She has been described as the "mother of TELETECHNET" and the driving force behind Old Dominion's efforts to become a leader in the distance learning arena. Because of her exceptional leadership, effective management and her national reputation as a visionary in the field, Anne Raymond Savage was named Administrator of the Year at the Faculty Awards and Retirement Dinner April 29.

The honor, which includes a $500 cash award, was presented by the Association of University Administrators.

Savage, who has served as an associate vice president for academic affairs since 1990, oversees the areas of lifelong learning and Academic Television Services. She is responsible for planning, developing and implementing TELETECHNET operations, the largest distance learning network of its kind in the United States.

In addition, she manages the university's nontraditional credit operations, including all distance learning and off-campus instruction, field-based programs, programs on military bases, operations of three regional higher education centers and Weekend and Evening College activities.

Nominators praised Savage's leadership and expertise.

"Because of her visionary efforts and leadership, students throughout the commonwealth of Virginia and as far distant as Washington state and U.S. Navy ships deployed around the globe have benefited from Old Dominion University's educational offerings; and the university has benefited from their attendance," said Frank Dunn, executive assistant to the associate vice president for academic affairs, who nominated her for the award.

Alice McAdory, director of the Peninsula Higher Education Center, said Savage "has led the university into the 21st century with her vision. Her in-depth understanding of new and emerging educational technologies has greatly influenced the university community and has gained the university both international and national acclaim."

According to Patrick Pow, executive director of Academic Television Services, Savage is an exceptional leader whose reputation is well-known in the distance learning field.

"Dr. Savage is amazingly organized in her management approach and is a visionary in the field of distance learning. I have been in the field of educational technology and distance learning for over 20 years," said Pow.

"Prior to coming to Old Dominion University, I had heard of Dr. Savage's outstanding reputation. Now, my personal experience working with and for her has confirmed that she fully deserves the reputation she has built for herself."

Last year, Savage received the National University Administrator Award. A frequent presenter at national conferences, she has served on a number of boards and advisory panels, including the National University Teleconference Network, College and University Educational Satellite Service, American Association of Media-Based Continuing Education for Engineers, Council of Chief State School Officers, Governor's Task Force for Economic Development, Governor's Initiative for Information Technology and the Council for Information Technology's Education Advisory Committee.

Savage joined Old Dominion in 1971 as an assistant professor of educational curriculum and instruction and in 1978 was appointed director of the Center for Instructional Development. In 1984, she became director of Academic Television Services and the Center for Instructional Services, where she implemented the university's distance learning network.

- Jennifer Mullen