Key Highlights
• Developed 85 courses, 31 workshops, and 14 programs at two top-tier universities.
• Explored and pioneered new approaches in online and in-person adult education.
• Specialized in instructional design and teaching for e-learning over 12 years.
Adult Education
I have worked for 20 years as an educator for both on-campus and online courses in adult education at two world-class universities — Emory University and Southern Methodist University (SMU). In a period of accelerated digital transformation, I explored and pioneered new approaches for online and in-person adult education. I developed 85 courses, 31 workshops, and 14 programs. Since 2012, I’ve specialized in instructional design and teaching in the e-learning environment.
Many firsts at Emory University, including:
• First faculty member to develop and teach 100% online
• Set record for enrollment and annual course income
• Developed the first Digital Marketing Certificate
• Developed the first Graphic Design Certificate
• Created foundational and advanced programs in the department
• Custom coded interactive courses in the LMS Canvas
• First faculty member to develop and teach 100% online
• Set record for enrollment and annual course income
• Developed the first Digital Marketing Certificate
• Developed the first Graphic Design Certificate
• Created foundational and advanced programs in the department
• Custom coded interactive courses in the LMS Canvas
I develop ecosystems with a forward-thinking, future-proofing strategy. Grounded in student-centric ideology, I design accessible courses that are diverse, engaging, and thought-provoking. My goal is to create a learning environment that helps students discover something meaningful for themselves. This approach ensures my graduates are more competitive; more agile and adaptable; are leaders and mentors; and move into advanced positions in their fields.
Guiding principles that set my programs apart:
• Depth and breadth: Balancing technology, theory, practice, strategy, and execution.
• Diverse learning: Engaging students with varying learning needs.
• Practical tools: Creating course materials for use well into their new careers.
• Depth and breadth: Balancing technology, theory, practice, strategy, and execution.
• Diverse learning: Engaging students with varying learning needs.
• Practical tools: Creating course materials for use well into their new careers.
Training and Development Highlights
I have also developed corporate programs. This includes:
I have also developed corporate programs. This includes:
Workshops for Corporate Clients - 2018
For my former student Davis Kirby at Beazer Homes, I created a custom Photoshop workshop tailored to their team’s needs. Here is a testimonial from Davis after graduating from my Advanced Web Design program:
For my former student Davis Kirby at Beazer Homes, I created a custom Photoshop workshop tailored to their team’s needs. Here is a testimonial from Davis after graduating from my Advanced Web Design program:
“Bluntly, I have never taken instruction from a better trainer than Mary Zimnik. It is so very rare to find the combination of talents that Mary possesses. She designs intuitive training, delivers them with finesse, and her ability to communicate to all levels of skill is unmatched.” — Davis Kirby, Training, Instructional Design, and LMS Management
Army Training Program - December 2012
I developed a month-long digital communications training for Army Public Affairs officers at Fort Moore in Columbus, Georgia, equipping them with critical skills in web coding, design, and social media best practices.
I developed a month-long digital communications training for Army Public Affairs officers at Fort Moore in Columbus, Georgia, equipping them with critical skills in web coding, design, and social media best practices.
Endovascular Institute - 2009-2011
The Endovascular Institute (EI) is a Continuing Medical Education provider accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education. I worked directly with the primary medical subject matter expert to develop educational and promotional materials for all of EI’s programs.
The Endovascular Institute (EI) is a Continuing Medical Education provider accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education. I worked directly with the primary medical subject matter expert to develop educational and promotional materials for all of EI’s programs.
Girl Scouts of the USA - 2006
I created technology workshops for Girl Scouts in 4th and 5th grade, guiding them through new badge programs in web design and A/V skills.
I created technology workshops for Girl Scouts in 4th and 5th grade, guiding them through new badge programs in web design and A/V skills.
English as a Second Language - (directly following college)
I taught a month-long ESL program for younger students in St. Petersburg, Florida. My lead teacher recommended me for the next role based on my “Inventive, comprehensive, and effective lesson plans.” That next role was a summer-long residential program based in Mount Ida in Newton Center, Massachusetts.
I taught a month-long ESL program for younger students in St. Petersburg, Florida. My lead teacher recommended me for the next role based on my “Inventive, comprehensive, and effective lesson plans.” That next role was a summer-long residential program based in Mount Ida in Newton Center, Massachusetts.
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With twenty years in the field, I’ve developed a clear vision of what works best in continuing education for today’s diverse, multigenerational adult learners. Programs must be future-proof and student-centered, offering variety and personalization to meet individual needs. Effective methods integrate technology within blended learning environments to ensure accessible, impactful, and meaningful educational experiences.
