2025 Rising Star Award Recipient

Michael McGarry

Academic Technology Lead and LMS Administrator, California State University Channel Islands

The 2025 EDUCAUSE Rising Star Award recognizes Michael McGarry for his vision in bringing together unique perspectives to promote and sustain innovation in technology, with an enduring commitment to creating programs and solutions that benefit all members of the communities he serves.

Michael McGarry serves as Academic Technology Lead and LMS Administrator at California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI), where he has spent over thirteen years transforming the digital learning infrastructure and culture of the institution. His journey from an art major and student assistant to an expert-level academic technology leader exemplifies both exceptional professional growth and innovative thinking in educational technology. Michael’s combination of an artistic background, technical expertise in tools like the Adobe Creative Suite, and pedagogical understanding creates a distinctive leadership style that brings both innovation and visual design excellence to academic technology work.

Michael’s career is defined by his ability to build sustainable systems that serve both immediate needs and long-term institutional goals. He established CSUCI's systematic academic technology pilot process and led a comprehensive campus-wide LMS transition, demonstrating remarkable change management skills and collaborative leadership. His approach consistently focuses on creating scalable solutions that can be institutionalized and replicated, ensuring continuity beyond individual projects. His commitment to collaborative leadership is further evidenced by his work on ethical AI integration in higher education.

Michael has developed numerous professional development models and learning experiences that have gained national recognition. His work during the COVID-19 pandemic exemplified his ability to rapidly design effective solutions under pressure, ultimately impacting most campus courses. His influence and expertise extend beyond his home institution through his service on the CSU system-wide Directors of Academic Technology board. His presentation "Mischief Managed: Using LMS Clickstream Data for Pedagogical Allyship" was honored with a "Best in Track" award at the 2022 OLC Innovate conference. He has also contributed to EDUCAUSE publications, including a piece on leveraging generative AI for inclusive excellence in higher education.

Through his sustained contributions, Michael has established Teaching and Learning Innovations (TLi) at CSUCI as a recognized brand in the educational technology community, known for creativity, quality, and generous sharing of resources with peer institutions. Prior to his current role, Michael served as an Instructional Technologist and a Web Designer at CSUCI. He holds an MS in Instructional Design and Technology from CSU Fullerton and a BA in Art from CSU Channel Islands. In addition to his professional achievements, he maintains a rich personal life with his young family and interests in art, specialty coffee, music, golf, and mountain biking.

This EDUCAUSE Award is sponsored by Moran Technology Consulting, Mission Partner.