Groundbreaking Education Book Nominated for the Phillip E. Frandson Award For Literature

In exciting news, the IGI Global Scientific Publishing book, Building Collaborative Learning Communities to Drive Student Success (ISBN: 9798337307961) edited by Prof. Robin Dhakal (The University of Arizona Global Campus, USA), William G. Davis (The University of Arizona Global Campus, USA), and Kira Heske (The University of Arizona Global Campus, USA), was recently nominated for the Phillip E. Frandson Award For Literature from UPCEA. This award honors outstanding publications that explore the ideas or practice behind professional, continuing, or online education. As a leading higher education association, UPCEA aims to transform higher education, recognizing both premiere publications and institutional programs for their impact on online learning. Continue reading below to hear from the editors as they response to this nomination.

"I’m honored to see Building Collaborative Learning Communities to Drive Student Success nominated for the Phillip E. Frandson Award and to represent the University of Arizona Global Campus in advancing research on collaboration and student success. Our work underscores the importance of building communities of care across all levels of higher education. This nomination reflects our shared commitment to creating inclusive and supportive learning environments where all students can thrive."

- Prof. Robin Dhakal (The University of Arizona Global Campus, USA)

"It is a genuine privilege to have our work, Building Collaborative Learning Communities to Drive Student Success, recognized by the Board for the Phillip E. Frandson Award and by IGI Global Scientific Publishing. IGI Global Scientific Publishing exemplifies excellence in scholarly contribution, and their unwavering support empowers authors to share research that elevates student success and advances the future of higher education. This nomination reflects the collective commitment of educators worldwide to create meaningful, innovative learning communities that transform lives."

- Prof. William G. Davis (The University of Arizona Global Campus, USA)

"We are deeply honored by the nomination of Building Collaborative Learning Communities to Drive Student Success for the Phillip E. Frandson Award for Literature. Developed through the collaboration of fifteen authors from four countries and published by IGI Global Scientific Publishing, this work presents an innovative and globally informed examination of leadership, instructional strategies, and community building in professional, continuing, and online higher education."

- Prof. Kira Heske (The University of Arizona Global Campus, USA)

Building Collaborative Learning Communities to Drive Student Success Profs. Robin Dhakal, William G. Davis, and Kira Heske © 2026 | 490 pgs. | ISBN13: 9798337307961 Edited By an Expert With Over Three Decades of Experience Ideal for Educational Leaders, Administrators, Faculty, Researchers, & More Covers Topics like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Collaborative Coaching, & Higher Education Quick Links Bibliographic Information Pricing & Purchase Options Table of Contents Recommend to Library Access Full Text

Robin Dhakal is an Assistant Professor at the University of Arizona Global Campus. He earned an M.A. and a Ph.D. in Economics from University of South Florida and a B.A. in Business/Economics and Mathematics/Computer Science from Warren Wilson College. His academic research focuses on development economics and political economy. He has been teaching Economics in colleges and universities for the past eleven years. In his free time, he loves to travel, hike, and explore the outdoors.

Bill Davis is an Assistant Professor and a Program Chair at the University of Arizona Global Campus. Bill has extensive experience and education in all aspects of business: consultant, management, leadership, sales, marketing, strategic planning, human resources, and organizational change. He has over three decades of experience working in the beverage industry, specifically in the PepsiCo system, a Fortune 500 company, serving in front, middle management, and executive level leadership positions. Bill is a pracademic who successfully transitioned his highly successful career into academia. He has published over 160+ short articles, coauthored “Staying Engaged it’s Essential!,” sharing his leadership and management wisdom, has taught over 320+ courses in higher education in online and on ground modalities and has developed curriculum, and has over 20 years of extensive academic experience.

Kira Heske, as the Associate Director of the Learning Support team at the University of Arizona Global Campus, oversees the Library, Writing Center, and Tutoring supports provided to students, faculty, and staff. She is passionate about leading a team of librarians and writing consultants dedicated to ensuring UAGC students have access to quality learning supports and services so they can succeed in their educational goals and beyond. Kira holds a Master of Library and Information Science from University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana and a Master’s of Arts degree in English from San Diego State University.