Discover Digital Learning
Christie Nicholas
As Director of Learning Design and Research at Digital Learning, Christie Nicholas leads a skilled team of learning designers who transform online courses into dynamic, media-rich learning experiences. With over 15 years as an educator, Christie provides leadership and strategic planning for the end-to-end design, development, and research of innovative online courses. Her passion for design and collaboration helps to fuel the approach in creating impactful learning experiences that stick.
Active in the field of online learning, Christie has written for publication on collaborative course design, program development, and gamification. She serves on the Council for Technology in Instruction and Research at USF and is the recipient of the DDL-AECT Crystal Award for her contributions in innovation and outstanding multimedia-based distance learning courses.
Christie joined the Digital Learning team in 2011, starting her USF career as a producer and transitioning to learning design where she served as a designer and project manager before moving into leadership. She brings a wealth of experience in learning and curriculum design, educational technology, multimedia development, and team management. She was named director in 2021.
A Florida native, Christie holds a B.A. in Creative Writing from Florida State, an M.Ed. in Instructional Technology from USF, and a doctorate in Program Development from USF. When she’s not immersed in design work, you can find Christie planning new food and travel adventures with her husband and beloved pup, Shamus.