Jen A Fritz , MS

Virginia A. (Jen) Fritz is an Associate Professor–Educator in the School of Information Technology at the University of Cincinnati, where she teaches and develops curriculum in computer networking, computer infrastructure, and foundational IT courses. Since joining the university in 2002, she has held multiple instructional and leadership roles, including Assistant Director of Online Education, during which she coordinated faculty training, led the Online Cross-Functional Team, and served as an instructional coach for the Competency-Based Education IT Certification Program.
Professor Fritz has made sustained contributions to academic service at the school, college, and university levels, serving on curriculum review boards, reappointment and promotion committees, instructional design teams, and numerous faculty search committees. Her commitment to high-quality instruction and student success has been recognized through multiple awards, including the School of Information Technology Lifetime Achievement Alumni Award, the CECH Award for Faculty Excellence, and several Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Student-Faculty Relations.  
Her scholarly work focuses on information technology education, with publications in the ACM SIGITE conference proceedings examining high school IT teacher training and initiatives to broaden participation in computing. She is also deeply engaged in community outreach, contributing to STEM education initiatives such as Girls in STEM Cincinnati, CEES IT Pre-Apprenticeship, GenCyber Camp, and multiple K–12 technology programs.  
Prior to her academic career, Professor Fritz served in the United States Marine Corps as an electro-optical technician and hazardous materials and safety manager, earning the rank of Gunnery Sergeant and receiving the Army Commendation Medal. She was also recognized as a Master Instructor during her tenure at the Aberdeen Proving Ground Army Ordnance Center and School.   

Master of Science Information Systems: University of Cincinnati College of Business Cincinnati, Ohio, 2012

08-15-2021 - Associate Professor – Educator , Planned, prepare, and provide course material for computer networking and computer infrastructure courses. Maintain master course content for IT1080C and IT2035C. Actively participate in service to the school, the college, the university and our community. , University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio

2018 -2025 Assistant Director of Online Education, Co-ordinate faculty training for online teaching; instructional coordinator and coach for Competency Based Education IT Certification Program, lead Online Cross-Functional Team. , University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio

2017 -2021 Assistant Professor – Educator , Planned, prepare, and provide course material for computer networking and computer infrastructure courses. Actively participated in school and college committees. , University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio

2014 -2017 Educator, Developed course material to use to teach on-line classes. Participated in three school committees and two college committees. , University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio

2013 -2014 Visiting Instructor, Developed and refined course material for computer networking and computer infrastructure courses. Advisor for the Women in Technology student organization., University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio

2002 -2013 Adjunct Instructor, Taught Information Technology classes for the IT Department. Developed syllabi and teaching materials from provided textbooks. Attended multiple sessions to learn Blackboard and participated in pilot programs., University of Cincinnati, College of Applied Science, Cincinnati, Ohio

1988 -1992 Fire Control Instrument Repair Instructor, Senior instructor of multi-branch US military school. Created course material. Awarded Master Instructor Military Service 1973 - 1997, United State Marine Corps, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md

Other Publications

Jen Fritz, Selena Ramanayake, and Tracy Collins (2020. ) Early Information Technology Program High School Teachers' Training and Continual Professional Development. .Association for Computing Machinery,

Early Information Technology Program High School Teachers' Training and Continual Professional Development.

Jen Fritz, Margie Matthews, Tom Wulf, Jim Scott, and Jamie Fritz. (2016. ) University of Cincinnati and Saint Ursula Academy Partnership: Introducing Female High School Students to the Field of Information Technology, Year 2 .Association for Computing Machinery,

University of Cincinnati and Saint Ursula Academy Partnership: Introducing Female High School Students to the Field of Information Technology, Year 2

Jen Fritz, Tom Wulf, Margie Matthews, and Jim Scott (2015. ) University of Cincinnati and Saint Ursula Academy Partnership: Introducing Female High School Students to the Field of Information Technology .Association for Computing Machinery,

University of Cincinnati and Saint Ursula Academy Partnership: Introducing Female High School Students to the Field of Information Technology

2021 -2021 School of Information Technology Lifetime Achievement Alumni Award The School of Information Technology Lifetime Achievement Alumni Award honors a graduate whose sustained professional accomplishments, service, and leadership have significantly advanced the mission of the School of Information Technology. Recipients demonstrate exceptional long‑term impact through contributions to IT education, industry innovation, community engagement, and support of students and faculty. This award recognizes individuals whose career reflects excellence, integrity, and a deep commitment to strengthening the IT profession and the University of Cincinnati community. School of Information Technology Status:Recipient Level:Department Type:Recognition

2019 -2020 Golden Apple Award, Excellence in Student-Faculty Relations The Golden Apple Award is a student‑driven honor presented within the College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services to recognize faculty who demonstrate exceptional dedication to teaching, mentorship, and student support. Recipients are nominated by students who identify instructors that consistently create meaningful learning experiences, communicate with clarity and empathy, and foster a supportive academic environment. The award highlights faculty who go above and beyond in accessibility, responsiveness, and commitment to student success, making it one of the most valued forms of recognition within CECH because it reflects the direct appreciation of the students they serve. College of Education, Criminal Justice, Human Services, and IT Status:Recipient Level:College Type:Recognition

