Each year, the Office of the Provost and MSU IT uses the AT&T Excellence in Teaching with Technology Awards to recognize Michigan State University educators who thoughtfully and creatively use technology to enhance teaching and learning. These awards celebrate instructional approaches that deepen student engagement, support accessibility, and connect learning goals with meaningful technology use. The 2026 AT&T Excellence in Teaching with Technology Awards celebrate four exceptional educators whose innovative practices exemplify this mission. We are proud to announce this year’s honorees: Dr. Brittany Dillman and Dr. Liz Owens Boltz, Dr. Jisun Lee, and Dr. Steven Matusz.
Dr. Brittany Dillman & Dr. Liz Owens Boltz: Psychology of Learning in Schools and Other Settings
Dr. Brittany Dillman and Liz Boltz are recognized jointly for their collaborative design and instruction of CEP 800, a foundational course in the College of Education. Through intentional course design and the thoughtful integration of digital tools, they create immersive learning experiences that help students explore how learning occurs across a range of contexts. Their approach leverages technology to promote meaningful discourse, reflection, and accessibility while encouraging critical engagement with theories of learning. By connecting theory to practice, Dillman and Boltz demonstrate how technology can support inclusive, student‑centered learning and deepen understanding in complex subject areas.
Dr. Jisun Lee: Interior Design Presentation and Media
Dr. Jisun Lee is recognized for her innovative use of technology in IDES 343, a course that focuses on visual communication and media within interior design. Her teaching integrates digital tools that support professional-level presentation skills while helping students translate creative concepts into compelling visual narratives. Through the strategic use of technology, Lee enhances student engagement and prepares learners to work confidently with contemporary media tools used in the design industry. Her work reflects a strong alignment between instructional goals, hands-on learning, and technology-supported creativity.
Dr. Steven Matusz: Economics
Steven Matusz is honored for his innovative teaching practices in economics that effectively leverage technology to support student learning and conceptual understanding. His work emphasizes clarity, engagement, and the thoughtful integration of digital tools to help students grapple with complex economic ideas. By aligning technology use with clear learning objectives, Matusz demonstrates how instructional technology can enhance comprehension and foster deeper engagement in analytically demanding disciplines. His approach highlights the role of technology in making abstract concepts more accessible and interactive for students.
The 2026 AT&T Excellence in Teaching with Technology awards celebrate the innovative, dedicated, and impactful work of Dr. Brittany Dillman, Liz Boltz, Dr. Jisun Lee, and Steven Matusz. These educators have harnessed the potential of technology to transform the educational experience, making significant strides in interactive learning, research, and outreach. Their achievements inspire the education community and set a standard for future endeavors. Join us in congratulating these outstanding individuals as they continue to shape the future of education through technology.
We look forward to seeing more advancements and breakthroughs in the coming years, driven by the passion and creativity of educators like Dr. Dillman, Dr. Boltz, Dr. Lee, and Dr. Matusz. Nominations for the 2026 AT&T awards will open this Fall: visit attawards.msu.edu to learn more.
