Résumé for Diana R. Van Dyke

CORE SKILLS

Professional

  • Strategic internal & external communications
  • Leadership & team communication strategies
  • Project management & operational excellence
  • Content strategy & holistic storytelling
  • Fostering creativity & strategic thinking
  • Research & data analysis
  • Higher education instruction & mentorship

Technical Proficiencies

Advanced writing & editing
Adobe Creative Suite
Articulate 360 Suite
Microsoft Office Suite
Google Suite
Canvas / SCORM
LMS Systems
AI Interfacing & integration
98 WPM Certified Typing

Bonus Skills

Spanish, Intermediate
French, Early Intermediate
Hindi, Beginner

CERTIFICATES & AWARDS

  • Instructional Design Fundamentals – University of Illinois
  • Google Project Management Foundations
  • SQL Online Teaching Certification – CSU
  • Online Teaching Certification – FCC
  • OSHA 10 Hour General Industry Outreach
  • Cora T. Hayward Poetry Contest: Honorable Mention “Olive Press”
  • Youth Editors Association of America: 1st Place (National) Newspaper Editorial

EDUCATION

PhD English Literature & Criticism
Indiana University of Pennsylvania, PA
ABD
Projected defense: May 2026

MA Staging Shakespeare
University of Exeter, England
Graduated with Merit

BA Marketing Communications
Brigham Young University, UT
Graduated magna cum laude

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

  • 15+ years of experience in higher education curriculum development, instructional design, and student-centered teaching, with a focus on designing inclusive, engaging, and accessible learning environments.
  • Proven success in developing and delivering asynchronous course content using evidence-based pedagogy, including Backward Design, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and Bloom’s Taxonomy, across diverse academic disciplines.
  • Skilled in leveraging learning management systems (LMS), particularly Canvas, to structure interactive and intuitive course modules aligning with learning outcomes.
  • Experienced in integrating instructional technology and multimedia tools, including Adobe Creative Suite, Articulate 360, Microsoft Office, and Google Suite.
  • Strong background in applying ADA and WCAG accessibility standards to ensure equity and usability for all learners.
  • Adept at collaborating with faculty, instructional teams, and student support services to co-create curriculum, enhance instructional quality, and ensure consistent design across courses and programs.
  • Recognized for high-impact course design and retention strategies, including personalized student outreach and formative feedback, resulting in 97% student retention rates and pass rates 60% above institutional averages.

SELECTED EXPERIENCE

California State University, Fresno – Fresno, CA
English Instructor (January 2021 – Present)

  • Designed and delivered asynchronous and hybrid course content for over 120 students per semester using Canvas LMS, integrating pedagogical best practices.
  • Maintained a 97% retention rate and achieved pass rates 60% above the CSU average by implementing inclusive teaching practices and targeted outreach.
  • Created interactive multimedia projects and open-ended assignments focused on systems thinking, student autonomy, and critical engagement.
  • Applied principles of Backward Design and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to enhance clarity, accessibility, and measurable skill-building.
  • Participated in academic conferences and faculty development programs to remain current with evolving instructional technology and pedagogy.

Fresno City College – Fresno, CA
English and Theatre Instructor (January 2008 – Present)

  • Developed student-centered course designs using Canvas and integrated technologies (such as Google Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, and collaborative tools).
  • Maintained pass rates 50% above institutional averages through innovative instructional strategies, real-time feedback, and personalized support.
  • Facilitated digital communication and engagement through discussion boards, office hours, and direct outreach, fostering a positive and inclusive environment.
  • Piloted new instructional tools and conducted informal quality checks to improve learning outcomes and support effective departmental digital practices.

Fresno Pacific University – Fresno, CA
Communications, English, and Drama Instructor (August 2015 – May 2021)

  • Designed curriculum grounded in evidence-based instructional design, focusing on storytelling, speech, and real-world application.
  • Applied learning outcomes and performance benchmarks to group assignments, coaching students through project planning and delivering consistently high-quality final projects.
  • Integrated case studies and multimedia tools to support critical thinking, reflection, and cross-disciplinary relevance across multiple course formats.