Press Releases

MONTEREY, CALIF. – Defense Language Institute Foundation (DLI Foundation) Chairman Kenneth Nilsson announced the appointment of Dr. Donald Fischer as President of the DLI Foundation.

"Dr. Donald Fischer's experience, leadership skills and knowledge of the DLI, its Defense Department mission and the importance of improving and increasing foreign language education in grades K through 12 qualify him to be the first President of our new Foundation."

Fischer served as Commandant of the Defense Language Institute from 1989-1993, at which time emphasis was placed on the integration of computer technology into language learning, the development of the video teletraining system, support of the Special Forces language program, support of combat operations in Panama, Iraq, Somalia, and the Balkans, and implementing program, management and faculty and staff adjustments brought about by the political changes in Europe and the resulting shift in priorities to Asia and the Middle East.  Prior to his assignment as Commandant, he served in senior command and staff positions in Europe.

Fischer worked at the University of New Mexico after retiring from the Army in 1993. He served as Executive Director of Albuquerque's Teach and Learn Network, the city's cable-based Educational Access Channel.  He was Project Manager for building the Hispanic Telecommunications System and the Northern New Mexico Network for Rural Education.  He ended his 10 years at the University of New Mexico as Project Manager for the Navajo Education Technology Consortium, a Star Schools project bringing Information Technology to Navajo schools in New Mexico, Arizona and Utah.

Fischer is a graduate of Ohio State University with a B.S. in Education, majoring in Chemistry and Physics teaching with a minor in Mathematics teaching.  He has a Master of Military Arts and Sciences from the US Army Command and General Staff College, with emphasis on computer simulation, and a PhD from the University of New Mexico in Organizational Learning and Instructional Technologies, with a major in Distance Learning and a minor in German Studies.

Fischer's military decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal.

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