2026
SHRP online offerings help UMMC win recognition for course design
The University of Mississippi Medical Center has been recognized nationally for online course design by a peer-reviewed consortium of institutions.
Quality Matters has given the Medical Center its Endorsement for Course Design Quality Assurance. The designation makes UMMC just the third institution in the U.S. to earn the distinction.
The designation came as a result of reviews of four courses at the School of Health Related Professions – Introduction to Research, Health Promotion and Data Analysis and Outcomes Assessment, all in the Master of Health Systems Administration program; Fundamentals of Applied Research, in the Doctor of Health Administration program; and Computed Tomography Applications and Sectional Imaging, in the Radiologic Sciences program.
Reviews for SHRP were spearheaded by Dr. Robin Benson Thompson, a coordinator of Quality Matters for UMMC and an associate professor of education at SHRP.
“This recognition is a tremendous reflection of Dr. Robin Benson Thompson’s leadership and the exceptional work of our faculty and staff,” said Dr. John Garner, dean of SHRP. “Being recognized as just the third institution in the country to earn this designation is an extraordinary accomplishment and a testament to the intentional, high-quality work happening within SHRP every day. This achievement places our programs among a very select group nationally and reinforces our commitment to innovation, quality and student success.”
Review processes to achieve the designation involved an evaluation of institutional processes, training materials and course review practices in the Standards for Teaching, Accessibility, Responsiveness, and Student Success, or STARS, Course Recognition Program.
“Maintaining a structured quality assurance process is essential to ensuring the effectiveness of online and hybrid courses. Formal review and recognition practices foster a culture of continuous improvement, promote consistency across courses and encourage the use of evidence-based teaching strategies aligned with evolving educational standards,” Thompson said. “Collectively, these efforts help ensure that students experience engaging, accessible and learner-centered learning environments. This commitment strengthens both academic quality and institutional credibility.”
To support The School of Health Related Professions at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, visit /givenow/ or contact Brad Ewing, Director of Development-Schools at 601-815-5893 or gewing1@umc.edu.