041 | Dr. Quincy Conley’s Journey From Struggling Student to Educational Leader

About the Guest

Dr. Quincy Conley is the Director of the Teaching and Learning Center at A.T. Still University. With an expertise in educational technology, Dr. Conley has pursued a varied academic journey. He holds a PhD in Educational Technology from Arizona State University, where he developed a passion for understanding how people learn and connect with educational environments. His prior roles include Senior Educational Design Researcher at Pearson Higher Ed and he also holds an MS in Instructional Design and Technology and a BS in Aerospace Science from the University of North Dakota. Dr. Conley’s professional history reflects a commitment to improving educational methodologies and advancing instructional design practices.

Episode Summary

Join Toby Brooks on this captivating episode of Becoming UnDone, where he delves into the transformative journey of Dr. Quincy Conley, a pivotal figure in the realm of educational technology. Dr. Conley’s story is marked by unexpected turns, from struggling with an intense electrical engineering program to discovering a passion for instructional design. Through ups and downs, Quincy transformed his education and career trajectory by leveraging sports, mentors, and moments of clarity. This engaging episode is a testament to the notion that personal and professional growth can be fueled by resilience and an insatiable drive to learn.

In this episode, Dr. Conley shares his unconventional path, marked by perseverance and adaptability. Originally aspiring to be an electrical engineer, unforeseen life events, such as 9/11, steered him toward a career in air traffic control. Yet, his true calling emerged amidst the challenge of connecting educational content with advanced technology. Now an expert in instructional design at A.T. Still University, Quincy emphasizes the value of continuous learning and personal evolution. Enjoy listening to Quincy passionately advocating for leveraging technology—like AI and machine learning—to enhance teaching methodologies in higher education.

Key Takeaways

• Non-linear Career Path: Embrace detours and unexpected journeys as they can lead to discovering your true passions and calling.
• Importance of Mentorship: Mentors remarkably impacted Quincy’s direction, fueling his shift toward educational technology.
• Education as a Continuous Process: Dr. Conley’s journey showcases lifelong learning and growth as pivotal to professional success.
• Adapting to Technology in Education: Adoption of AI, machine learning, and advanced technologies is critical for enhancing teaching practices.
• Perseverance Through Challenges: Overcoming setbacks is crucial for personal and professional development; response and resilience matter more than obstacles.

Notable Quotes

• “I knew I had a lot to offer myself. I knew that…if you give yourself a chance at this, no matter how hard it’s going to be, you’ll…at least you’ll know.”
• “I just had a feeling and I wanted to see, I wanted to see it through.”
• “All along I knew I wanted something better for myself and that if I could collect skills…these things might come in handy.”
• “There’s science behind this. We’re science-oriented. There’s this thing about learning in the brain…treating the whole person.”
• “Guilt really hasn’t served me well…self-forgiveness has been helpful.”

Resources

• Dr. Quincy Conley’s Twitter: @quincyconley
• A.T. Still University: Homepage
• University of North Dakota: Homepage

Don’t miss out on this fascinating episode with Dr. Quincy Conley. Tune in to the full conversation to gain deeper insights into his valuable experiences and outlooks on education and personal growth. Stay connected for more enlightening stories from Becoming Undone.