Dr. Heather Leslie is an instructional designer in the Learning Design Center at the University of San Diego. She has worked in higher education for over 20 years and has a background in online teaching, course design, and faculty professional development and has received awards for her courses and workshops.
Heather has a Doctorate in Business Administration, an MBA, a Bachelor’s in International Business, and a Master’s in Adult Education and Instructional Design. Her research interests include student engagement, educational development, and pedagogical innovation, which she has published in academic journals and books.
Heather is passionate about designing and facilitating learning experiences that center on student agency, intrinsic motivation, and personal and professional growth. One of her joys in working as an instructional designer in higher ed is getting to learn about so many different subjects and disciplines and collaborating with faculty and subject matter experts to translate their enthusiasm for their field of expertise into a transformative learning experience for students.
What are your specific areas of interest in your field?
Online course design, pedagogy and educational development
What prompted you to want to teach for the MS-LDT Program?
I have been involved in MS-LDT since before it was launched, working on committees to move this program forward. So when I was invited to teach in this program, I was so excited to get the opportunity to work with students, Lisa, and faculty colleagues to make it the best it can be. It has been such a genuine joy for me to help students develop their skills and expertise and then go on to pursue their passions and advance in their careers when they graduate. Teaching is the best job there is, in my opinion.
Favorite quote
One of my favorite quotes is from Joan Didion who said, “I write entirely to find out what I’m thinking, what I’m looking at, what I see, and what it means. What I want and what I fear.” I have a deep sense of respect and awe for the art and practice of writing, as a way for humans to make sense of our world.
What advice do you have for anyone interested in advancing their career in learning design and technology?
You have to fall in love with the process of learning and be a big learning nerd. This means using a novice learner’s lens to understand something in order to create an impactful learning experience for learners. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek to understand. Be humble that you don’t have all the answers.
Awards
2025 Outstanding Course Award (3rd place) – Instructure
2023 Exemplary Course Award – Anthology
2022 Excellence in Teaching and Learning Award – United States Distance Learning Association
2021 Blackboard Catalyst Award for Training and Professional Development
2019 Blackboard Catalyst Award for Faculty Professional Development