Mark C. Morvant

EDUCATION

Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, The University of Oklahoma, 1996

B.S. in Chemistry, Tarleton State University, 1990

Magna Cum LaudeTexas Secondary Teaching Certification in Chemistry

EXPERIENCE

University of Oklahoma

Associate Provost, Teaching and Technology, 2014 – present

Senior Fellow, Residential College (open for residents Fall 2017), 2015 – present

Executive Director, Center for Teaching Excellence, 2012 – 2017

Professor, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, 2012 – present

Assistant Chair, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, 2011 – 2012

Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, 2006 – 2012

Courses Taught: Organic Chemistry I & II, Honors Organic Chemistry I & II, Organic  Chemistry Laboratory, First-Year Mentoring Program

Study Abroad:  Chemistry in Italy – Organic Chemistry I and Chemistry and Culture of Wine in Italy

Open Course:Chemistry of Beer, 9,444 students enrolled Spring 2014 from 100 countries

Georgia Southern University

Assistant Professor of Chemistry, 2005 – 2006

Courses Taught:Organic Chemistry I & II with laboratory

Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi

Chemistry Program Coordinator, 2001 – 2005

Associate Professor of Chemistry, 2003 – 2005

Assistant Professor of Chemistry, 1998 – 2003

Visiting Assistant Professor of Chemistry, 1997 – 1998

Courses Taught: General Chemistry I & II, Organic Chemistry I & II, Biochemistry II, Polymer Chemistry, Advanced Organic Chemistry, Advanced Instrumental Analysis, Substances of Life

ADMINISTRATIVE EXPERIENCE

Associate Provost 2014 – present

Provide input and leadership for initiatives and programs to enhance the educational experience of student related to teaching and technology.

  • Create a culture of innovation in teaching in and out of the classroom
  • Expand the impact of educational technology to enhance student learning and creativity
  • Chair the Provost Advisory Committee on Classrooms and Scheduling
  • Chair the Provost Advisory Committee of Learning Technologies

Executive Director

Provide vision and leadership for the Center for Teaching Excellence.  Direct report to the Senior Vice President and Provost.  Supervise the unit staff including the the Director of Digital Courses.  Manage the budget of ~$750,000. teach.ou.edu

  • Expanded the faculty development unit from 2 full-time staff to 12 full-time staff and expanded the mission to include faculty learning communities, technology integration, and digital learning
  • Oversaw the Janux project with NextThought and development of Open Courses, janux.ou.edu and historychannel.ou.edu
  • Academic Lead on One University Digital Initiative, www.ou.edu/oneuniversity.html
  • 2013 Impact Report – http://bit.ly/1eXxzej

Assistant Chair

Assisted the Chair and directly managed operations of the Instructional Program and Research Services in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. The assistant chair duties include managing the instructional related budgets (GTA, OTIS, Lab and Copy Fees, ~$1,200,000), developing course schedules and managing enrollment, managing and evaluating the Research Support Staff, Instructional Staff, and Academic advisor (10 Staff), assigning GTA and Instructors to Laboratory sections (~60 GTAs and ~3 Instructors), developing a preliminary teaching assignments for Faculty, recruiting and appointing temporary Instructors, and scheduling and chairing monthly staff meetings.

  • Managing a 36% decrease in One Time Instructional funds (OTIS) from 2010-11 to 2011-12
  • Developed a First-Year Research Experience with the Honors College
  • Developed a plan for expansion of General Chemistry to accommodate 288 additional students

Chemistry Program Coordinator

Managed operations of the Chemistry Program, part of the Department of Physical and Life Sciences.  The duties included managing the Program research grant, laboratory fees, and other Program funds (~$60,000), supervising Program staff and providing input on evaluations, mentoring tenure-track Faculty and providing written input on annual evaluations, developing course schedules and managing enrollment, assigning Faculty and Instructors to courses, providing direction to achieve Program, College, and University goals and objectives, and developing, assessing, and revising Program curriculum, degree plans, and catalog copy.

