Layne Morsch
Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs
Areas of Responsibility
The Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs oversees the units which comprise the Office of Online, Professional, and Engaged Learning (OPEL), including the Center for Faculty Excellence (CFE), the Center for Online Learning, Research and Service (COLRS), the Office of Engaged Learning (OEL), and the Office of Digital Accessibility (ODA).
Biography
Dr. Layne Morsch is the Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs at the University of Illinois Springfield. In this role, he provides leadership for faculty development and academic innovation, overseeing the units that comprise Online, Professional, and Engaged Learning (OPEL). Dr. Morsch serves as a liaison between Academic Affairs and academic units, advancing initiatives in generative artificial intelligence, online learning, digital accessibility, micro-credentialing, and workforce-aligned education. He also leads efforts to engage “Some College, No Degree” learners and strengthen partnerships with regional employers.
With 25 years of experience in higher education, Dr. Morsch began his academic career as a faculty member in chemistry at Barat College and DePaul University before joining UIS in 2008. He was promoted to the rank of Professor in 2020. His research focuses on student learning in online collaborative environments, particularly in organic chemistry, and he has authored 15 publications and presented at numerous national and international conferences.
Dr. Morsch has received multiple honors for teaching excellence, including the College Excellence in Teaching Award, the Distinguished Online Teacher Award, and the Faculty Award for Outstanding Teaching. He has also been recognized as an Apple Distinguished Educator for his innovative use of technology in education. Dr. Morsch earned a B.S. in Chemistry from Minnesota State University Mankato and a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from the University of Illinois Chicago.
last updated 2025-6-10