Open Learning Academy
Advancing Your
Opportunities

Doane University's Open Learning Academy was created for students and healthcare professionals seeking to further their education and advance in their careers, without ever having to put their lives on hold. Open Learning Academy strives to help students fill the missing gaps on their transcripts to help them achieve their educational and career goals.

Is Open Learning Academy Right For You?

Are you missing science prerequisites to gain acceptance into medical, nursing, physical therapy, or chiropractic school?

YES, Open Learning Academy is Right for YOU!

Are you missing an undergraduate science requirement to graduate on time?

YES, Open Learning Academy is Right for YOU!

Are you needing a science or health-related course to meet state licensure or professional development hours?

YES, Open Learning Academy is Right for YOU!

Are you interested in exploring an education in science or health-related courses?

YES, Open Learning Academy is Right for YOU!

Whatever your reason, let Doane University's Open Learning Academy help you. With dedicated faculty and quality online courses you can count on us to help you achieve your goals.

The Difference is Doane

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Innovation, connection, and quality education firmly rooted in real-world preparation—these values are held in high esteem at Doane University. For more than 140 years, we’ve been achieving excellence in a broad range of academic fields while equipping students with everything needed for success and leadership, all while continually pushing boundaries forward and finding new ways to empower individuals. Now we’ve expanded our impact across the country—thanks to the Open Learning Academy, everyone can experience the Doane Difference.

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Fully Accredited University

You will get a great education. All Open Learning Academy courses are accredited through the Higher Learning Commission and are developed to the same high standards as on-campus courses.

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Course Rigor and Quality

We do online different. OLA courses are fast-paced and challenging, helping students to build a strong foundation in prerequisite material through quality pedagogy and assessment practices.

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Personal Support

We’re with you from start to finish, from the moment you register until the day you complete your course. You’ll talk to real people and get the support you need to do your best work.

Meet Our Staff

As an Open Learning Academy student, you’ll have access to a team of real professionals who make it their priority to help you succeed. The same individuals who administer the program and develop the courses are available to guide and support you in your learning.

Administrative Staff

Meet Our Faculty

Andrea Holmes

Dr. Andrea Holmes, Professor of Chemistry at Doane University, received her PhD in organic chemistry from New York University and received a National Institute of Health post-doctoral fellowship at Columbia University in New York City. Dr. Holmes was the recipient of the National Science Foundation Presidential Early Career Award and the Henry Dreyfus Teacher Scholar Award. She has given hundreds of local, national, and international lectures, published two textbooks, authored more than 50 peer-reviewed articles, and holds several patents. Her hobbies are rescuing senior or special needs animals and dancing classical ballet.

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Dr. Matthew Beio

Assistant Professor of Practice

Dr. Matthew Beio, Assistant Professor of Practice in Chemistry and Biochemistry at Doane University, received his PhD in chemical biology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Dr. Beio has been teaching organic chemistry and biochemistry for the past 12 years, specializing in online course development and online instruction. Dr. Beio deeply cares about his students and their success in his courses. When Dr. Beio isn't teaching you can find him rock climbing or hanging out with his cats.

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Shawn Langan, Adjunct Faculty, is passionate about physics and astronomy and has had the privilege of sharing that passion for nearly 25 years. This curiosity naturally led to the study of physics and astronomy at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Afterwards, he worked as a lecturer and lab manager at UNL in the department of physics and astronomy. He then found himself at Doane University teaching classes on-ground and online through Doane University's Open Learning Academy.

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Dr. Trisha Vickrey first came to Nebraska as a postdoctoral research associate in science education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she studied the instructional practices of STEM faculty. She has been a lecturer at UNL for the past three years. Trisha received a M.Ed. in education policy and management from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, where she studied middle school students' perceptions of a technology-enriched learning environment; and, a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Virginia, where she developed two novel methods to detect dopamine neurotransmission in Drosophila. Doane presents Trisha with a rich opportunity to combine her passion for teaching and learning in chemistry, researching how students learn in chemistry, and using model organisms to better understand important biochemical processes.

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Katy Dornbos has been teaching chemistry for 15 years at the high school and college levels. She is dedicated to building students' confidence in engaging with the world around them. She was a 2021 Nebraska finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching, and continues to be a leader in chemistry education. She has presented on topics in chemistry education at the state, national, and international levels. Katy enjoys running, biking, baking, and traveling domestically and internationally.

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Amna Qureshi

Assistant Professor of Practice/Curriculum Coordinator

Amna Qureshi earned a Master's in Neurobiology and Behavior from Georgia State University and brings over 12 years of teaching experience to her role as a Biology professor. She has spent the last 5 years specializing in online STEM education and is dedicated to creating a stress-free and supportive learning environment for her students. Amna is known for her enthusiasm and encouragement and is a true champion of student success. Outside of academia, she enjoys spending time with her family and practicing yoga.

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Terry Huffman is a retired professor of sociology with a PhD from Iowa State University. His area of scholarship primarily focused on educational issues facing marginalized populations. He is the author of a number of books including An Appalachian School in Coal Country, Tribal Strengths & Native Education, and Native American Educators in Reservation Schools. He lives in Lawrence, Kansas with his wife of nearly forty years, a super hyperactive dog, and two extremely laidback rescue cats.

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Dr. Sam Dolezal is a born and raised Nebraskan with deep roots in the North Bend area. With a passion for health and wellness along with an education background in exercise science and education, Dr. Dolezal draws on all her education and experience to help others live and grow into their very best lives. Primarily, Dr. Dolezal serves as the Wellbeing Officer for a local company and teaches within the Open Learning Academy for Doane University. Prior to her time in the Open Learning Academy, Dr. Dolezal served as an assistant coach with the Doane Track and Field program primarily working the throws group. Outside of her professional life, Dr. Dolezal now volunteers for a local track & field team and spends time in the great outdoors.

Is Doane University
Right for You?