  • Developed and Implemented a plan to increase Program majors (138% increase in 4 years)
  • Obtained a Welch Departmental Grant for the Program’s undergraduate research program
  • Prepared the Academic Program Review Self-study for the University’s SACS assessment program
  • Prepared Program documentation for SACS accreditation self-study

ADDITIONAL RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

The University of Florida, Postdoctoral Researcher, 1996

Texas A&M University, NSF-REU Fellow, 1990

Tarleton State University, Robert A. Welch Fellow, 1989

HONORS AND AWARDS

Regents Award for Superior Teaching, The University of Oklahoma, 2010

Longmire Prize for Outstanding Teaching, College of Arts and Sciences, 2010

Faculty Teaching Fellowship, Learning, Teaching and Writing Program, 2010-2012

Best Lecturer, AED Texas Xi, Pre-professional Honor Society, 2004

Academy for Educator Development, Texas A&M University Regents’ Initiative, 2000

Department of Education Fellowship, The University of Oklahoma, 1991 – 1995

Phi Lambda Upsilon, Chemistry Honor Society, The University of Oklahoma, 1992

Alpha Chi, Honor Society, Tarleton State University, 1989

Dick Smith Scholarship, Tarleton State University, 1988 – 1990

SERVICE EXPERIENCE

University Service

Chair, Provost’s Advisory Committee on Classroom Renovation, 2014 – present

Chair, Provost’s Advisory Committee on Learning Technologies, 2014 – present

Chair, Advisory Committee on Course Management System, 2013 – 2014

Interim Chair, Provost’s Advisory Committee on Classroom Renovation, 2013 – 2014

Member, President’s Graduation and Retention Task Force, 2009 – present

Member, President’s Cohort Crafting Committee, 2011 – 2012

Member, Provost’s Advisory Committee on Classroom Renovation, 2010 – 2013

Member, Faculty Senate, 2010 – 2013

Member, Faculty Senate Executive Committee, 2011 – 2012

Member, OU Academic Integrity Oversight Committee, 2011 – 2012

Chair-elect, Faculty Senate, 2012

Member, Faculty Senate Faculty Welfare Committee, 2011 – 2012

Member, Employee Benefits Council, 2011 – 2012

Member, Academic Program Review Committee, 2009 – 2010

Volunteer, President’s Distinguished Faculty Mentoring Program, 2008 – 2010

Chair, Faculty Senate – Academic Affairs Committee, 2004 – 2005

Member, Task Force on Strategic Plan for University Parking, 2004 – 2005

Member, Dean of College Science & Technology Search Committee, 2004 – 2005

Chair, Environmental, Health, and Safety Committee, 2003 – 2005

Member, Enrollment Management Council, 2003 – 2005

Member, Faculty Senate, 2002 – 2005

Chair, Faculty Senate – Committee on Committees, 2003 – 2004

Member, NCAA Athletics Cert. Sub-committee on Fiscal Integrity, 2003 – 2004

Chair, Faculty Core Curriculum Committee (FC3), 2002 – 2003

Member, Faculty Senate – Budget Analysis Committee, 2002 – 2003

Member, Special University Committee on Budget, 2003

Chair, University Scholarship Committee, 2002

Member, Faculty Core Curriculum Committee (FC3), 2001 – 2002

Member, University Scholarship Committee, 2001

Member, Faculty Senate Ad Hoc Committee: Classroom Scheduling, 1999

College Service

Member, College of Arts & Sciences Course and Curriculum Committee, 2011-2012

Member, Longmire Prize Selection Committee, 2010

Member, University College Classroom IT Committee, 2009

Member, PALS/CAMS Scholarship Committee, 2000 – 2005

Chair, College Research Enhancement Committee, 2001 – 2002

Member, College Workload Release Committee, 2001 – 2002

Member, College Research Enhancement Committee, 2000

Member, College Workload Release Committee, 2000

Departmental Service

Chair, Undergraduate Committee, 2009 – 2012

Undergraduate Assessment Liaison, Annual Outcomes Assessment Report, 2007 – 2012

Member, Undergraduate Committee, 2006 – 2009

Representative, Annual Course Equivalency Project Faculty Committee, Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, 2009

