Dr. Mauricio Cadavid
Dr. Mauricio Cadavid is a Senior Instructional Designer for Academic Technologies & Innovation (ATI) who recently completed his doctoral degree in educational leadership at California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB). He began his studies at CSUSB in 2003 as an undergraduate student and completed his bachelor’s degree in psychology followed by his master’s degree in education.
“I received all three of my degrees from CSUSB”, says Dr. Cadavid. A coyote through and through, it was only fitting that Dr. Cadavid should earn his terminal degree in educational leadership at CSUSB.
Dr. Cadavid joined CSUSB in 2004 as an instructional designer for ATI where he provided 13 years of support and training to faculty members on multiple learning and multimedia platforms. Additionally, Dr. Cadavid has conducted seminars on Blackboard, Moodle, and other learning management platforms, as well as presented at local, regional, national, and international conferences on topics that relate to the effective use of technology in the classroom.
When asked why he selected the educational leadership program at CSUSB, Dr. Cadavid replied, “I [already] felt part of the CSUSB family having completed my previous degrees [at CSUSB]. Plus, I am a staff member, and the Chancellor offered a doctoral incentive program [to staff]. Furthermore, because my master’s was in education, I developed a great relationship with the [College of Education].”
Additionally, faculty member, Dr. Deborah Stine, inspired Dr. Cadavid to pursue a doctoral degree in educational leadership.
“I had been working with [Dr. Stine] on the course design for the courses in Blackboard, and prior to that, I had worked on setting up the program’s interest survey. One day when we were working on a course design, she urged me to apply as she saw leadership traits in me that would be enhanced by the program. Of course, my family has always supported any academic endeavor I pursue, but Dr. Stine really was my mentor, colleague, friend, counselor, and supporter.”
Dr. Cadavid has already integrated elements of his learning with his position at the University, as well as traveled to Nepal and Cuba to give seminars on effective educational approaches to help children learn.
“I have already used parts of my degree at my current job [since] a large part of this degree focuses on leadership skills, communication, team projects, project management, and policy analysis. As a senior instructional designer, these are skills I practice on a daily schedule. Most of my course design consultations with faculty directly reflect these skills.”
In selecting his dissertation topic, Literacy tutoring strategies of America Reads university-level tutors, Dr. Cadavid says, “I looked into what I am most passionate about: reading. The University has a literacy center that helps students, and I have kids who are starting to read. I wanted to put my master of education knowledge to use and investigate a topic that dealt with effective teaching strategies for teaching reading.”
He is most proud in knowing that his efforts and work have already been put into implementation at the Watson and Associates Literacy Center here at CSUSB.
Learning to balance work, family, and education were a real challenge; however, Dr. Cadavid expressed that persistence and determination as well as focusing on the inspiration behind his educational pursuit were crucial in helping him accomplish his goals.
“Prioritization, or the lack of, can be detrimental to reaching your goals. There will be times when things seem impossible, but nothing is. Push through it and choose [to focus] on something that always brings you peace. In my case, my kids always helped, and when you are exhausted at 3:00 am in the morning, and think you just can’t do it, think of that happy reason, and somehow, it will get you through.”
In the future, he hopes to move up to a managerial position and retire as a professor.
About Dr. Mauricio Cadavid
Originally from Colombia, Dr. Mauricio Cadavid is a husband and father. He enjoys spending time with his family, volunteering with his church’s children’s ministry, reading comic books (or just reading in general) and completing construction projects in his free time.
Written and edited by Anthony Roberson and Marissa Boles