Doug Darby, Ph.D.

Dr. Doug Darby has been with LCU since 2018 and is an associate professor in the College of Business. He serves as Chair of the Department of Integrated Business Technologies, Communication, and Marketing, coordinates the Information Systems and Technology, Management Information Systems, and Web Design programs, and is Executive Director of the university’s Esports program. Dr. Darby earned his B.S. in psychology and M.S. in digital media from Abilene Christian University, and his Ph.D. in learning technologies from the University of North Texas.

Dr. Darby’s doctoral research introduced the Taxonomy of Online Learner Types, an original model for identifying and defining the distinctive types of learners engaged in instruction within online, technology-mediated environments. His current scholarly work focuses on the ethical integration and application of AI-supported instructional systems, immersive and gamified experience design, online learner behavior, and the adoption of disruptive technologies within business and organizational contexts. He also investigates bridged assessment strategies that align academic learning with authentic professional practice. Dr. Darby brings extensive applied experience across the technology and digital media fields, informing his teaching, program leadership, and innovation-oriented research agenda.