Member, Ad-hoc Committee to Revise TEACH Test Topics, 2007 – 2008

Member, Ad-hoc Committee of Teaching Formula, 2007

Secretary, Faculty Meeting, 2006 – 2007

Member, Teaching Assistant Selection Committee, 2002 – 2005

Chair, Chemistry Faculty Search Committee, 2003

Member, Physical & Life Sciences Department Workload Committee, 2002

Member, Physical & Life Sciences Physical Science Ed. Committee, 2002

Chair, Chemistry Program Review Committee, 2001

Member, Chemistry Faculty Search Committee, 2001

Chair, Teaching Assistant Selection Committee, 1999 – 2001

Chair, Biochemistry Faculty Search Committee, 2000

Chair, Environ./Anal. Chemistry Faculty Search Committee, 1999

Member, Environmental Science Graduate Acceptance Committee, 1999

Professional Service

Member, ACS Exam Institute, Organic Chemistry One Semester Exam Committee, 2012-13

Member, Chemistry Test Item Review, Texas State Board for Educator Certification, 2004

Member, Chemistry Framework Review, Texas State Board for Educator Certification, 2004

Vice-Chair, South Texas Section, American Chemical Society, 2003

Member, Physical Science 8-12 Standard Setting, Texas SBEC, 2002

Chair, South Texas Section, American Chemical Society, 2001

Member, Physical Science 8-12 Framework Review, Texas SBEC, 2001

Chair-elect, South Texas Section, American Chemical Society, 2000

National Chemistry Week Chairman, South Texas Section, ACS, 1999

CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT

Open Courses, 2013 – 2014

Faculty and member of the team that designed Open Courses, General Chemistry and Chemistry of Beer, for Janux platform, janux.ou.edu

Study Abroad Program, 2011 – 2012

Co-developed a study abroad program in Italy combining a Organic Chemistry I and Chemistry and Culture of Wine.

Organic Chemistry Sequences, 2010 – 2011

Designed two separate Organic Chemistry sequences.  A majors style sequence with an integrated laboratory and a biological emphasis sequence with more emphasis on biological applications and content.

Organic Chemistry Laboratory, 2008 – 2011

Designed and developed a significant revision in the Organic Laboratory Course.  The revision emphasized the data gathering and problem solving by focusing on keeping a detailed laboratory notebook, introducing qualitative and instrumental experiments, and open-ended laboratory experiments.

Biology & Chemistry I & II Learning Communities, 2001

Proposed, designed, and implemented a First-Year Learning Community combining General Chemistry, Freshman Biology, English Composition and First-Year Seminar in cooperation of a Biology and English Faculty member.  The learning communities used a mixture of shared assignments, cross curriculum projects, shared reading assignments, and instructor collaboration to convey the integrated nature of the subjects to a first-year audience.

Advanced Organic Chemistry, 2001

Designed and developed the special topics course including the outline and objectives, selection of course materials, and developed the course assignments and projects.  The course included a weekly “defense” assignment modeled on the defense of a proposed solution as presented at graduate seminars.

Inquiry-Based General Chemistry Laboratory, 2000

Co-developed a directed inquiry based General Chemistry Laboratory sequence.  The initial trials indicated significant improvements in content knowledge, laboratory technique, and writing skills.

General Chemistry I & II, 1999

Designed, developed, and implemented an innovative General Chemistry curriculum for science majors.  The new curriculum was based on a Concept and Calculations model with General Chemistry I containing the theoretical and conceptual aspects of General Chemistry and General Chemistry II containing the mathematical and calculations dependent aspects of General Chemistry. The new curriculum was very successful with low DFW rates and excellent success in later chemistry courses.

Polymer Chemistry, 1999

Designed and developed the course including the outline and objectives, selection of course materials, and developed the course assignments and projects.

Substances of Life, 1999

Designed and developed the special topics course including the outline and objectives, selection of course materials, and developed the course assignments and exams.  The course was to be the model for a non-science majors course which taught chemistry concepts by utilizing real life applications (i.e. cars, cleaning products, cooking).

