Education • Editorial • Experience
I am an educator, researcher, and practitioner whose work centers on teaching presence, experiential learning, and editorial clarity in complex environments. Over more than a decade in higher education—and nearly two decades in professional media and marketing—I have built learning systems, led editorial programs, and bridged academic inquiry with real-world practice.
My teaching and research are grounded in a simple conviction: learning happens most powerfully when structure, story, and human presence are aligned. I design classrooms and curricula as adaptive systems—spaces where curiosity is cultivated, relationships matter, and diverse ways of knowing are recognized and supported.
My work draws deeply on journalism, media design, and storytelling, while remaining anchored in educational research and reflective practice. Teaching, for me, is both scholarship and craft: an improvisational, relational discipline that evolves alongside students, institutions, and the worlds they are preparing to enter.
Academic Preparation
Doctor of Education (EdD), Curriculum & Instruction, University of Denver, Denver, CO
Dissertation in Practice: Educational Auto-Criticism and Teaching Presence: A Self-Study of Neurodiversity, Instructor Identity, and Pedagogical Authenticity in Flipped Classrooms
My doctoral work examines teaching presence as a lived, relational phenomenon—how identity, neurodiversity, and instructional design intersect in flipped and technology-rich learning environments.
Master of Arts, Journalism & Mass Communication Research, University of Colorado Boulder
Thesis: The Folk Devil Goes Digital: Taping and Trading Live Music in the Digital Age
A qualitative study of fan communities, media circulation, and emerging digital distribution practices.
Bachelor of Science, Television, Radio & Film; Political Science, Syracuse University
Coursework in audio and broadcast production, video editing, political economy, urban geography, and popular culture.
Academic Appointments & Teaching Leadership
Full Teaching Professor (Part-Time)
Department of Media, Film & Journalism Studies, University of Denver | 2013–Present
I teach one course per quarter across journalism, editorial design, web design, data journalism, and media studies. I have progressed through the Teaching Professor promotional track—from Lecturer to Full Teaching Professor—over nine years, reflecting sustained excellence in teaching, curriculum development, and service.
I also serve as Faculty Advisor to The Denver Clarion, the university’s student-run newsroom. In this role, I oversee editorial operations, mentor student leaders, manage the publication’s P&L and payroll, and guide strategic decisions across print and digital platforms.
Instructional Faculty, Entrepreneurship Program
Daniels College of Business, University of Denver | 2021–Present
Developed and teach The Art of Branding for Entrepreneurs, a course focused on narrative clarity, brand identity, and ethical storytelling for early-stage ventures.
Adjunct Faculty
Front Range Community College, Boulder County Campus |2017–2018
Taught Introduction to Media & Culture.
Professional Practice & Industry Experience
My academic work is deeply informed by sustained professional practice in editorial, marketing, and media production.
Senior Brand Newsroom Journalist
Quad (Remote), 2023–2024
Worked within a global brand newsroom supporting enterprise clients across 14 countries. Collaborated with editorial, creative, and marketing leadership to produce high-volume, high-impact content. Authored a weekly column on generative AI in marketing and a monthly industry analysis on postal, paper, and logistics systems.
Brand Journalist
StickerGiant, Longmont, CO, 2014–2023
Served as a core member of the growth and product marketing team, functioning as an internal editorial and creative agency. Led blog and podcast strategy, voiceover and video production, campaign ideation, and content operations tied to SEO and paid media.
Key outcomes include sustained organic traffic growth, large-scale brand journalism initiatives, and the launch of StickerGiant’s GIF program—now exceeding two billion views across platforms. This work coincided with the company’s successful acquisition by Resource Label Group.
During this period, I helped implement The Great Game of Business and EOS/Traction, frameworks that continue to inform my approach to leadership, education, and systems design.
Editorial & Mapping Roles
BACKPACKER and BICYCLING magazines; Nokia/Navteq
Earlier in my career, I worked in editorial mapping, cartography, and navigation—managing teams, workflows, and revenue-generating content across print, digital, and mobile platforms.
Public Scholarship, Writing & Media
My work has appeared across journalism, marketing, and public media contexts, including:
- Quad — The Week in Generative AI (weekly column)
- Backpacker Magazine — gear reviews, trail features, cartographic storytelling
- The Wirecutter — product reviews and expert commentary
- Nature Valley Trail View — award-winning experiential storytelling project (Cannes Lion)
My teaching and subject-matter expertise have been featured by outlets including The Washington Post, Denver Post, Chicago Sun-Times, CNN Español, CBS4 Denver, and others.
Speaking & Public Engagement
I regularly speak on media literacy, journalism, cannabis policy, teaching transparency, and experiential learning. Highlights include Ignite Boulder talks, national journalism conferences, university lectures, and community forums.
Community Service
- Youth sports coach (baseball and basketball), Longmont and Niwot
- Community Advisory Board, Rocky Mountain Public Media
- Organizer, TEDx Boulder
- Mentor, Online News Association Student Innovation Lab
How This Work Translates
Across teaching, research, and professional practice, my work demonstrates a consistent capacity to:
- Design complex learning and content systems
- Lead editorial and student teams
- Bridge theory and execution
- Navigate ambiguity with clarity and care
- Operate across education, media, and business contexts
Next Steps
If you’re interested in how this background translates into leadership, consulting, or collaborative work beyond the classroom:
Dr. Andrew Matranga, EdD 