Presence Makers

Connect with purpose. Inspire with intention. Humanize every interaction.

What does it mean to be a Presence Maker?

Presence Makers intentionally create the conditions where people can belong, grow, and discover purpose. Grounded in the work of the Social Presence Literacy Lab, Presence Makers translates research on social presence, belonging, and human connection into everyday practices for teaching, learning, and leadership.
In an increasingly digital and AI-enabled world, our challenge isn't to compete with technology. It's to become more intentional about the things that require us.
AI will keep getting better at being artificial intelligence. Our responsibility is to keep getting better at being human.

01 | WATCH: Where It Started

The Presence Makers: Human Presence in an AI World

How do our students know we're human?

The Presence Makers: Human Presence in an AI World explores social presence, artificial intelligence, and the growing importance of protecting the relational dimensions of teaching and learning.
As AI becomes increasingly capable of writing, analyzing, organizing, creating, and responding, educators have an opportunity to become even more intentional about what technology cannot replicate: noticing people, building trust, offering encouragement, demonstrating empathy, and helping learners discover purpose.
This keynote became the starting point for The Presence Makers.

02 | DISCOVER: What Is a Presence Maker?

A Presence Maker...

intentionally creates the conditions where others can belong, grow, and discover purpose.

CONNECT

People Before Process

Create belonging.
Build trust.
Learn people's stories.
Help people feel seen and known.

INSPIRE

Moments That Matter

Notice growth.
Offer encouragement.
Recognize potential.
Help people see what they are capable of becoming.

HUMANIZE

Humanity by Design

Choose empathy.
Protect relationships.
Be authentically present.
Use technology to enhance—not replace—human connection.

Connect with purpose. Inspire with intention. Humanize every interaction.

03 | EXPLORE: The Research Behind the Movement

Presence Makers is grounded in decades of research.

1976 — Social Presence Theory
Short, Williams & Christie

1978 — Social Learning
Vygotsky

2000 — Community of Inquiry
Garrison, Anderson & Archer

2015 — Social Presence Model
Whiteside

2016 — Dimensions of Belonging
Carter

2021+ — Social Presence Literacy
Dyer

Presence Makers doesn't replace these frameworks. It translates what we have learned about social presence, belonging, relationships, and learning into intentional everyday practice.

04 | LEARN: The Presence Makers Webinar Series

Fall 2026 Presence Makers Webinar Series

Building on the conversation begun during the Academic Affairs Fall Faculty Conference keynote, this four-part series takes a deeper look at how educators can connect, inspire, and humanize learning.

Then four cards:

OCT 21, 4:00pm AZ

The Presence Makers
Small Moments. Human Impact.

What does it mean to be a Presence Maker? Explore how small, intentional interactions can create belonging, encourage growth, and make a meaningful impact.

Register: https://gcu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_SuNwfwPbSe28p2rC8OcO1Q

OCT 28, 4:00pm AZ

CONNECT
People Before Process

Explore practical ways to create belonging, build trust, and strengthen relationships.

Register: https://gcu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_L7exDckJToWA2nB7ixQiew

NOV 10, 4:00pm AZ

INSPIRE
Moments That Matter

Explore simple ways to recognize progress, offer hope, and help learners see what they are capable of becoming.

Register: https://gcu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_mHKldCihSX-kLuzycT24zw

NOV 17, 4:00pm AZ

HUMANIZE
Humanity by Design

Explore how to choose presence, protect relationships, and use technology to enhance rather than replace human connection.

Register: https://gcu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__umNZtLdS9aBo9yFrLIWZQ

Attend one or join us for the entire journey.

05 | PRACTICE: Become a Presence Maker

Small Moments. Human Impact.

Presence doesn't usually happen through grand gestures. It happens through hundreds of small decisions about how we see, support, and strengthen the people around us.

SEE

Notice the person.

Learn a name.
Learn a story.
Notice who's missing.
Pay attention.

SUPPORT

Respond to the person.

Encourage.
Listen.
Offer authentic feedback.
Create belonging.

STRENGTHEN

Help the person grow.

Recognize progress.
Challenge with care.
Build confidence.
Help people discover purpose.

TRY IT THIS WEEK

Learn one student's story.
Give unexpected encouragement.
Use someone's name.
Personalize one piece of feedback.
Celebrate growth.

Center for Innovation in Research and Teaching

The Presence Makers