SCIENCE EDUCATION EXPERIENCE

Academy Member, Texas A&M University Regents’ Initiative, Academy for Educator Development, 2000-2005

  • Collaborated with Academy members to develop partnerships with local school districts
  • Proposed new models for teacher preparation and recruitment of future K-12 teachers

Participant, Texas Collaborative for Excellence in Teacher Preparation (TxCETP), 1998-2004

  • Physical Science Course Component Coordinator and Biology writing team member
  • Developed, implemented, and disseminated inquiry and active learning based activities
  • Evaluated TxCETP faculty and activities

Mentor, South Texas Advanced Technology Education (STATE), 2002-2003

  • Communicated with South Texas community college faculty to introduce Problem-Based Learning curriculum combining Math, Science, and Workforce courses. The program was designed to improve retention in community college workforce programs.

Faculty Partner, Texas Rural Systemic Initiative, Graduate K-12 Fellows Program, 2000-2003

  • Advised PK-12 Fellows working with science teachers in rural school districts
  • Aided the implementation of active learning methods and the use of GPS-based activities

Participant, Louis Stokes Louisiana Alliance for Minority Participation (LS-LAMP), MainSTey Program, 1998-2000

  • Developed activities using graphing calculators and data collection devices to be used in math and science classes.  Editing of activities for inclusion into workbook

PUBLICATIONS

Books and Chapters 

Morvant, M. C.; Halterman, R. L. Organic Chemistry Laboratory Manual, The University of Oklahoma, iBook, 2013.

Morvant, M. C.; Halterman, R. L. Organic Chemistry Laboratory Manual, The University of Oklahoma, Hayden-McNeil, Plymouth, MI, 2008.

Morvant, M.; Tintera, G.; Giraldo, J., “Would you like a little tea with your lemon?” MainSTey Activity Workbook: A Calculator Based Approach to Discovery Learning, LS-LAMP 2003, 51.

Tintera, G.; Morvant, M.; Giraldo, J., “The Heat is On?” MainSTey Activity Workbook: A Calculator Based Approach to Discovery Learning, LS-LAMP, 2003, 55.

Morvant, M.; Tintera, G.; Giraldo, J., “Lost Keys in a Cup of Tea.” MainSTey Activity Workbook: A Calculator Based Approach to Discovery Learning, LS-LAMP, 2003, 91.

Teasdale, M. E.; Morvant, M. C. General Chemistry Lab Manual, RonJon Publishing, Inc., Denton, TX, 2000.

Milroy, S.; Morvant, M. C. Biochemistry I and II; Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, RonJon Publishing, Inc., Denton, TX, 1999.

Halterman, R. L.; Morvant, M. C. Organic Chemistry Laboratory Manual, The University of Oklahoma, RonJon Publishing, Inc., Denton, TX, 1995.

Journal Articles

Welsh, D. M.; Kumar, A.; Morvant, M. C.; Reynolds, J. R., “Fast electrochromic polymers based on new poly(3,4-alkylenedioxythiophene) derivatives.” Synth. Met. 1999, 102, 967.

Irvin, J. A.; Piroux, F.; Morvant, M. C.; Robertshaw, V. L.; Angerhofer, A.; Reynolds, J. R., “Low oxidation potential conducting polymers based on 1,4-bis[2-(3,4-ethylenedioxy)thienyl]-2,5-dialkoxybenzenes. Synth. Met1999, 102, 965.

Kumar, A.; Welsh, D. M.; Morvant, M. C.; Piroux, F.; Abboud, K. A.; Reynolds, J. R., “Conducting Poly(3,4-alkylenedioxythiophene) Derivatives as Fast Electrochromics with High-Contrast Ratios. Chem. Mater. 1998, 10, 896.

Morvant, M. C.; Reynolds, J. R., “In Situ Conductivity of Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene),” Synthetic Metals 1998, 92, 57.

Glatzhofer, D. T.; Morvant, M. C., “Substituent Effects on the Electrochemical Oxidation of N,N’,N”-Triphenyl-1,3,5-triaminobenzenes,” Journal of Physical Organic Chemistry 1998, 11, 731.

Irvin, J. A.; Piroux, F.; Morvant, M. C.; Robertshaw, V. L.; Angerhofer, A.; Reynolds, J. R., “Low Oxidation Potential Conducting Polymers Based on 1,4-Bis[2-(3,4-ethylenedioxy)thienyl]-2,5-dialkoxybenzenes,” ICSM Proceedings 1998.

