Tilisa Thibodeaux, Ed.D. serves as faculty and Dean of the Honors College and Texas Academy at Lamar University. She teaches in the Master of Education in Teacher Leadership Online program within the College of Education's Department of Educational Leadership. Her academic work focuses on educational technology, digital learning leadership, and the COVA (Choice, Ownership, Voice, Authenticity) approach to transformative education. Ed.D. in Instructional Technology/Distance Education from Nova Southeastern University Ed.S. in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University M.Ed. in Special Education from Florida Gulf Coast University B.S. in Elementary Education from Valparaiso University Dr. Thibodeaux's research centers on student-centered learning approaches, particularly the COVA framework she has developed. Her work explores how choice, ownership, voice, and authenticity transform digital learning environments and promote deeper student engagement. She investigates ePortfolio persistence, feedback mechanisms for deeper learning, and technology leadership in educational settings. Her publications consistently examine how innovative pedagogical approaches can disrupt traditional educational paradigms and create more meaningful learning experiences. Her recent publications show a clear trajectory toward understanding how students engage with technology-enhanced learning environments, with particular emphasis on STEM education pathways, digital learning experiences, and the long-term impact of educational technology on professional development. The COVA framework emerges as a unifying thread throughout her scholarly work, demonstrating how authentic learning experiences can transform educational outcomes. Florida Educational Data Systems Award Recipient (2011) Edward R. Melton Scholarship Award Recipient (2011) Golden Apple Teacher Award Recipient (2009) Teacher of Distinction Recognition (2009) Chamber of Commerce Teacher-of-the-Year Award Recipient (2009) Outstanding Innovator & Committed Leader award by Lamar University Digital Leadership Master's Program As an educator and administrator, Dr. Thibodeaux emphasizes cultivating creativity, embracing change, and turning challenges into opportunities for growth. Her teaching philosophy centers on creating authentic learning opportunities that empower students to lead organizational change through technology innovation. She actively blogs about educational topics through her personal website and maintains an active presence in educational discourse, particularly around disruptive innovation in education and the importance of tech literacy.










