About Us

Executive Director of Online Learning

Dr. Sam Jay

Samuel Jay, Ph.D., is a professor of Communication Studies and executive director of Online Learning at Metropolitan State University of Denver. Jay also serves as executive director of Emergent Technology and Academic Transformation, a role that involves exploring the integration of generative AI.

His research focus areas include how digital communication technologies and their users generate and circulate emotional energy and how that energy adds rhetoric effectiveness to disparate discourses, including politics, sports, and economics.

He joined MSU Denver in 2011 as an adjunct professor and went full-time in 2014. Jay opened his own consulting company in 2015 called Jay Communication Solutions helping individuals and small businesses market themselves. He has developed and implemented content marketing campaigns, handled social media accounts of NCAA Division I sports teams, and coached and managed projects for varied clients.

Jay received his doctorate in communication studies with a focus on rhetoric and a minor in emergent digital practices from the University of Denver in 2014, a master’s in radio-television-film from the University of North Texas in 2009, and a bachelor’s in cinema and comparative literature from University of Iowa in 2006.

Please contact Dr. Sam Jay with any questions about the Office of Online Learning’s initiatives and projects by emailing him at [email protected].

Assistant Director of Online Enrollment

Allie Dirks

I am responsible for the recruitment and enrollment of new and current MSU Denver students who major in any of our 30+ online programs. As an alumna of MSU Denver, I know that the only reason I am successful today is because of the experiences I had as a student in MSU Denver community and work hard to make sure new online Roadrunners have a similar experience starting from the moment they apply.

My 10 years of experience specializing in program growth and enrollment development in higher education have allowed me to create initiatives and develop tactics that have led to a more than 200% increase in applications and an over 8-fold growth in the headcount of MSU Denver students in online majors over the last 5 years.

Online learning is a passion of mine because it is the truest form of accessible education and I know firsthand that accessibility is a challenge for many families and individuals. If you need enrollment support for online students in any of your online programs, I promise to listen and help you find and implement good solutions.

Email Allie at [email protected].

Senior Online Enrollment Specialist

Kayla Warrens

Hello, my name is Kayla Warrens (she, her, hers) and I am the new Online Enrollment Specialist. I am originally from Florida and have lived in Colorado for 9 years. I am a first-generation college graduate. I started my educational journey by earning my A.A at Daytona Beach Community College and transferred to Flager College in St. Augustine where I graduated with my B.A. in English with a minor in Education. I then attended University of The Rockies where I earned my M.A. in Human Services, with a minor in Non-Profit Management. I have worked in higher education for the past 9 years in recruitment and retention of online learners and spent 4 years prior to that living internationally in South Korea, Thailand, and Guatemala as an ESL teacher. I am a passionate advocate for access to education for all, and I love to be part of the ‘how to school’ process that I figured out during my own educational journey. I’m excited to work with the unique population of students here at MSU Denver and I hope to provide a warm and welcoming experience as they find the educational path that works best for them. Outside of work I go adventuring with my 3-year-old daughter and our 2 dogs, crochet, garden, and take classes in anything I can- most recently on how to make sushi.

Email Kayla at [email protected].

Assistant Director of Student Services

Bridget Wetzel

I lead initiatives that advance student success in online programs, combining collaboration and passion to help students achieve their goals. As MSU Denver’s Staff Senate Secretary, I amplify staff voices and foster campus-wide inclusivity.

With a master’s in higher education, a bachelor’s in communication, and over a decade of experience in recruitment, event planning, and program management, I bring both strategy and execution. Since joining the Office of Online Learning five years ago, we launched the Online Student Success program, providing scholarships and coaching to our online learners, contributing to higher engagement, persistence, and retention.

As an MSU Denver alumna, transfer student, and adult learner, I’m committed to supporting our diverse student community with collaborative solutions and big-picture thinking.

Email Bridget at [email protected].

Senior Online Student Success Coach

Meredith Moore

Hey there! I’m Meredith Moore, your Online Student Success Coach at the Office of Online Learning here at MSU Denver. From the moment I stepped into this role, I knew I had found my calling in supporting students on their academic journeys.

My passion for education runs deep—it’s fueled by a vision where every MSU Denver student thrives. I believe in creating not just success, but meaningful connections that empower you to reach your full potential.

With an M.A. in Communication Studies and extensive experience in teaching and coaching, I bring a wealth of expertise to our team. Certified as an Academic Life Coach, I specialize in enhancing student retention through personalized coaching, guiding you in goal setting, motivation, relationship building, and academic skills development.

I’ve played a pivotal role in developing a robust online student success coaching program that offers tailored support and essential resources. More than that, I’m here to promise you this: I’m dedicated to your growth and academic excellence. Whether it’s overcoming challenges or honing your skills, I’m committed to helping you succeed. I can’t wait to help you achieve your academic goals, and we’ll make a difference in your educational experience. Let’s embark on this journey together!

Email Meredith at [email protected].

Online Student Success Coach

Sensahra Hearn

Hello! My name is Sensahra Hearn, and I am a passionate Student Success Coach who has a background in online student support and academic success planning. I will be coaching students in online programs in the College of Health and Human Science (CHHS) and the School of Education, and I specialize in helping students align their academic goals and needs with their academic track for achievement. My coaching style focuses on encouraging students to develop skills and foster strengths that provide self-motivation techniques for enhancing success academically and beyond.

Email Sahra at [email protected]

Online Student Success Coach

Odiee Anazleh

I am a student success and academic advising professional with over seven years of experience supporting students across secondary and post-secondary education, with a particular focus on online learners. I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from North Carolina State University and currently serve as an Online Student Success Coach at MSU Denver, where I support students with academic planning, goal setting, and persistence strategies as they navigate their online learning experience.

I have supported students through roles with TRIO Student Support Services, as a College Advisor, and in postsecondary advising and coaching settings. I also facilitate workshops focused on academic success, financial literacy, and student engagement, using tools such as Moodle, Canvas, and Google Suite to connect with students in virtual environments.

As a first-generation college graduate, I bring a student-centered and equity-focused approach to my work and strive to create supportive spaces where students feel seen, empowered, and confident in their decisions. I am passionate about helping online learners move forward with clarity, confidence, and a strong sense of belonging.

Email Odiee at [email protected]

Assistant Director of Online Program Development

KC Coburn

I support the development and ongoing success of MSU Denver’s online degree programs, partnering closely with faculty, departments, and campus colleagues to imagine, design, and sustain high-quality online learning experiences. My role focuses on helping programs move from early ideas to fully realized, student-centered online offerings that align with our mission, serve working and adult learners well, and respond to real workforce and community needs.

My background in online program development has shaped a deep appreciation for how powerful well-designed online learning can be—especially for students balancing work, family, and other responsibilities. I care deeply about accessibility, clarity, and thoughtful management of the online programs we offer. I enjoy helping others navigate the often complex systems that sit behind online programs. If you want to discuss program ideas, online curriculum design needs, program performance reporting, or what it takes to build and support strong online degrees at MSU Denver, I am always happy to listen, talk things through, and help.

Email KC at [email protected].