Online Higher Education Administration & Leadership
Weighing the Risks of Moving too Fast With Gen AI
CIO, October 2024
Embracing AI to Cultivate Connections with Prospective Students
eCampus News, July 2024
Building Successful Graduate Programs
The Chronicle of Higher Education (Panel Discussion), March 2024
Leading Change: Chris Montagnino’s Impact on Champlain College’s Online Division
Valient CEO, March 2024
Public Perception of Online Education Improved Sharply Post-Pandemic
Inside Higher Education, November 2023
Online College Programs Are Gaining More Public Acceptance Says New Survey
Forbes, November 2023
5 Things You Need To Know To Successfully Manage a Team
Authority Magazine, November 2023
How Generative AI May Reshape Higher Education
Inside Higher Education (Podcast), October 2023
An Upside Down Curriculum
EdUp Experience (Podcast), September 2023
Six Ways to Maximize Authentic Learning in the AI Era
Fierce Education, August 2023
Chris is available for media inquiries on a wide range of online higher education topics, including
Removing Barriers to Degree Completion: The Dennis-Montagnino TEAMS Model for Student-Centered Transfer Credit
Journal of Strategic Innovation and Sustainability, June 2024
B.A., Political Science, University of Texas at El Paso
M.A., Political Science, University of Texas at El Paso
M.A., Organizational Management, University of Phoenix
Chris Montagnino is Vice President of Champlain College Online. She leads the academic and operational administration of Champlain College’s online division. Chris has experience in building successful teams, executive leadership, launching and scaling online programs, marketing, and enrollment management. Additionally, Chris has taught online courses in political science and gender studies, while serving on multiple education and social justice, non-profit boards.
Chris is most passionate about building teams that will maximize student success by delivering high-quality, online programs to those often under-served in traditional higher education. She believes that online higher education is life changing for students, leading to greater educational, economic, and social equity.
Prior to joining Champlain College Online, Chris worked as a Vice President of University Partnerships with Academic Partnerships, the Vice President of Strategic Enrollment Management and Vice President of Extended Education at Excelsior University, a regional Vice President for Herzing University, and a Campus Director at University of Phoenix.
"I chose higher education because I believe in meeting students where they are and empowering them to pursue their goals on their terms. The future of education isn't about clinging to outdated traditions; it's about expanding access, respecting students' choices, and building systems that serve their diverse needs. To me, there's no greater privilege than helping students realize their potential and transform their lives through education."
