Trudy Blackmon, MEd, MS IDT, is a Senior Instructional Designer specializing in the development of engaging, accessible online learning experiences. She serves as both an instructional designer and project manager for course development initiatives at the University of San Diego. In her senior role, Trudy holds program-level responsibilities across several online master’s programs, collaborating with Academic Directors to ensure consistency, accuracy, and alignment across courses while supporting the rollout of new initiatives and program enhancements.
Trudy partners with subject matter experts and instructional technologists to design multimedia-rich, student-centered courses that promote meaningful learning experiences. She is proficient in a wide range of e-learning tools and brings a strong commitment to inclusive and effective learning strategies. She is particularly passionate about accessibility in online education and advocates for designing learning environments that are usable and welcoming for all learners from the outset.
Prior to her work in instructional design, Trudy held leadership roles in Student Services and Student Retention in both on-campus and online program environments. Drawing on this combined background in student support and course design, she is dedicated to advancing student-centered instructional practices that enhance engagement and support learner success in online education.
What prompted you to want to teach for the MS-LDT program?
I wanted to be a part of our Learning Design and Technology program from the start. I have enjoyed working on and developing courses for the program and also love engaging with students. USD provides quality education and I’m proud to be part of that!
Favorite Quote
“Education is simply the soul of a society as it passes from one generation to another.” – Gilbert Chesterton
What advice do you have for anyone interested in advancing their career in the field you are teaching in?
For those who want to pursue instructional design, become a lifelong learner, and be tenacious with it! Instructional Design, at the heart of it, is about figuring out what the problem is and finding a solution for it. You won’t know everything, even after school ends, so learn to love learning. It will serve you well as you embrace your future role!