FAMU Honors Ezzeldin Aly for ‘Excellence in Online Teaching’
Creating Connection Online: FAMU Honors Ezzeldin Aly for ‘Excellence in Online Teaching’
Students praise Aly’s engaging, supportive approach to virtual learning
Tallahassee, Fla. —Florida A&M University (FAMU) Online and Continuing Education has named Ezzeldin Aly, Ph.D., interim chair of the Department of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation in the College of Education, as the recipient of the 2026 Excellence in Online Teaching Award.
The annual award recognizes faculty who demonstrate outstanding achievement in online teaching, innovation, and student engagement. Aly was selected following a competitive review process that highlighted his commitment to creating meaningful, accessible, and engaging learning experiences for students.
“High-quality online education is essential to how FAMU expands access while maintaining the academic excellence that defines the University,” said Franzetta D. Fitz, Ph.D., assistant provost for Digital and Online Education. “Dr. Aly demonstrates how thoughtful course design, innovation, and meaningful faculty engagement can create an online learning experience where students are positioned to succeed.”
Aly brings more than two decades of teaching and administrative experience in higher education to the online classroom. Through interactive assignments, multimedia resources, collaborative group activities, and a variety of instructional technologies, he has created an online learning environment that encourages students to remain actively engaged with course content, their instructor, and one another.
Micah Butler, a sport management graduate student from Hanover, Md., says Dr. Aly provided a “wonderful online environment.”
“Dr. Aly made the Research Methods in Sports online course engaging and interactive,” said Butler. “He provided thorough feedback that helped me understand how I could improve my work, and his communication and support made the course feel more personal.”
Butler said the online assignments challenged him to think critically about research and how it applies to the sports industry. His classmate, Ashleigh Stewart, a sport management graduate student from Brooklyn, NY, agrees.
“Dr. Aly’s online course was different from others that I have taken because he pushes his students to think outside of the box and ensures we are applying ourselves as much as possible,” Stewart said.
Those experiences reflect the student-centered approach that FAMU Online leaders say distinguishes Aly’s teaching.
“Dr. Aly exemplifies the faculty excellence and commitment to student success that we strive to provide across FAMU’s online learning environment,” said Kelley Bailey Bolden, Ph.D., dean of FAMU Online. “His ability to combine innovative teaching practices with meaningful student engagement makes him especially deserving of this recognition.”
Aly’s recognition comes as FAMU begins the Fall 2026 semester with continued national recognition for its online programs. Forbes Advisor ranked FAMU the No. 1 HBCU for Online Programs, underscoring the University’s commitment to accessible, high-quality online education.
“Receiving this award is especially meaningful because online teaching requires us to be intentional about creating connection, engagement, and opportunities for students to succeed, regardless of where they are learning,” Aly said. “I am grateful for this recognition and for the opportunity to help FAMU students achieve their academic and professional goals.”
Beyond the classroom, Aly has contributed to scholarship and professional practice nationally and internationally through publications, professional engagement, and editorial and leadership roles with scholarly journals and organizations. His affiliations have included the North American Society for the Sociology of Sport, the National Recreation and Park Association, and the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation, among others.
The Excellence in Online Teaching Award is part of FAMU’s broader commitment to supporting faculty innovation and strengthening the quality of digital learning. Recipients of whose courses meet established quality standards may also qualify for recognition through the statewide Florida’s Quality Awards.
Through faculty development, instructional technology, and high-quality online programs, the University continues to expand opportunities for students to access the FAMU experience anywhere in the world. For more information, visit famuonline.com.
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About FAMU Online and Continuing Education
FAMU Online and Continuing Education extends the academic excellence of Florida A&M
University beyond the traditional classroom through high-quality online degree programs,
continuing education, and professional development opportunities. Designed to meet
the needs of today’s learners and working professionals, its flexible programs expand
access to education while supporting career advancement and lifelong learning. FAMU
is ranked the No. 1 HBCU for Online Programs by Forbes Advisor. Learn more at famuonline.com.
Media Contact
Rachel James-Terry
Senior Director of Strategic Communications
rachel.jamesterry@famu.edu
