Case Study: Marshall University achieves a modernized, personalized online learning experience with Anthology's Blackboard Learn Ultra

Modernizing and personalizing the learning experience at a historic university

Marshall University, an R2 public research institution serving over 10,835 students, faced a leadership transition and a strategic push to modernize and expand its online programs. Leadership identified the need for a modern LMS to deliver consistent, mobile-responsive experiences for students and more flexible, easy-to-use tools for faculty; Marshall selected Anthology’s Blackboard Learn Ultra to meet those goals.

Anthology implemented a phased rollout of Blackboard Learn Ultra beginning April 2023 with volunteer superusers, a campus “Ultra Academy” for faculty micro-credentialing, and integrations (including Microsoft Teams). The result: a streamlined interface and features like drag-and-drop content and an improved grade center that students and faculty praise, reduced time spent on technical support so staff can focus on instructional design, and a campus goal of 100% faculty trained by August 2024 — a clear, positive impact for learners, educators, and administrators under Anthology’s solution.

Marshall University

Julia Spears

Assistant Provost for Online Education and Certification