Dr. Harrison is the Director of the Center for Distance Learning Research at Texas A&M University and facilitator for the Virtual Instructor Certification Program. During her tenure at the Center, CDLR has been honored with United States Distance Learning Association's "21st Century Best Practices Award".

Dr. Harrison has been in public education and education industries since 1972, having been a K-12 teacher, school administrator and distance learning industry executive.

A recognized state and national leader in the field of distance learning, she has served as founding Board Chair and President of the Texas Distance Learning Association. She also served as the President and Board Chair of the United States Distance Learning Association. She currently is the Association's Board Chair Emerita. Since 2004, she has been a Board member of the Air Force University.

Dr. Harrison earned a Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree and Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Texas at Austin as well as supervision, mid-management and superintendent certifications. She also holds a Distance Learning Leader Certificate from Nova Southeastern University's Fischler School of Graduate Studies.