Learning · Leading · Innovating · Teaching

GeorgeHanshaw

Academic leader and scholar-practitioner transforming higher education through learning science, AI-enhanced teaching, and competency-based program design.

Get in Touch LinkedIn Apple Valley, California
Stylized low-poly portrait of Dr. George Hanshaw in violet and cyan tones

About

Turning Research Into Real Change

Dr. George Hanshaw sits at the intersection of learning science, psychological safety, and AI-enhanced education — with over 20 years of experience transforming how people learn in higher education and industry.

As Assistant Dean and Director of Digital Learning Solutions at Los Angeles Pacific University, he architects agile learning ecosystems that make online education more human, inclusive, and data-informed — from leading the WSCUC accreditation of LAPU's first competency-based graduate program to pioneering institution-wide AI course assistants that measurably improve student outcomes.

A published scholar, keynote speaker, and founder of Hanshaw's Horizon, he partners with universities and organizations to design future-ready learning where generative AI, mastery-based design, and high-performance teaching create durable, sticky learning experiences.

20+

Years in Education

100+

Courses Designed

50+

Publications & Keynotes

Career

Experience That Delivers

Los Angeles Pacific University

Assistant Dean, MS in Instructional Design & Technology (2023 — Present)

Director of Digital Learning Solutions (2019 — Present)

2019 — Present
  • Led WSCUC accreditation of the university's first competency-based Master's program, designing mastery-based progression frameworks and learner-centered assessments.
  • Spearheaded institution-wide AI adoption — AI course assistants and active learning tools with measurably improved student grade outcomes.
  • Shape multi-year academic plans and portfolio strategy with the Dean and executive leadership.
  • Direct leadership of 9+ full-time staff through major change initiatives, building a culture of psychological safety and innovation.

Azusa Pacific University

Instructional Designer, Innovative Teaching and Technology

2014 — 2019
  • Designed and redesigned 15+ online and hybrid courses grounded in learning science and digital pedagogy.
  • Led faculty professional development on online facilitation, engagement, and assessment design.

Twenty-First Century Learner

Researcher & Performance Consultant

2011 — 2014
  • Conducted applied research on human performance, learning, and motivation in educational and organizational settings.

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics

Manager, Training & Organizational Development

1992 — 2011
  • Led technical and organizational training programs in a regulated, high-stakes environment; designed leadership development grounded in performance psychology.

Purdue University

Adjunct Instructor, Instructional Design & Technology

2007 — Present
  • Teach graduate courses in instructional design, learning theory, and performance improvement; designed two graduate courses.

Expertise

Core Competencies

Academic Leadership

WSCUC AccreditationStrategic Academic PlanningFaculty Hiring & MentoringBudget StewardshipCurriculum Governance

Learning Science

Competency-Based DesignLearning Outcomes AssessmentAdult Learning TheoryLearning AnalyticsEducational Psychology

AI & EdTech Innovation

AI Course AssistantsGenerative & Agentic AIMachine LearningLMS OptimizationDigital Learning Ecosystems

Research & Improvement

Institutional ResearchMixed-Methods ResearchProgram ReviewKPI DashboardsContinuous Improvement

Scholarship

Published & Presented

Recent Publications

2025

Equity by Design: Implementing AI Course Assistants to Support Student Success in Online Higher Education

IntechOpen

2025

Implementing AI Course Assistants: A Rapid Design Case from Concept to Full Rollout

International Journal of Designs for Learning, 16(3)

2025

Exploring Barriers to AI Course Assistant Adoption: A Mixed-Methods Study

Discoveries in Artificial Intelligence, 5, 178

2025

An Experimental Study of the Effect of AI Course Assistants on Student Grade Outcomes

Open Praxis, 17(2), 270–285

2021

Use Andragogy and Technology to Facilitate Connectedness for Online Students

IGI Global

2020

Improving Performance, Self-Efficacy, and Motivation: Structured Online Training and Authentic Learning

IGI Global

Keynotes & Presentations

AECT International Conference — Integrating AI as Co-Designers

Learning Solutions Conference — AI-Powered Individualized Learning

Ireland International Conference on Education — LAPU Learning Model

Falling Walls, Berlin Science Week — Transforming Academic Models

Hawaii International Conference on Education — Faculty Development & Student Success

Innovation Breakthrough of the Year

Finalist, 2020

Credentials

Education & Training

Doctor of Psychology

Sport & Performance Psychology

University of the Rockies

Master of Education

Adult Education

Pennsylvania State University

Bachelor of Science

Business Systems Analysis

University of Phoenix

Post Graduate Program

Generative AI for Business Applications

University of Texas at Austin

AI Credential

Designing & Building AI Services

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Certifications

Psychological Safety · Ethical Leadership · Human Performance & Technology · Instructional Design · Test Design Strategies · Virtual Teaming