Our Team
Dr. Katie Sprute
Senior Faculty Chair
Dr. Katie Sprute is the 2026 L.O.P.E. Conference Chair and a seasoned leader with 20 years of experience in education, project management, and leadership. Since joining Grand Canyon University in 2013, she has served as a Faculty Chair in the Department of Online Teaching and Learning (DoTL) for nearly a decade and as an assistant professor in the College of Education.
Beyond her role at GCU, Dr. Sprute is the co-owner of a small business, as well as a consultant, active community volunteer and researcher. Her research interests include structural empowerment, job embeddedness, AI applications in higher education, online teaching and learning, and strategies for fostering community among remote employees.
Dr. Sprute holds a Ph.D. in General Psychology with an emphasis in Industrial/Organizational Psychology.
Email: [email protected]
Dr. Sheila Damiani
Dr. Sheila Damiani serves as the 2026 L.O.P.E. Conference Co-Chair, where she brings her passion for academic excellence, virtuous leadership, and innovation in online learning to the forefront. A lifelong educator, she has been with Grand Canyon University since 2012 and currently serves as Senior Faculty Chair for the Department of Online Teaching and Learning, leading a team of online full-time faculty dedicated to fostering student success and professional growth.
Dr. Damiani holds a B.A. in Elementary Education from Arizona State University, an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University, and an Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership with an Emphasis in Higher Education from Grand Canyon University. Her scholarly and professional interests include faculty engagement, character and virtue formation in higher education, and the integration of feedback and mentorship to enhance teaching and learning.
An active contributor to professional development and faculty growth, Dr. Damiani’s research interests focus on the advancement of excellence in online education. Her work reflects a commitment to empowering educators to lead with purpose, integrity, and a future-minded vision for student flourishing.
Email: [email protected]
Dr. Remilyn Mueller
Dr. Remilyn Mueller is an educator, author, and lifelong learner committed to helping students thrive academically, professionally, and spiritually. She teaches at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona, where she integrates academic rigor with compassion and faith-based encouragement.
Dr. Mueller holds a Ph.D. in General Psychology, an M.A. in Communication, and a B.A. in Education. Her diverse teaching experience spans K–12 classrooms, English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction, and higher education, serving both traditional and online adult learners at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. She has presented at educational conferences, published books, and scholarly articles.
In her recent book, You’re Not Alone, Dr. Mueller blends practical success strategies with spiritual insight to empower online adult learners to pursue their studies with confidence and purpose. A passionate advocate for AI literacy, she emphasizes the importance of equipping learners with the skills needed to thrive in an evolving digital world.
Beyond the classroom, Dr. Mueller enjoys traveling, spending time with her family, and inspiring others to live with faith, resilience, and purpose. Her life’s work reflects a deep belief that learning is not only an achievement but a lifelong journey of growth and transformation.
Email: [email protected]
Lindy Gaudiano, PhD
Assistant Dean
Dr. Lindy Gaudiano holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Elementary Education Reading. She is a certified Elementary Educator and Reading Specialist, bringing extensive experience in early childhood literacy and curriculum development. She earned her PhD in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, further expanding her expertise in leadership, organizational development, and educational effectiveness.
Dr. Gaudiano began her career teaching in the public school system before transitioning to Higher Education, where she now serves as an Assistant Dean. Passionate about student success and innovative program development, Dr. Gaudiano continues to contribute to the field through research, instruction, and leadership in higher education.
Keith Rogers
Keith is an instructor in the Department of Online Teaching and Learning (D.O.T.L.) at Grand Canyon University. He has over 20 years of experience in education as an Instructor, Trainer, and Assistant to the Chancellor. He has 17 years’ experience as an Ordained Minister. Keith’s educational journey has taken him through Indiana University, Cleveland State University, and Grand Canyon University. Over the years, he has built a diverse career across the medical, hospitality, government, and education industries. While finding joy in serving others in these fields, his greatest passion is teaching. Keith firmly believes that God has guided him to this path and is excited to continue embracing opportunities to teach and make a difference in others’ lives. Keith is dedicated to fulfilling the assignments God has placed before him and embracing the journey ahead. You can connect with Keith at [email protected].
