Individuals who choose to enroll in colleges online may increase their likelihood of obtaining high-profile careers in the quickly changing education sector.

Ivy Tech, an Indiana-based system of community college, has announced the appointment of a new dean for its business school. Janet Evelyn-Dorsey, who left her job as an instructor and administrator at the State University of New York, accepted this position at Ivy Tech and began working for the school this month.

The business college’s new dean has a strong connection to two online colleges, as she earned her PhD in leadership for higher education from Capella University and is an adjunct professor for the Excelsior University system.

Ronald Sloan, vice chancellor for academic affairs for the school’s east central region, said the “special expertise” Evelyn-Dorsey has gained is “especially fitted to address the community need for new jobs in general and support for small business in particular.”

Individuals who gain similar experience through online education may see increased job prospects, as recent research from the Sloan Consortium indicates that enrollment in online colleges has increased by 17 percent over the past year.  Students can earn most degrees online, including an associates or a bachelors degree in a variety of topics.