as the former President of the Indiana Curriculum and Instruction Association (ICIA), as an executive board member for the Indiana Staff Development Council, and sat on the executive board for the Virtual Learning Leadership Alliance (VLLA).
Of her time on the VLLA board, Cindy Hamblin, VLLA Executive Director, said, “Ronda has been a vital member of the VLLA Board for seven years, taking on various leadership roles within the organization. Her thoughtful and steady approach to addressing concerns and finding creative solutions has always been appreciated. I know I speak for the VLLA membership in saying that it has been an honor and privilege to work with Ronda. She is a true educational leader that will be greatly missed by the VLLA team.”
During her retirement, Ronda is looking forward to dividing her time between Carmel and her family’s Michigan lake house, as well as visiting her parents and children. With some of her time, she also plans to complete projects she’s put off.
Upon Ronda’s retirement, Kim Hendrick, Indiana Online’s current Director of Innovation, will be appointed as the next Executive Director. Kim has been a part of Indiana Online for nine years and will continue to work at the state and national level with the VLLA toward transforming digital learning.
“It has been an honor to work with Ronda these last nine years,” says Kim. “She is truly a remarkable leader, mentor, and friend. Under her direction, I have been inspired to grow as a professional and feel confident to lead our amazing team as the next Executive Director for Indiana Online.”
Ronda sees the past years spent with CIESC and Indiana Online as the most rewarding of her professional career.
“I’m so very proud of the work we are doing,” says Ronda. “Looking back on how our team has advanced eLearning on the State and national level through our work with the Virtual Learning Leadership Alliance is amazing. I truly want Indiana Online to continue to expand statewide and be a viable educational option for students for years to come. With Kim Hendrick in the Executive Director’s position, I can retire knowing Indiana Online will have a strong leader who understands what it takes to lead this organization into the future.”
When asked about her most memorable moments at Indiana Online, Ronda fondly remembered the last day of summer school each year.
“As a team, we look back and see how all of our hard work during the school year and summer has paid off,” says Ronda. “We can reflect on how many students we were able to help. This team is like family; we all support each other and work together for a common goal. That’s the hardest part of leaving.”
Thank you, Ronda, for your dedication and service, and congratulations to Kim!
We wish you both well.
