After a national search, Matthew Kaplan has been named the executive director of the Center for Research on Learning and Teaching.

Kaplan has been a leader in the field of educational development. He has served on the executive board of the Professional and Organizational Development Network in Higher Education and published scholarly articles on the academic hiring process, the use of interactive theater and the evaluation of teaching.

“Matt brings a wealth of experience, dedication and insight to this task and I am thrilled that he has accepted the position. He will be a strong and collaborative leader for CRLT,” says James L. Hilton, vice provost for digital education and innovation.

Kaplan has been affiliated with CRLT for the past 20 years, most recently as interim director since early 2014, following the retirement of longtime CRLT director Constance Cook. Kaplan earned his Ph.D. in comparative literature from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he worked at the Center for Teaching and Learning before coming to U-M in 1994.

CRLT works with faculty, graduate student instructors and academic administrators to support and enhance learning and teaching throughout the university.