Maria Andersen

As Director of Learning Design at Western Governor’s University, Andersen architects the next generation learning experiences for all WGU courses (reaching 70,000+ students).  She leverages research about learning, UI/UX, instructional design, motivation, and social engagement to create effective and relevant learning experiences across IT, Business, College, General Education, and Health Professions. Prior to this position, Anderson worked in the software world and was on the mathematics faculty at Muskegon Community College for ten years.  
Andersen has written numerous articles for MAA FOCUS, Educause, and AMATYC publications.  She was MichMATYC president from 2009-2011 and was the first AMATYC professional development coordinator.  In the past five years she has given over 80 presentations at workshops, conferences, symposiums, retreats, and webinars in the United States, Canada, and Denmark.  In 2013 Anderson received the Serious Games Student Choice Award. For 5 years, Andersen was the Director of an immersive week-long Math & Technology workshop that graduated over 150 community college math faculty to be more effective online instructors, mentors, and eLearning leaders.
Andersen received her doctorate in Higher Education Leadership from Western Michigan University.  She has a Master of Science in Mathematics as well as an MBA and Bachelor’s degrees in Chemistry, Mathematics, and Environmental Biology.  

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