Zek Valkyrie

Zek Valkyrie is a Teaching Professor in the Department of Sociology at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS), affiliated with the College of Letters, Arts & Sciences. Zek is recognized for innovative pedagogical approaches that integrate storytelling and role-playing game (RPG) mechanics into course assessments.

• Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Colorado, Boulder
• M.A. in Sociology from UCCS
• B.A. in Sociology and Psychology from UCCS

Professional interests include game-based learning, narrative-driven teaching, and the intersection of medical experiences with existential framing, particularly influenced by Zek’s 2021 open-heart surgery. Awards highlight UCCS recognition for teaching excellence and innovation, including the Innovations in Teaching with Technology Award and multiple Outstanding Instructor Awards.

• Dukes-Hall Award (2021), Mayor’s Young Leaders Award Finalist (2020), and Student-Faculty Research/Creative Works Award (2017-2018)
• Recipient of the Western Social Science Association’s New Scholar Award (2015) and Graduate Instructor of the Year at the University of Colorado, Boulder (2011)

Zek serves as a Year-Round Reviewer for the Institutional Review Board (IRB) and held leadership roles, including Chair of the Dean’s Instructor Review Committee (2016-2020). Personal interests include writing fiction and engaging deeply with RPGs such as Octopath Traveler, Persona, and Final Fantasy 14, with a particular focus on classic RPGs from early console generations.