Penn State World Campus has named William Dexter Fowler and Linda Foster as recipients of its 2025 Outstanding Alumni Award, honoring their professional accomplishments and contributions.
Foster, who earned her master’s degree in geographic information systems in 2011, is the recipient of the award that goes to an alumnus of a master’s or doctoral degree program. Foster, a recognized leader in the geospatial industry, is responsible for the global strategic vision for land records and surveying for Esri, an international leader in mapping software.
Fowler, a 2024 graduate with a bachelor’s degree in organizational and professional communication, is the recipient of the undergraduate alumni award. He is a broadcaster best known for his career in Major League Baseball, including his time with the Chicago Cubs in their 2016 World Series win.
Both alumni were selected for their leadership, innovation, and the impact they’ve made in their respective professions. The award is part of an annual tradition recognizing World Campus graduates who exemplify the values of Penn State through their work and service.
The awards are sponsored by the Penn State Office of the Vice Provost for Online Education and coordinated through the Office of Advancement for Penn State World Campus.
Linda Foster, Outstanding Alumni Award — graduate recipient
Foster currently serves as director of land records and cadastre at Esri Inc., where she leads the company’s global strategy for land records, surveying, and land administration. She collaborates with global partners to advance cutting-edge mapping technologies, contributing to Esri’s innovation efforts through patent development and strategic advising. She has been featured in thought leadership in national and international publications and supports global geospatial initiatives through her work with two United Nations groups, Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM) and Global Geodetic Centre of Excellence (UN-GGCE).
Foster is also president of the 15,000-member National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS). Her career includes 17 years in consulting, where she led geospatial projects across sectors such as energy, defense, mining, and transportation.
She holds multiple professional credentials, including FAA Certified Drone Pilot, Registered Professional Land Surveyor, and Certified Geographic Information Systems Professional (GISP).
Dexter Fowler, Outstanding Alumni Award — undergraduate recipient
Fowler has said he credits much of his broadcasting and entrepreneurial success in starting his own production company to his Penn State education.
Since retiring from professional baseball in 2023, Fowler has built a career as a sports broadcaster. He is a regular host on Marquee Sports Network and makes frequent appearances on ESPN, NBC Sports, and FOX Sports. Most recently, he started his own production company called Fowlball Productions and 400 Ventures, bridging the communication gap between entertainers, athletes, and the broader audience using different media platforms.
About the Penn State World Campus Outstanding Alumni Awards
Each year, Penn State World Campus recognizes outstanding alumni from among the more than 40,000 all-time graduates. Nominations open each spring.
Nominees must be graduates of Penn State World Campus, having earned an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree.
Past recipients of the Penn State World Campus Outstanding Alumni Awards have been honored for their service in the military and advancements in health care, community, cybersecurity, and supply chain management.
This feature is part of “40K alumni: 40 stories celebrating 40,000 graduates,” a series marking the milestone of more than 40,000 Penn Staters earning their degrees online through Penn State World Campus.