Driving Innovation in Distance Education: Vincent Spezzo Receives DLA Leadership Award
Vincent Spezzo, the Center’s assistant director of Teaching and Learning Online, has been awarded the Wagner Distance Education Leadership Award from the Distance Learning Administration (DLA).
This award recognizes individuals who have both “embraced and significantly impacted distance education and distance learning practices,” two traits that characterize Spezzo’s work at Georgia Tech and beyond. At the 2025 DLA Conference, Spezzo was recognized for his work expanding distance learning programs through research, implementation, and ongoing education.
Tatiana Rudchenko and Vincent Spezzo at the DLA Conference.
“I am truly honored and humbled to be this year’s Wagner Award winner for Distance Education Leadership. It is a splendid validation of the work I’ve done in my two decades in this field,” said Spezzo.
Spezzo is no stranger to distance learning. With over 20 years of experience in higher education, Spezzo has shaped online education practices within the ever-evolving digital learning landscape.
In his current role, Spezzo supports Tech faculty and TAs who teach online through consultations, resource development, and ongoing professional development opportunities. Spezzo has spearheaded the use of artificial intelligence on campus, particularly GenAI, promoting AI as a pedagogical tool. Spezzo also aided in the creation of Georgia Tech’s Digital Learning Days Toolkit, a resource designed to help faculty quickly pivot to virtual instruction when weather conditions prevent in-person classes.
Spezzo at the DLA Conference.
As the Wagner Award winner, Spezzo spoke at the DLA Conference this July; in his talk, he advocated for embracing mindfulness as an approach to GenAI, called for treating GenAI as a course interaction as opposed to just another tool, and championed the importance of reflection in student assignments that utilize GenAI. Spezzo also presented a session with Scheller’s Tatiana Rudchenko, where the two discussed using ChatGPT in undergraduate courses to enhance learning, engagement, and skill development.
The Distance Education Leadership Award is sponsored by Labster.
