Graduate Distance Learning Staff
Our Team
The GDP team is composed of experienced professionals with expertise in instructional design, online pedagogy, educational technology, and program development. We are passionate about online education and committed to supporting Fordham’s faculty and students in achieving their academic goals.
Dr. Beth Semaya
Associate Provost for Graduate Programs
Dr. Beth Semaya serves as Fordham University’s Associate Provost for Graduate Programs, bringing extensive experience in strategic leadership and academic innovation to the GDP unit. Prior to joining Fordham in March 2024, Dr. Semaya held key positions at Columbia University, including Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at the School of Professional Studies. There, she led the development and management of over a dozen master’s programs, with a focus on innovative, interdisciplinary curricula delivered both in-person and online.
Dr. Semaya holds a Ph.D. in English Education from Columbia University, and her work is driven by a deep commitment to equity, access, and the advancement of educational practices. At Fordham, she is dedicated to collaborating with the university community to enhance graduate programs and further Fordham’s mission of creating a more just society.
Dr. Steven D'Agustino
Senior Director for Online Programs
Dr. Steven D’Agustino, with a doctorate in Education Leadership, Administration, and Policy, serves as the Senior Director for Online Programs at Fordham University. In this role, he is responsible for the advancement and support of distance learning programs, providing strategic guidance and assistance to both programs and individual faculty.
Dr. D’Agustino’s extensive research focuses on the integration of technology in education, with a strong emphasis on enhancing teaching and learning experiences. He has edited several publications, including "Adaptation, Resistance and Access to Instructional Technologies and Immersive Environments" (2010), "Augmented Realities and Virtual Worlds: Assessing Future Trends in Education" (2012), and "Creating Teacher Immediacy in Online Learning Environments" (2016). His recent works, published in 2024, include "Post-Pandemic Pedagogy: Adapting, Unlearning, and Designing for Online Success" and “Social Reproduction and Equity Challenges in Learning Management Systems (LMS) Within Online Education.”
In addition to his academic contributions, Dr. D’Agustino co-hosts the podcast and shares his insights on his blog, Learn at a Distance.
Dr. Graham Johnson
Instructional Designer
Dr. Graham Johnson is an Instructional Designer at Fordham University, where he brings extensive experience in cultivating equitable and inclusive learning environments. With a strong background in both K-12 and higher education, Dr. Johnson has designed and taught courses across a wide range of subjects, including music, mathematics, English, and social studies, to students with diverse abilities and backgrounds.
Dr. Johnson holds a Ph.D. in Innovation in Curriculum and Instruction from Fordham University. His research focuses on interdisciplinary STEAM education, creativity, and the deconstruction of oppressive power structures in education. He is the co-author of recent articles, including "Arts-based Interdisciplinary Music and Mathematics Tasks: Exploring Conceptualizations of Equitable Creative Learning in Teacher Education" and "Creative Learning with Music and Mathematics: Reflections on Interdisciplinary Collaborations."
In his role as an Instructional Designer, Dr. Johnson supports Fordham faculty in creating accessible, high-quality online courses that promote student engagement and success. He is committed to fostering educational environments that are responsive to the needs and strengths of all learners.