Kumar, A.; Morvant, M. C.; Reynolds, J. R., “Phenyl Substituted Poly(3,4-Ethylenedioxythiophene),” Polym. Prep. 1997, 38(1), 155.

Morvant, M. C., “Synthesis, Properties, and Applications of Polynitro- and Polyamino[2.2]paracyclophanes,” Ph.D. Dissertation, The University of Oklahoma, 1996.

Bergbreiter, D. E.; Morvant, M.; Chen, B., “Catalytic Cyclopropanation With Transition Metal Salts Of Soluble Polyethylene Carboxylates”, Tetrahedron Letters 1991, 32, 2731.

SELECTED PRESENTATIONS & POSTER SESSIONS

Morvant, M., “Chemistry of Beer: An 8,000 student Open Course”, 23rd Biennial Conference on Chemical Education, Grand Valley State University, MI, August 3-7, 2014.

Williamson, D.; Morvant, M.; Jensen, K., “Sure we are all ‘open’ but when do we get to ‘share’?”, Open Education Conference, Park City, UT, November 8, 2013.

Morvant, M.; Phillips, J., “Innovating K-20 through Centers of Excellence: Accelerate Student Outcomes and Retention with Data and Personalized Learning”, Educause 2013, Anaheim, CA, October 16, 2013.

Baraniuk, R.; Hanley, G.; Illowsky, B.; Morvant, M.; Schroeder, R., “Open Education Resources (OERs): Potential and pitfalls”, Forum Panel Discussion, 29th Annual Conference on Distance Teaching & Learning, Madison, WI, August 8, 2013.

Christensen, E.; Wylie, H.; Morvant, M., “Impact: Faculty and Student Perspectives”, 2013 Connexions Conference, Houston, TX, April 23, 2013.

Morvant, M., “One University: Innovation meets Tradition”, Keynote Address, University of Oklahoma Academic Technology Expo, Norman, OK, January 11, 2013.

Morvant, M., “iPad in the Classroom”, University of Oklahoma Academic Technology Expo, Norman, OK, January 13, 2012.

Chavhan, S.; Morvant, M.; Glatzhofer, D., “Electropolymerization of Amino[2.2]paracyclophanes”, 67th Southwest Regional ACS Meeting, Austin, TX, November 9-12, 2011.

Morvant, M., “Teaching Online and Blended Classes”, College of Education Annual Faculty Retreat, Norman, OK, September 9, 2011.

Morvant, M., “Lecture podcasting in organic chemistry”, 21th Biennial Conference on Chemical Education, Denton, TX, August 1-5, 2010.

Morvant, M., “Comparison of POGIL and lecture formats in large enrollment organic chemistry courses”, 21th Biennial Conference on Chemical Education, Denton, TX, August 1-5, 2010.

Czapla, M.; Morvant, M., “Organic chemistry wiki: Undergraduate resource for the digital age”, 21th Biennial Conference on Chemical Education, Denton, TX, August 1-5, 2010.

Morvant, M. C., “POGIL in a Large Enrollment Organic Chemistry I Course”, 55rd ACS Pentasectional Meeting, Norman, OK, April 10, 2010.

Long-Wheeler, K.; Morvant, M. C., “Teaching Column Chromatography: Open-Ended Approach for Understanding Lab Techniques”, 55rd ACS Pentasectional Meeting, Norman, OK, April 10, 2010.

Morvant, M., “Enhanced Organic Podcasts: Production and Student Utilization”, 20th Biennial Conference on Chemical Education,  Bloomington, IN, July 27-31, 2008.

Morvant, M.; Czapla, M., “Organic Chemistry Wiki: Developing Resources for Multi-tasking Learners”, 20th Biennial Conference on Chemical Education, Bloomington, IN, July 27-31, 2008.

Morvant, M. C., “Lecture Podcasts: Student Utilization and Comments”, 53rd ACS Pentasectional Meeting, Durant, OK, March 8, 2008.

