About
Vision:
Empower faculty, staff, and students by integrating cutting-edge educational technologies.
Mission
Foster a university-wide culture of innovation by embracing and applying emerging technologies in teaching and learning.
Meet the CETLA Team
B. Jean Mandernach, PhD is the Executive Director of the Center for Innovation in Research on Teaching at Grand Canyon University. Her research focuses on enhancing student learning experiences in the online classroom through innovative instructional and assessment strategies. She explores strategies for integrating efficient online instruction in a manner that maximizes student learning, satisfaction, and engagement. In addition, she has interests in artificial intelligence, innovative faculty development and evaluation models, teaching and learning analytics, emergent instructional technology, and faculty workload considerations. Dr. Mandernach is an active researcher, author, presenter, and consultant in the field of online and technology-enhanced education.
Email Me: [email protected]
Rick Holbeck, EdS, is the Executive Director of the Department of Online Teaching and Learning at Grand Canyon University and editor of the Journal of Instructional Research. With over 30 years in education, he is dedicated to enhancing online learning and academic excellence. Currently pursuing an EdD in Instructional Technology, Rick researches generative AI technologies in online teaching. He also teaches educational leadership and graduate education courses. A respected leader and scholar, Rick frequently presents on instructional technology and ethical issues, contributing to the advancement of education through innovation and a forward-thinking approach.
Email Me: [email protected]
Dr. Alexis Register earned her PhD in General Psychology with an emphasis in Cognition and Instruction in 2021. Her dissertation, “Elements of Self-Transcendence to Combat Volunteer Compassion Fatigue,” is a seminal work that addresses critical issues in psychological resilience and volunteer well-being. A member of the American Psychological Association since 2020, From 2014 to 2017, SPSP since 2024, and she served on the board of the Center for Innovation in Research and Teaching, and from 2013 to 2014, she was the faculty lead for the same center. Her editorial expertise was showcased during her tenure as the Assistant Managing Editor for the Journal of Non-Significant Differences from 2013 to 2014. She currently sits on the AI Committee at Grand Canyon University. Also served as a Subject matter expert for courses, including Adult Development, Experimental Psychology, and Introduction to Psychology. Currently, she is a valued dissertation content expert committee member, guiding doctoral candidates through their research journeys. Currently, she is in charge of running the Department of Online Teaching and Learning’s Social Media.
Email Me: [email protected]
Morgan McNaughton is the Program Director of the Center for Innovation in Research on Teaching (CIRT) at Grand Canyon University, where she leads faculty development initiatives focused on the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL). With more than 15 years in higher education, Morgan specializes in helping faculty turn their everyday teaching practices into meaningful, publishable research—without losing the creativity, care, or human touch that makes teaching transformative. Her work centers on supporting faculty as both scholars and practitioners, offering tools and guidance to navigate SoTL research while staying grounded in empathy, curiosity, and the evolving realities of the classroom. Morgan is particularly passionate about exploring how educators can embrace AI and emerging technologies without compromising authenticity, connection, or pedagogical purpose.
Email Me: [email protected]