Biography

Ian passionately advocates for high-quality education and the value of the Appalachian Mountains in Western North Carolina. Coming from a long line of educators and adventurers, he champions the power of well-designed instruction and the rejuvenating effect of nature's peaks, valleys, and rivers. A recognized leader in artificial intelligence (AI) in education, he presents nationally on AI in education, AI literacy, and AI in instructional design. Ian has published research on AI literacy and serves on the UNC System Faculty Learning Community on Generative AI in Teaching and Learning, WCU’s AI Working Group, and coordinates WCU’s IT AI Governance Team where he leads adaption to the latest developments in AI to enhance learning, improve teaching, and influence professional work. As a Learning Technologist and Adjunct Instructor at Western Carolina University, Ian partners with faculty to design motivational instruction that empowers learners to grow beyond expectations. With expertise in instructional technology, curriculum design, and online learning, he tailors solutions to meet educators' needs and goals. Ian is also deeply engaged in scholarship on how students, faculty, and staff use AI tools to support their work, sharing insights and research to inform real-world applications in education and business.