Morvant, M. C., “Using Lego®s as an active learning exercise in general chemistry lecture: Periodicity and electronic configuration”, 231st ACS National Meeting, Atlanta, GA, March 26-30, 2006.

Maurstad, C.; Morvant, M., “Linking the Unlinkable: Active Learning and Collaboration in a Science, English and Seminar Learning Community”, 9th Annual Conference Learning Communities and Collaboration, Kansas City, MO, November 11-13, 2004.

Morvant, M. C., “New Developments in Chemical Education”, South Texas Section of the ACS Local Meeting, Corpus Christi, TX, September 13, 2002.

Morvant, M. C., “Science Inquiry Experience”, TxCETP Spring Forum, Austin, TX, May 13-15, 2002.

Morvant, M. C., “Using Guided Inquiry in Large Lecture Courses: An Example From General Chemistry”, 2nd Annual Lilly Conference on College & University Teaching – Texas, San Marcos, TX, August 3-4, 2001.

Morvant, M., Guest Speaker, 2001 AP Summer Institute: AP Chemistry, Corpus Christi TX, July, 2001.

Morvant, M. C., ” Development of Hands-on and Demonstration Chemistry Activities to support Novice Teachers”, Second Annual Chancellor’s Invitational Conference, Houston, TX, June 15, 2001.

Morvant, M. C., “Guided Inquiry Improves Student Success in Large “Lecture” Sections of General Chemistry (TxCETP)”, NSF sponsored CETP PI Meeting: Next Steps, Arlington, VA, April 3, 2001.

Jones, K.; Morvant, M.; Rupert, A.; Ward, M., “Promoting Family Involvement Through Student Work”, Texas A&M University Partnership Conference, Corpus Christi, TX, March, 2001.

Morvant, M. C., “Periodic Trends”, TxCETP National Visiting Committee Meeting, Corpus Christi, TX, October 13, 2000.

Littleton, P.; Morvant, M. C., “Inquiry in the Secondary Mathematics and Science Classroom”, Texas Rural Systemic Initiative (TRSI): Systemic Leadership Institute, Austin, TX, June 21, 2000.

Morvant, M. C.; Glatzhofer, D. T., “Electrochemical Polymerization and Characterization of [2.2]Paracyclophane Analogs of Aniline”, 47th Southeast/51st Southwest ACS Joint Regional Meeting, Memphis, TN, 1995.

Morvant, M. C.; Glatzhofer, D. T., “Dimerization of Nitro-Substituted Paraquinodimethanes: Synthesis of Tetra- and Dinitro[2.2]paracyclophanes”, 48th ACS Southwest Regional Meeting, Lubbock, TX, 1992.

FUNDED GRANTS

Morvant, M., “Organic Chemistry Sequence – Increasing Learning Outcomes with Online Instruction and Assessment”, Course Innovation Program, University of Oklahoma, $150,000, 2011-2013.

Morvant, M., College of Arts & Sciences Information Technology Grant, $6,154 for pod/vodcasting recording and production equipment to expand the online pod/vodcast offerings in the Chemistry & Biochemistry Department, 2008 

Morvant, M., College of Arts & Sciences Information Technology Grant, $1,900 for interactive pen display for utilization in large lecture courses in Chemistry & Biochemistry Department, 2008

Morvant, M.C., “Synthesis and Electrochemical Analysis of N,N,N,N-tetramethyl-4,12-diamino[2.2]paracyclophane”, Georgia Southern University, Faculty Research Committee Grant, $8,639, 2006

The Robert A. Welch Foundation Departmental Research Grant, $75,000 for three years, grant targeted towards undergraduate research stipends and research supplies, 20002003

Morvant, M. C., “Development of hands-on & Demonstration Chemistry Activities for K-16/Founding Corpus Christi Chemistry Educators for Support of Novice Teachers”, Texas A&M University System Regents’ Initiative Academy Fellowship Grant, $3,000, 2001

Giraldo, J.; Jones, K.; Cabrera, S.; Auger, C.; Morvant, M. C., “A Project to Increase the Parent Involvement in the Educational Process of Low Income High School Students”, Texas A&M University System Regents’ Initiative Academy Research Grant, $10,000, 2001