2018 -2019 Golden Apple Award, Excellence in Student-Faculty Relations The Golden Apple Award is a student‑driven honor presented within the College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services to recognize faculty who demonstrate exceptional dedication to teaching, mentorship, and student support. Recipients are nominated by students who identify instructors that consistently create meaningful learning experiences, communicate with clarity and empathy, and foster a supportive academic environment. The award highlights faculty who go above and beyond in accessibility, responsiveness, and commitment to student success, making it one of the most valued forms of recognition within CECH because it reflects the direct appreciation of the students they serve.2018 College of Education, Criminal Justice, Human Services, and IT Status:Recipient Level:College

2018 -2019 Golden Apple Award, Excellence in Student-Faculty Relations The Golden Apple Award is a student‑driven honor presented within the College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services to recognize faculty who demonstrate exceptional dedication to teaching, mentorship, and student support. Recipients are nominated by students who identify instructors that consistently create meaningful learning experiences, communicate with clarity and empathy, and foster a supportive academic environment. The award highlights faculty who go above and beyond in accessibility, responsiveness, and commitment to student success, making it one of the most valued forms of recognition within CECH because it reflects the direct appreciation of the students they serve. College of Education, Criminal Justice, Human Services, and IT Status:Recipient Type:Recognition

2017 -2018 Golden Apple Award, Excellence in Student-Faculty Relations The Golden Apple Award is a student‑driven honor presented within the College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services to recognize faculty who demonstrate exceptional dedication to teaching, mentorship, and student support. Recipients are nominated by students who identify instructors that consistently create meaningful learning experiences, communicate with clarity and empathy, and foster a supportive academic environment. The award highlights faculty who go above and beyond in accessibility, responsiveness, and commitment to student success, making it one of the most valued forms of recognition within CECH because it reflects the direct appreciation of the students they serve. College of Education, Criminal Justice, Human Services, and IT Status:Recipient Level:College Type:Recognition

2017 -2017 eLearning Champion The eLearning Champion Award recognizes faculty who demonstrate exceptional leadership and innovation in online and technology‑enhanced teaching at the University of Cincinnati. Recipients are honored for advancing high‑quality digital learning through exemplary course design, creative use of instructional technologies, and a strong commitment to student engagement in virtual environments. The award highlights faculty who not only excel in their own online teaching but also contribute to the broader UC community by sharing best practices, mentoring colleagues, and supporting continuous improvement in eLearning across the institution. University of Cincinnati Status:Recipient Level:University Type:Recognition

2017 -2018 Award for Faculty Excellence The CECH Award for Faculty Excellence recognizes faculty who demonstrate outstanding achievement in teaching, service, and contributions to the mission of the College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services. The award honors individuals whose work significantly enhances student learning, strengthens academic programs, and advances the college’s strategic priorities. Recipients are selected for their sustained excellence, leadership, and positive impact on the CECH community. College of Education, Criminal Justice, Human Services, and IT Status:Recipient Level:College Type:Monetary

2015 -2016 Outstanding Service Award, School of Information Technology The Outstanding Service Award from the School of Information Technology honors faculty who demonstrate exceptional and sustained service to the School, its students, and the broader UC community. Recipients are recognized for contributions that go beyond routine expectations—such as leading key initiatives, supporting program development, mentoring students and colleagues, strengthening partnerships, and advancing the School’s mission through consistent, high‑impact engagement. The award highlights individuals whose dedication, reliability, and leadership significantly enhance the academic environment and contribute meaningfully to the success and reputation of the School of Information Technology. School of Information Technology Status:Recipient Level:Department Type:Recognition

2015 -2016 Dean’s Award for Faculty Excellence, CECH The Dean’s Award for Faculty Excellence is one of the highest honors bestowed within the College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services. It recognizes faculty who demonstrate exceptional achievement in teaching, service, and scholarly or professional contributions that advance the mission of CECH. Recipients exemplify leadership, innovation, and a sustained commitment to student success and academic excellence. The award highlights faculty whose work has a significant and positive impact on their program, the college, and the broader university community. College of Education, Criminal Justice, Human Services, and IT Status:Recipient Level:College Type:Monetary

-IT-1080C COMPUTER NETWORKING Level:Undergraduate

-IT-1080C COMPUTER NETWORKING Level:Undergraduate

-IT-1080C COMPUTER NETWORKING Level:Undergraduate

IT-2035C NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE MANAGEMENT Level:Undergraduate

IT-6105C NETWORK BASICS Level:Graduate

IT-6114C INFRASTRUCTURE & SERVICES Level:Graduate

IT-6115C SWITCHING & ROUTING Level:Graduate

-IT-1080C COMPUTER NETWORKING Level:Undergraduate

-IT-1080C COMPUTER NETWORKING Level:Undergraduate

IT-2035C NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE MANAGEMENT Level:Undergraduate

IT-6105C NETWORK BASICS Level:Graduate

IT-6114C INFRASTRUCTURE & SERVICES Level:Graduate

IT-6115C SWITCHING & ROUTING Level:Graduate

Home - 7384 Half Circle Court
7384 Half Circle Court
Cincinnat  Ohio, 45230
Phone: 5133052460
jen.fritz@uc.edu