Meet the Director
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 | Thomas D. Dyer, PhD: Professor, Department of Online Teaching and Learning, Grand Canyon University, [email protected] Thomas D. Dyer, PhD is a professor in the Department of Online Teaching and Learning at Grand Canyon University, bringing over 16 years of extensive experience in higher education and online education to his role. He earned his Ph.D. with a dissertation titled "Online Full-time Faculty Descriptions of Social Presence: A Development of Social Presence Literacy," demonstrating his commitment to advancing knowledge in the field. Dr. Dyer's research is centered on investigating student engagement, participation, and community connection within the online classroom, with a specific focus on social presence strategies. His work explores innovative approaches to integrating community cohesion, online proximity, and social presence literacy through thoughtful and deliberate technology integration. Dr. Dyer is a passionate educator, dedicated advocate, prolific researcher, published author, and presenter in the arena of online education and social presence literacy. |
 | Elizabeth Larson: Associate Professor, Department of Online Teaching and Learning, Grand Canyon University, [email protected] Elizabeth Larson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Online Teaching and Learning at Grand Canyon University, bringing two decades of leadership and teaching experience in higher education. She also mentors new adjunct faculty, supporting their growth and success in the classroom. Additionally, Elizabeth is a Fellow at the Social Presence Literacy Lab (SPL²), where her work focuses on helping faculty sustain meaningful human connection in digitally mediated learning environments. Her research interests include social presence, scaffolding through content collaboration, and effective technology integration, with growing emphasis on ethical and intentional AI use in teaching. She also researches PTSD, caregiving, and caregiver burnout. Driven by a personal mission, Elizabeth is committed to helping veterans and their families access the resources and support systems needed when caring for someone with PTSD. She is an advocate, researcher, and educator passionate about equipping students and faculty to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving digital world, all without losing the human element. |
 | Jacob Aroz: Assistant Professor Professor, Department of Online Teaching and Learning, Grand Canyon University, [email protected] With fifteen years of experience at Grand Canyon University, including a foundational tenure in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and a current role within the Department of Teaching and Learning, Jacob brings an interdisciplinary perspective to the study of pedagogical frameworks. Their academic inquiry centers on the Community of Inquiry model, with a specific focus on the cultivation of social presence and the development of metacognitive strategies to enhance the educational experience. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with colleagues on a several articles and presentations, contributing to the scholarship of teaching and learning while remaining dedicated to future innovations in the field. |
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