New York, N.Y., - July 14, 2008 –Dr. Bernard J. Luskin has been appointed CEO/Provost for global e-learning programs at Touro University Worldwide.

In announcing the appointment, Touro's president Dr. Bernard Lander said, "Dr. Luskin is one of the world's foremost authorities on learning psychology and e-learning, and we are indeed very fortunate to have Bernie join us in building our blended and online offerings."

Dr. Luskin will work with and lead Touro campuses and programs worldwide on the development and delivery of courses and programs that rely entirely or in part on the internet."Dr. Luskin has special and unique expertise, experience, tested vision and a distinguished background as both an educator and an entrepreneur in media and online learning that we know will help propel our institution to the forefront of global e-learning and Media Studies," Dr. Lander added. "We plan a new program in Media Studies, and will be offering graduate programs in film, television, media studies and distance education. One special area will be in Media and Education for college and university faculty interested masters degrees in media and pathways to the doctorate."

Dr. Luskin joins Touro after having served as executive vice president and director of media studies at the Fielding Graduate University, where he also led the University's Media Psychology and Community College Leadership programs.  Dr. Luskin has served as president and CEO of three colleges and universities, including founding president of Coastline Community College, one of the first and leading institutions dedicated to online learning; president of Orange Coast College; and president of Jones International University, where he led the process of securing the first regional accreditation of an entirely online institution.  Dr. Luskin has received lifetime achievement awards in media and education from the UCLA Doctoral Alumni Association, California State University Los Angeles, The University of Florida Institute for the Future, The Council for Resource Development, The Irish Government and European Union. 

In the private sector, Dr. Luskin was founding CEO of Philips Interactive Media and president of Jones Education Networks, including Mind Extension University and Knowledge TV.  He is also credited with putting the first computer education program in a community college, spearheading the emergence of movies on CD and DVD working with Paramount Studios, and with producing a host of award winning programs, including receiving two Emmy's for educational television productions, and is founder of the syndicated New Media News.  His most recent book, Casting the Net Over Global Learning, is considered a major publication in facilitating distance education across the threshold from the 20th to the 21st century.

A licensed psychotherapist and school psychologist, Dr. Luskin earned his doctorate from UCLA, where he was a Kellogg and University Fellow. He is the author of numerous research studies, articles, books and a producer of television, motion pictures and internet programs. He has taught at UCLA, USC, California State University, Pepperdine, Claremont and Fielding Graduate Universities.

Dr. Luskin may be contacted at Bernard.Luskin@Touro.edu