Michael Cassens
Director of UM Esports, College of Arts and Media Director of Access, Equity, and Inclusion, Associate Professor of Game Design and Interactive Media
Missoula, Montana, United States
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Michael Cassens is a teacher, collaborator, gamer, and mobile app developer. His current focus is on creating more meaningful experiences and building equitable games for the marketplace.
Michael is also the Director of Esports at the University of Montana, the College of Arts and Media Director of Access, Equity, and Inclusion, and an Associate Professor in Game Design and Interactive Media. He emphasizes diversity, equity, inclusion, and educational pathways for all students, players, and team members.
Michael has a B.A. in Biology and an M.S. in Computer Science. After being born in South Vietnam and adopted in Boulder, CO, Michael has found his home in Missoula, where he loves being outside with his family and mountain biking.
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Topics
Foundationally Changing Student Engagement Through Esports
Esports programs can effectuate community building and a sense of belonging for students by focusing on justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. The University of Montana's esports program engages students holistically by creating a space where anyone can belong, regardless of their background and embedding the students' academic careers within this co-curricular activity. By focusing on each student and their growth potential as leaders, communicators, and collaborators, UM's esports program continues to help students become the best version of themselves, not because perfection is the goal, but rather by learning from one another and growing together.
Michael Cassens
Director of UM Esports, College of Arts and Media Director of Access, Equity, and Inclusion, Associate Professor of Game Design and Interactive Media
Missoula, Montana, United States
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