Richard Henricksen Honored with Ohio State's Distinguished Staff Award
Richard Henricksen, Senior eLearning Support Analyst in Ohio State University's Office of Technology and Digital Innovation, has been named a recipient of the 2025 Distinguished Staff Award - one of the university’s highest staff honors. This award recognizes Richard’s exceptional service, leadership, and steadfast dedication to advancing teaching and learning through technology.
Henricksen’s impact spans the entire Ohio State community. Widely recognized as a Subject Matter Expert in educational platforms such as Canvas and PebblePad, he plays a pivotal role in supporting thousands of faculty, staff, and students. His efforts have been instrumental in the implementation of ePortfolio tools across campus, including within the GE Bookends program and the Honors and Scholars Center. As the first person globally to be certified through PebblePad’s Capability Framework, Henricksen sets a new standard for innovation and mentorship in educational technology.
“Richard is the backbone of our digital teaching infrastructure,” said Melissa Beers, Ph.D., Senior Director of the GE Bookends program. “His work behind the scenes has made our courses not only possible, but successful. He translates highly technical concepts into accessible tools that empower instructors and students alike.”
Colleagues consistently praise Henricksen for his collaborative spirit and compassionate leadership. “He doesn’t just solve problems - he uplifts everyone around him,” noted Stephanie Rohdieck, Manager of Professional Learning at Ohio State Online. “Richard creates a learning environment filled with kindness, clarity, and unwavering support.”
In addition to his technical expertise, Henricksen remains a dedicated educator. With a Ph.D. in Spanish and Portuguese and years of classroom experience, he understands both the pedagogical and operational dimensions of teaching. His ability to bridge these worlds has made him a key player in launching large-scale instructional initiatives and transforming how digital tools support learning at Ohio State.
Letters of support from across the university describe Henricksen as a tireless advocate for inclusion, accessibility, and innovation. From creating adaptive instructional guides to advising software developers on user needs, he has left a meaningful mark not only on Ohio State, but on the broader global edtech community.
“Richard helps us all be better teachers, better learners, and better colleagues,” said the GE Bookends team in their joint letter of support. “He is a remarkable colleague whose work strengthens the foundation of this university.”
Henricksen will be formally recognized at the university’s annual Distinguished Staff Awards luncheon, where he will receive a $1,500 award and commemorative plaque.