DAVID MONTES DE OCA
(DAY-VID MON-TEZ DEE OAK-A)
A collaborative and skilled leader dedicated to creating enjoyable user experiences.
A creative and collaborative leader with a career spanning 18 years of experience in Higher Education, leading diverse teams and lean innovation projects. Although my role has evolved, my efforts continue to serve non-traditional, working, and military (NMW) learners. My work with the Research, Innovation, and Strategy in Education Collaborative (The RISE Lab) focuses on continuously improving learner experiences through a problem-first, user-centered approach employing design thinking to assess new opportunities in emerging technology. The Innovation Hub's focus is underpinned by The RISE Lab's principles, emphasizing collaboration, inclusion, and leveraging research-informed insights to drive breakthrough opportunities.
As the Director of the Innovation Hub, my team focuses on creating meaningful and impactful experiences through creative exploration and experimentation. I thrive on engaging with talented individuals and leading diverse teams that resolve problems and transform experiences for learners. My approach is rooted in understanding user needs and applying best practices in user-centered design methodologies to develop simple, effective solutions that resonate with targeted audiences. The Innovation Hub continues to push the boundaries, ensuring their work not only meets the needs of today's learners but can anticipate the challenges and opportunities of the future.
In addition to his professional pursuits, David is a native Californian with a deep appreciation for his home state's cultural and culinary delights. His quest for the perfect burrito is matched only by his love for family time, digging the crates for vinyl, attending concerts, or enjoying the outdoors with his corgi and daughter.