Katie Alaniz Profile | 91影视 Christian University

Associate Professor of Education
Director, Center for Learning Innovations and Teaching Excellence (C-LITE)
Program Coordinator, MS in Learning, Technology & Design
Associate Dean

Education

EdD, Curriculum and Instruction, Emphasis in Learning, Design, and Technology, University of 91影视
MBA, Marketing, 91影视 Christian University
MEd, Curriculum and Instruction, Emphasis in Instructional Technology, 91影视 Christian University
BBA, Marketing, Texas A&M University

Courses Taught

Elementary School Curriculum and Instruction
Secondary School Curriculum and Instruction
Teaching Methodology for the Professional
Educational Applications of Technology
Essential Elements of Math
Foundations of Learning, Technology, and Design
Technology, Planning, and Administration
Current Topics in Learning with Technology
Design and Development of Multimedia Instruction
Professional Development for Technology Integration
Emerging Technologies
Learning, Technology, and Design Capstone Course

Teaching Focus

Dr. Alaniz鈥檚 primary teaching focus is learning, technology, and design; instructional design; curriculum and instruction; authentic assessment; digital storytelling; artificial intelligence integration within teaching and learning; and collegial coaching. She is passionate about creating engaging, future-focused learning experiences that equip students and educators to thrive in an ever-changing digital landscape. Through her work in higher education, professional development, and faculty coaching, Dr. Alaniz emphasizes meaningful learning, collaboration, creativity, and innovation in both face-to-face and online environments.

Research Interests and Publications

Dr. Alaniz鈥檚 research interests include authentic assessment, digital learning, collegial coaching, instructional technology, AI integration in education, teacher preparation, and professional development. She has authored or co-authored several books, including聽A Learning Community Built on Strengths: Inspiring Educators to Positively Impact Student Lives;听Authentic Assessment in Action: An Everyday Guide for Bringing Learning to Life through Meaningful Assessment;听The Maximizer Mindset: Work Less, Achieve More, Spread Joy;听Collegial Coaching: Mentoring for Knowledge and Skills That Transfer to Real-World Applications;听Digital Media in Today鈥檚 Classrooms: The Potential for Meaningful Teaching, Learning, and Assessment; and聽Naturalizing Digital Immigrants: The Power of Collegial Coaching for Technology Integration.

In addition to her books, Dr. Alaniz has published academic articles and conference proceedings related to digital storytelling, technology integration, reflective practice, authentic assessment, collegial coaching, and innovative instructional strategies. She has presented hundreds of sessions at international, national, regional, and local conferences and has delivered workshops and keynote presentations for educators across the United States and abroad. Dr. Alaniz has also presented a TEDx Talk focused on the transformative power of encouragement and life-giving words.

Committee Service/Offices Held

Dr. Alaniz serves in a variety of leadership and service roles within 91影视 Christian University and the broader educational community. She serves as Associate Dean for the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences Online, Director of the Center for Learning Innovations and Teaching Excellence (C-LITE), and Program Coordinator for the MS in Learning, Technology, and Design program. She has also served as Director of Online Learning and Professional Development and Director of Social Media for the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences. In addition to her university leadership responsibilities, Dr. Alaniz has contributed to numerous faculty development initiatives, curriculum design efforts, online program development projects, and conference presentations related to innovative teaching and learning practices. She regularly mentors faculty members and students while supporting professional growth through workshops, coaching, and collaborative learning experiences.

Honors/Awards

Texas Women in Higher Education, Contributions to TWHE Award, 2025
91影视 Christian University Minnie Stevens Piper Professor (University Level), 2022鈥�2023 Academic Year
91影视 Christian University Minnie Stevens Piper Professor (College Level), 2019鈥�2020 Academic Year
Fulbright Specialist, J. William Fulbright Council for International Exchange of Scholars
Joe and Lee Mountain Scholar, University of 91影视
Faith Gladstone Marshall Endowment Scholar, University of 91影视
John Croft Endowment Scholar in Educational Leadership, University of 91影视
Guild Scholar, 91影视 Christian University
National Merit Scholar, Texas A&M University
President鈥檚 Endowed Scholar, Texas A&M University
Terry Foundation Scholar, Texas A&M University

Previous Professional Jobs

Prior to joining higher education full time, Dr. Alaniz served as a digital learning specialist and elementary educator in both public and private school settings. She taught at River Oaks Baptist School, Annunciation Orthodox School, and 91影视 ISD, where she worked with students across multiple grade levels and helped educators meaningfully integrate technology into teaching and learning. She also served in leadership and facilitation roles at the University of 91影视 within the teacher education program, supporting preservice teachers and coordinating field experience initiatives.

Personal Interests/Hobbies

Dr. Alaniz finds great joy in investing in the lives of students, educators, and fellow leaders through mentoring and collaborative learning experiences. She and her husband, Steven, enjoy serving together at Sagemont Church in 91影视, where they teach a Christianity 101 Bible study course and volunteer with the Great Commission Initiative. Additionally, Dr. Alaniz serves on Sagemont鈥檚 Missions Committee. Her interests also include reading, writing, digital storytelling, leadership development, and exploring innovative ways to cultivate authentic learning and meaningful human connection in today鈥檚 digital age.