Education

M.S.Ed., Learning Design and Technology, Purdue University Online
M.A., Higher Education and Adult Learning, Bowling Green State University
B.S., Consumer Services, The Ohio State University

Background

Tammy Macek serves as the inaugural learning experience designer for the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management at the University of South Carolina. Macek brings extensive expertise in instructional design, educational technologies and faculty coaching, along with a background in college-level teaching. In her role, she oversees the development, delivery and assessment of online and blended courses, ensuring the integration of innovative technologies to enhance learning experiences.

With nearly two decades of experience in Cleveland, Ohio, Macek previously worked as an instructional designer, faculty developer, and instructor of educational technology at Lorain County Community College. During her time there, she actively contributed to the Quality Matters Ohio Consortium, applying her knowledge of online course design standards. Macek’s move to Columbia, South Carolina, marked a new chapter, where she now serves on the Dean’s AI working group and contributes to AI Week and the AI Symposium committee.

Macek’s academic background includes a B.S. in consumer services from The Ohio State University, an M.A. in higher education and adult learning from Bowling Green State University, and an M.S.Ed. in learning design and technology from Purdue University Online. Additionally, she holds certifications in project management, accessibility, and Quality Matters standards, along with a Certificate in Effective College Instruction from the Association of College and University Educators. In recognition of her excellence in teaching, she was named Adjunct Faculty of the Year in 2023 by the Ohio Association of Two-Year Colleges.

In her personal life, Macek enjoys spending time with her husband, Jerry, and their two Springer Spaniels, who accompany them on outdoor adventures. The couple delights in exploring Columbia’s restaurant scene and shares a passion for gardening, music and theater. They reside in Southeast Columbia, where Macek’s cherished baby grand piano resides.

Awards / Honors

• Ohio Association of Two-Year Colleges Adjunct Faculty of the Year Award, 2023

Certifications

• Certificate in Effective College Instruction from the Association of College and University Educators
• Certificate in Project Management for Instructional Design from Online Learning Consortium
• Quality Matters Certifications:  QM Peer Reviewer, QM Coordinator, QM Course Review Manager, Quality Matters Ohio  Consortium Service Award
• Accessibility Certification from EduCause

Conference Presentations

Co-Presenter (Panel Presentation) Evolving Partnerships: AI’s Role in Enhancing Academic Collaboration and Communication.  Professional and Organizational Development (POD) Network Conference. November, 2024  
 
Co-Presenter: Unleashing the Power of Technology in Teacher Education Transfer Program: Using High Impact Practices (HIP’s) in Teacher Education. Ohio Association of Two-Year Colleges (OATYC) Annual Conference, October 20, 2023.  
 
Co-Facilitator: Faculty Learning Community: Unlocking the Power of AI in Education. Fall Semester, 2023, and Spring Semester, 2024.