It’s a new year and we have a new MAET Director. Welcome, Dr. Liz Owens Boltz!
Dr. Boltz completed her Ph.D. in Educational Psychology and Educational Technology (EPET) in 2019 and has been an active member of the MAET community since 2013 as an instructor, advisor, and most recently as MAET’s Co-Director. In her tenure, Liz has taught in all the formats offered by MAET: fully online, summer hybrid cohort program, and summer overseas cohort program in Galway, Ireland.
Prior to joining the MSU community, Dr. Boltz taught freshman composition while earning her master’s degree in English from the University of Toledo, where she honed her passion for the thoughtful incorporation of technology into her teaching practices. After graduating, she worked for nearly 8 years as the Web Content Administrator and Assistant Director of University Relations for Lourdes University in Sylvania, Ohio. In that role, she developed and maintained a complex system of web-based applications for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the larger community—overseeing three major overhauls of the university’s web presence and earning a number of regional awards, including those for an innovative and award-winning virtual student union and a virtual wall for alumni.
Liz’s research interests have focused on games for learning. She has also been involved with research on blended instruction practices as well as the role of e-leadership in teacher development. She earned a Serious Games Certificate at Michigan State, and has presented her work at several conferences including the Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education (SITE), Michigan Association for Computer Users in Learning (MACUL), and Meaningful Play.
Liz is also a musician and songwriter. In addition to making music, she makes websites, art, and games. Liz is thrilled to lead MAET’s innovative and globally-recognized program!
Liz works with Candace Robertson (MAET Assistant Director of Student Experience and Outreach), Dr. Brittany Dillman (MAET Graduate Certificate Programs Director), and Maria Serrato (MAET Program Assistant) to support all aspects of the MAET and Graduate Certificate programs.