Emily Chen-Bendle joins the McBee Institute as Associate Director of Distance Learning

The Louise McBee Institute is proud to announce that Dr. Emily Chen-Bendle recently joined the Institute as associate director of distance learning. After a successful defense of her dissertation, Dr. Chen-Bendle assumed her new role in April 2025.  

In this position, Dr. Chen-Bendle will support and advance the Institute’s Executive Ed.D. in Higher Education Management, Online M.Ed., and Governor’s Teaching Fellows programs. Her appointment reflects the Institute’s continued commitment to innovation, accessibility, and academic excellence in distance education.  

“I am truly honored to serve the Institute’s Executive Ed.D. in Higher Education Management, Online M.Ed., and Governor's Teaching Fellows programs—three programs which together represent the McBee Institute’s impressive commitment to excellence, public service, and innovation,” said Chen-Bendle.  

Dr. Chen-Bendle brings a unique blend of academic and professional experience to this role. Her background includes teaching in both community college and university settings, as well as marketing roles in both non-profit and for-profit sectors, including positions at Target Corporation and America Online.  

“We are beyond excited that Dr. Chen-Bendle has joined the McBee Institute faculty and staff as associate director of distance learning,” said McBee IHE director Erik Ness. “Emily’s experience in higher education and corporate settings, in addition to her dedicated service to the Institute, is sure to advance our distance learning programs.” 

During her doctoral studies at the McBee Institute, she held several graduate assistantships, including the Executive Ed.D. program. She also served as an Instructional Assistant for courses in Quantitative Methods and Research in Higher Education.  

Dr. Chen-Bendle holds a B.A. in English from Columbia University, an M.B.A. from the Darden School at the University of Virginia, an Ed.D. from Western University in Canada, and a Ph.D. in Higher Education from the Louise McBee Institute of Higher Education.