American Public University System names chief academic officer

McCluskey began developing online learning programs for Mercy College in New York in 1990, when distance learning was still a relatively new concept. He helped found Mercy’s online learning program with a grant from IBM. Most recently, he served as the college’s dean of online learning.

“Dr. McCluskey has built successful online programs — from the ground up — within a traditional campus structure,” says Wally Boston, president and chief executive officer for the University System, which serves more than 12,000 online learners worldwide (www.apus.edu). “I know that his experience will enrich our programs and academic outreach, and I welcome his leadership.”

McCluskey has served on online learning accreditation teams for New York State, one of the more stringent accrediting bodies in the U.S. He has been a corporate trainer and organizational consultant for the American Management Association. He also is a frequent lecturer, at home and abroad, on distance learning and other topics.

“I’m proud to be joining one of the pioneers in distance learning,” says McCluskey. “The quality of the programs — and the University System’s desire to add value to student education — made it an easy decision to come here. I hope to strengthen the academic program with my experience in traditional liberal arts education.”

McCluskey earned his doctorate in German Philosophy from the New School for Social Research in New York. He was a National Endowment for the Humanities post-doctoral fellow at Yale University.

American Public University System delivers more than 50 undergraduate and graduate programs, providing relevant and affordable distance learning — taught by professors experienced in the real-world subjects they teach. AMU and APU prepare students for careers in homeland security, intelligence, criminal justice, emergency management, sports management, and more.