The Florida Distance Learning Association has honored Jill Buban, associate provost for online learning at the University of Miami, with its 2026 Distinguished Leadership in Distance Learning Award.
The association presented the award, one of its highest honors, during its 2026 virtual conference, Reimagining Learning: Innovation, Engagement, and Empowerment in Distance Education and Mathematics, held Feb. 4–6. The honor recognizes individuals who demonstrate sustained achievement and visionary leadership in advancing distance education through scholarship, advocacy, and field-wide influence.
"This recognition is especially meaningful given the exceptional leadership in distance learning in the state of Florida," Buban said.
Impactful leadership across sectors
Buban's career bridges higher education, workforce development, and educational innovation. As a senior education leader, venture builder, and partnership strategist, she helped scale learning organizations, build cross-sector ecosystems, and shape strategic collaborations that expand access and opportunity in digital learning.
In each role, she championed innovative learning pathways while maintaining a strong focus on academic quality, learner outcomes, and institutional sustainability. Her work emphasizes aligning strategic vision with operational execution, developing durable partnerships, and advising presidents, provosts, and CEOs on lifelong learning models, workforce alignment, and the responsible integration of emerging technologies.
Thought leadership and community building
A nationally recognized thought leader, Buban is a frequent speaker and advisor on digital learning strategy, workforce transformation, and cross-sector collaboration. She serves on multiple boards and advisory groups that help shape the future of education and expand the impact of distance learning beyond individual institutions.
In 2026, she is scheduled to speak at several major higher education and workforce conferences including Holon IQ's Global Skills Week, and Arizona State University's premier education technology conference and the ASU+GSV Summit, a global event for entrepreneurs, investors, educators, workforce leaders, and policymakers transforming the education and skills sector.
Celebrating excellence at FDLA 2026
The FDLA 2026 conference brings together educators, administrators, instructional designers, and distance learning professionals from across Florida and beyond to share innovative practices and strengthen online and hybrid education. Participants explore emerging trends, research, and strategies that support student success and institutional innovation in digital learning environments.
