Michael A. Brown

About Michael A. Brown

I am a higher education leader, facilitator, and speaker who brings people together to turn meaningful conversation into action. With over a decade of experience across community colleges and universities, my work spans academic support, libraries, instructional design, and educational technology, grounded in a commitment to student success and institutional growth. At the heart of my approach is relationship building. I create spaces where people feel seen, heard, and challenged in productive ways, facilitating conversations that are honest, energizing, and centered on moving ideas forward. In my speaking and facilitation, I blend insight, reflection, and practical application, with a goal of leaving audiences not only with new ideas, but a clear sense of how to move those ideas into practice. My work explores how emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, are shaping higher education. I encourage institutions to align innovation with their mission, values, and a strong commitment to racial and social equity. I hold a Ph.D. in Curriculum Instruction and Design and a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology. Originally from West Texas, I bring authenticity, curiosity, and purpose to my work.

Experience

1. Director of Educational Resources and Innovation

   Washington State Board For Community And Technical Colleges

   Nov 2021 — Present · WA, US

   As the Director of Educational Resources and Innovation for the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC), this role provides visionary leadership in the development, implementation, and continuous enhancement of cutting-edge educational resources and technologies across the state\'s community and technical college system.This position is instrumental in driving innovation in teaching and learning, leveraging emerging technologies, open educational resources (OER), and digital strategies to improve student success and accessibility. The Director leads strategic initiatives that transform educational practices, ensuring they remain dynamic, equitable, and responsive to the evolving needs of students, faculty, and the workforce.Through close collaboration with faculty, administrators, policymakers, and industry leaders, the Director fosters cross-sector partnerships that bridge education and workforce development. This role also plays a critical part in advancing micro-credentialing, badging, and alternative learning pathways, helping Washington’s colleges stay at the forefront of competency-based and lifelong learning models.Additionally, the Director is responsible for evaluating, refining, and scaling innovative educational programs and technologies, ensuring that resources and instructional methodologies align with best practices and future trends. By cultivating a culture of continuous improvement, experimentation, and forward-thinking solutions, this position empowers educators and institutions to harness innovation to enhance learning outcomes and student engagement statewide.

Education

• Texas Tech University

  Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Educational, Instructional, and Curriculum Design

  2009 — 2013

• Texas Tech University

  Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Speech Communication and Rhetoric

  2000 — 2004

• Texas Tech University

  Master of Education (M.Ed.), Educational Psychology

  2005 — 2008