Jim O’Connor is Dean of the College of Education and Health Sciences at Touro University California. He has a Ph.D. in educational psychology specialising in learning, instruction and cognition. Previously, he was: an Associate Professor at California State University, Bakersfield, a Center Fellow at the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching, a Visiting Professor at the University of Iowa, and Director of Eastern Iowa Programs for Graceland University.

Jim has a medical background as he was one of the first physician assistants in the United States. He has first assisted in over 8000 surgical procedures. Jim’s research interests include: classroom management and motivation; cooperative learning; critical thinking; and Chinese education.

Michael K. Barbour is Associate Professor of Instructional Design for the College of Education and Health Sciences at Touro University, California in Vallejo, California.  He has been involved with K-12 online and blended learning in a variety of countries for almost two decades as a researcher, teacher, course designer and administrator.  Michael’s research focuses on the effective design, delivery and support of K-12 distance, online and blended learning, particularly for students located in rural jurisdictions.  In recent years, he has advocated for policies designed to promote effective forms of K-12 distance, online and blended learning.

Lisa Palacios is committed to the values and concepts put forth in Invitational Education®. She has previously completed research on school climate and culture. She will lead the courses of The Inviting Equitable Global Classroom and Creating an Inviting Culture & Climate. She received her Master’s in Social Psychology from San Francisco State University and her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Texas at San Antonio. She has dedicated her professional and research endeavors to student success at all levels especially for underrepresented student populations.

Previously she served as Assistant Dean of the College of Education and Health Professions at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Director of Graduate Recruitment and Retention at the University of Texas at San Antonio, and Coordinator of Graduate Recruitment for the University of North Texas.