Arizona Online Launches ‘Education Champion’ Initiative

Arizona Online, which is the University of Arizona’s online campus of more than 9,500 students, rolled out its new “Education Champion” initiative earlier this year.

The initiative aims to recognize the contributions of Arizona Online staffers who, through their work, display a deep commitment to online education at U of A. 

“The Online Education Champion is awarded to someone who goes above and beyond to promote our mission of access and student success through online education,” wrote Caleb Simmons, executive director of online education, on LinkedIn when announcing the inaugural honoree.

That inaugural winner was Javier Alarcon. 

As an enrollment counselor with Arizona Online’s Recruitment and Enrollment team, led by director Marqus Dorame, Alarcon’s role is to serve as the first point of contact for prospective Arizona Online students. 

Managing a pipeline of about 150 students, Alarcon’s duties include calling, emailing and texting prospective candidates to discuss and nurture not only their interest in enrolling with Arizona Online but also their fit for the online education modality. 

Alarcon was chosen as the Online Education Champion through peer nomination. 

“The Online Education Champion is awarded to someone who goes above and beyond to promote our mission of access and student success through online education.”

— Dr. Caleb Simmons, Executive Director, Online Education

Arizona Online staff members submit individual names of people they wish to honor, listing specific examples or instances where that person has shown an extraordinary commitment to supporting online education.

There is no final selection committee — whomever receives the most peer submissions recognizing their efforts is crowned the Online Education Champion. 

Alarcon’s peers offered accolades such as: 

“Javier has shown exceptional commitment to Arizona Online and our mission and values. He takes a very personal and sincere approach to his work and takes the time to learn about each one of his students. In his time with [Arizona Online], Javier has assisted over 230 students through the admissions and enrollment journey and changed their lives for the better. Students rave of his kindness and dedication to their educational growth, and it is people like Javier that truly make [Arizona Online] the wonderful place we know it is.” 

“Javier removes barriers from students by having detailed conversations with them, giving them the confidence to move forward at U of A.” 

Winners of the Online Education Champion award receive public recognition in a staff meeting as well as on social media channels such as LinkedIn; a certificate documenting the achievement; and the reigning title — until the next champion is crowned, that is. 

For Alarcon, that meant passing the title on to Mercedes Luna. Luna is the most recent recipient of the award, earning the prestigious honor in July 2024.

As a Success Coach, Luna engages in direct and ongoing outreach with students from enrollment all the way through to graduation, helping online learners navigate all aspects of the online education experience.   

In their nominations, Luna’s peers wrote: 

“Mercedes consistently exhibits exceptional commitment to our students. Every day, she brings immense empathy and kindness to the students she works with, and I’m confident that her uplifting conversations with struggling students make a big difference in their lives. Mercedes is constantly uplifting her colleagues after tough conversations with students, has boosted office morale with her friendly spirit and group walking breaks, and is overall an amazing human being.” 

“Mercedes is an incredibly valuable member of our team! She regularly goes above and beyond in the expectations of her role. The positive energy and helpful spirit she brings to our day-to-day work is a joy for our entire team, and she deserves to be recognized!”

The next winner for the Online Education Champion will be crowned [insert XX date].