Greg Lucas
Greg Lucas, MBA is an education futurist and expert at the forefront of AI and education, redefining learning through emerging technologies. He serves as Faculty Chair at Grand Canyon University’s Colangelo College of Business, driving innovation in online learning and AI-driven education solutions. With a background in renewable energy, real estate, and Intel manufacturing, Greg brings a strategic vision to the intersection of AI, education, and business. He holds an Executive MBA in Global Business from ASU.
Email [email protected]
Dr. Micaela Swan
Dr. Micaela Swan brings more than 20 years of experience across both K–12 and higher education settings. Throughout her career, she has served as a teacher, building administrator, and district administrator, accumulating expertise in general and special education. Currently, Dr. Swan is a full-time online instructor at Grand Canyon University’s College of Education, where she teaches a range of undergraduate and graduate courses in teacher and administrator preparation.
Dr. Swan holds a Ph.D. in Psychology with an emphasis on Cognition and Instruction. Her research centers on incorporating trauma-informed instructional practices across classroom environments, with her dissertation focusing specifically on secondary special education. As the College of Education’s AI Champion, she leads faculty development in effective AI integration and instructional strategies.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Dr. Swan was honored with the 2024 Provost Excellence Award and named the 2025 Online Full-Time Faculty of the Year. She is deeply passionate about empowering educators with inclusive practices, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to achieve their full potential.
Email: [email protected]
Rick Holbeck
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.
Dr. Susan Boafo-Arthur
Dr. Susan Boafo-Arthur is an Associate Professor in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Grand Canyon University. She earned her Ph.D. in Counselor Education from Mississippi State University and is a licensed professional counselor in Connecticut and Pennsylvania, with tele-mental health registration in Florida. Clinically, she specializes in counseling adults facing depression, anxiety, trauma, self-esteem, empowerment, and life transitions.
Dr. Boafo-Arthur’s research focuses on cross-cultural counseling, acculturation, social justice, emotional intelligence, and faith integration. Her scholarship highlights the experiences of international students, African faculty, and globally mobile populations, advocating for culturally responsive mental health care and inclusive academic environments.
Email: [email protected]
Mr. Steve Hughes
How do we teach students to think with logical rigor in a world where AI can produce answers instantly? For Steve Hughes, an OFTF Mathematics Faculty at Grand Canyon University, this question is at the heart of modern education. Instead of viewing AI as a threat to academic integrity, they pioneer pedagogical strategies that turn AI into a powerful learning partner. His work focuses on using AI-generated solutions as teaching artifacts, challenging students to audit for errors, refine logic, and ultimately build the critical reasoning skills that machines cannot replicate.
As an organizer and mediator for the L.O.P.E. Conference, Steve Hughes is passionate about bringing together diverse voices from K-12, higher education, and industry to build a cohesive vision for a future where human intellect and artificial intelligence work in tandem to solve the world’s most complex problems.
Email: [email protected]
Dr. Carol Lippert
Dr. Carol Lippert is a highly experienced educator with over 30 years in the field of education. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Secondary Education from the University of Arizona, as well as a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University and a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership from Grand Canyon University.
Currently, Dr. Lippert serves as the Assistant Vice President for K12 Outreach and Support at Grand Canyon Education. In this role, she spearheads high-quality professional development and student engagement programs, fostering collaboration between K12 districts and schools.
Previously, Dr. Lippert held the position of Associate Superintendent for the High Academic Standards for Students Division at the Arizona Department of Education, Principal, Assistant Principal, and science teacher.
Her career showcases a deep commitment to education and a passion for fostering academic excellence.
Email: [email protected]
Dr. Robert Krise
Dr. Robert Krise is an Assistant Professor in the College of Theology at Grand Canyon University. He has been a part of the faculty of the College of Theology for over 13 years. He holds a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership from Grand Canyon University, a Master of Divinity degree from Talbot Theological Seminary, Biola University, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Bio-Agricultural Sciences from Arizona State University.
He has published articles regarding teacher perceptions regarding student learning when using Servant teaching and altruism and is currently co-writing an article regarding the influence of AI on the spirituality of young people. He currently serves on several committees, such as the Professional Development sub-committee, and the Supervisory Ministry committee.
Beyond his role at Grand Canyon University, he serves in his local church in the church’s home group ministry as a small group coach for group leaders, in the Baptism committee, interviewing those getting baptized, and on the church’s “Yes” team, interviewing those who express new faith in Christ.
Email: [email protected]