Onward: An interview with Doug Tiedman
Doug Tiedman, originally from Bismarck, holds a Master of Science in Information Systems from Minot State University and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Minnesota State University Mankato. After serving in the U.S. Air Force, Tiedman pursued a graphic design and web development career, eventually joining Minot State, where he has worked for nearly eight years.
As a Senior Online Instructional Designer, Tiedman creates online courses and training materials, helping students and faculty navigate digital learning. His passion for technology and dedication to education drive him to assist students in overcoming technical challenges.
Minot State Communications recently connected with Tiedman to learn more about the Jedi Master of digital design.
Could you tell us about your background and the path that brought you to your current role?
DT: I served in the United States Air Force right out of high school, where I trained and served as an Airlift Aircraft Maintenance Specialist. I was stationed at McGuire AFB in New Jersey and also served in places such as Germany and Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Storm. In the USAF, I enrolled in the GI Bill and used those funds to get my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design. After graduation, I worked in the graphics department of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, at an ad agency in Minot, and then at a printing company in Minot. Along the way, I learned how to create various forms of digital media and develop websites, which has proved to be valuable skills with my position at Minot State University. I have worked here at Minot State University for almost 8 years. Four of these years, I have served on staff senate, being secretary/treasurer during my second year.
What is a Senior Online Instructional Designer?
DT: My role as Senior Instructional Designer entails designing online courses, assisting in the development of entire courses or curriculums and creating training materials, such as tutorials for students in the use of our learning management system, Blackboard. I also help troubleshoot issues with technologies connected to Blackboard, and I have been known to help with issues on a Blackboard user’s computer as well.
What services does your office provide for students?
DT: Our office assists students with the use of Blackboard, along with any technologies connected with it. This could include any number of situations, but mainly if they are having an issue with Blackboard or a related technology, we are here to help troubleshoot and fix the issue to help the students reach their educational goals. We also provide students with tutorials and one on one training as needed.
How has it been balancing your roles at Minot State with having family members on campus?
DT: My wife is a nursing instructor, so I like to say I work two shifts for Minot State University, one during the day, and then answering Blackboard questions at night! When my two daughters attended school here, it was great having them pop by my office to hear about their day and experiences at Minot State. There are so many fun things for students to do here in addition to their studies. My oldest daughter attended Minot State before my wife and I started working here, and she accused us of working here to spy on her!
What satisfaction do you get from helping students?
DT: I love to learn about and work with technology, but also realize that many people don’t. So, helping students utilize the technologies we have available to them to complete that certain research paper or recorded presentation gives me a real sense of purpose and satisfaction for sharing the skills and experience I have accumulated throughout my working career.
We’ve heard your wife is pretty competitive. Are you as well?
DT: I am competitive in the sense that I constantly strive to improve the way I assist students and faculty as effectively and efficiently as possible.
What was your favorite moment at MSU?
DT: So far, seeing my daughter Madison speak at the 2022 graduation ceremony.
Looking around your office, we cannot help but notice that you are a Star Wars fan.
DT: Yes, Star Wars is life. Because I am old, I saw the original Star Wars movie in a theater in 1977 and have been hooked ever since! My love of Star Wars stems from the cutting edge visuals each movie has, along with the awesome music that has been created for them. I have loved everything that has come out, but the original movies are the best. I have visited Galaxy’s Edge at Walt Disney World a couple of times, and I am heartbroken when we leave. I still have the original twelve Kenner action figures, and if I could go back in time, I would tell six year old Doug to keep them in the packages, because they would now be worth a small fortune!
It looks like you have a sticker/magnet collection from your travels. What are some of your favorite places you’ve been?
DT: My family has been fortunate to have traveled to quite a few places in the United States, but Colorado, Florida, and California are probably my favorites. We recently visited Sedona, Arizona, and the hiking and scenery there was amazing.
What else are we missing when telling your story?
DT: I am a member of the Minot Symphony Orchestra, where I play the violin. When I was in the fourth grade, a string quartet visited our school and played the theme from – Star Wars! I have played the violin ever since.
One fun Minot State University related fact is during my time at an ad agency in Minot, I designed the Beaver athletics logo. It has been slightly updated since then, but it still basically looks like what I created. I also created the animation of the beaver slapping the water that is played before football and basketball games.
About Minot State University
Minot State University is a public university dedicated to excellence in education, scholarship, and community engagement achieved through
rigorous academic experiences, active learning environments, commitment to public service, and a vibrant campus life.
Published: 08/15/24
