Friends and colleagues mourning online said Dodson's contributions to education will leave a lasting impact, many renewing their own commitments in her memory.

Candice Dodson, who serves as director of eLearning for the Indiana Department of Education, said she will lead with renewed energy an focus.

Dodson introduced and implemented a program to make virtual school days part of the state's academic calendar.

Todd Lawrence, the E-rate coordinator for Idaho's education department, began his career in the tech industry.