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Meet Bryan University’s Director of Education Technology & Innovation: David Montes de Oca

Bryan University

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Where education and technology meet, you’ll find David Montes de Oca, Bryan University’s Director of Education Technology & Innovation. He’s been a part of higher education for over 20 years, and in the past year, he’s brought his creativity, problem-solving skills, and passion for technology to Bryan University.

David didn’t expect to work in higher education, but he loves that in his role he gets to make a difference in the lives of students and faculty. During his career, he transitioned from a hybrid help desk role into course design, then he managed a small team, and eventually joined an innovation team, moving to a role focused on solving complex problems. The appeal, he says, has always been the problem-solving aspect. 

At BU, he likes how interconnected the institution is and how everyone he’s interacted with has been kind. He also appreciates the autonomy he has to flag issues, propose solutions, and work toward meaningful outcomes. 

The Innovation Team is small and includes people in dual roles who hold core positions at BU, which helps bring problems to light quicker because they’re involved in the day-to-day operations of the institution. 

“We’re fine-tuning the capability of a cross-functional team to better align with improving the student experience, but also making sure that we’re being useful,” David said. In his role, he strives to strike a balance between adopting new technologies for their own sake and evaluating whether a tool will genuinely solve a problem.

A recent example of this approach involved Chromebook challenges for students, which prompted the team to update BU’s recommended technology requirements. Beyond that, David is exploring AI chatbots and other emerging tools, always asking whether these innovations contribute meaningfully to student success.

“How can we do a better job of aligning to the workforce? How can we do better at the course experience to not create additional barriers or bottlenecks where people are going to want to drop the course or we have retention or attrition issues, within certain programs, or technical issues,” he explained.

He aspires to continue working, learning, and growing in higher education. He’s especially passionate about working in the adult-learner space because he truly believes education can be transformative and improve someone’s future. 

“It just provides people that freedom, if they have the means, but also, that grit and determination to see that through,” he said. “They might be returning 5, 10, 15, 20 years after they earned their last degree, if they earned a degree at all, into a very different educational experience than they had in high school. I think if there’s anything I could do to help and improve that experience, that to me is a win.” 

His motivation comes from knowing that he’s making a difference in the experience Bryan University students have. He wishes he could sometimes close that loop and get direct feedback from students, but knowing he’s doing something to help even just one person is incredibly fulfilling to him. 

“Institutions like this and schools that really cater to the adult learner, they’re doing amazing things, even if it’s just for a small group of people because of that transformative power of education, just bettering yourself. Whether it’s a cert, a bachelor’s degree, or a master’s degree, I don’t think it really matters, because it’s a step closer to somewhere where they hadn’t been, that they probably couldn’t have got to without that credential.”

Throughout his career, David said he’s learned from a lot of great managers and mentors. 

“I’ve just had really good bosses. People who have really taken the job seriously and also provided opportunities for mentorship or just guidance. Even if it’s small information like how to engage with people or your general demeanor,” he said. “Just being able to navigate those personalities and the soft skill piece of interactions is huge. I think everyone contributed to helping me advance that skill set. Being able to flex that muscle and learn, and fail, and learn again, that was a huge benefit to me.”

When asked what advice he would pass on to others, he said someone told him once to meet people where they’re at. He said at the time it didn’t make much of an impact on him, but it did as his career progressed. 

“Being able to sense who you’re dealing with in that particular moment and realizing that you don’t know what happened to them before they got to work that day,” he said. “You can’t assume things, you can’t make wild assumptions that they’re just being difficult because of you. It’s not about you all the time. Dissolving that ego and just remembering they could just be having a really bad day, or dealing with something that’s none of your business, but is affecting their behavior right now, and knowing when to basically walk away and continue the conversation at a later time that’s more appropriate.”

Outside of work, David said he’s a homebody who enjoys doing the little things with his wife and daughter, who turns 9 this month. They love to go on trips and neighborhood walks with their Corgi. He also sees his siblings and parents often, they all live in San Diego so visits are frequent. 

Music is a major part of his life — it’s even how he met his wife, they worked at the same record store. Today, they both still collect vinyl and whether it’s live music, background music, or a workout playlist, something is always playing. 

“Music has constantly been something in my life. Listening to it, collecting, going to see live shows. If I’m working, there’s music playing. I have ear buds in if I’m outside doing yard work or working out,” he said. “It’s a way of bringing me back to a certain point in time in my life, and having those memories. It just helps me keep that stuff fresh in my mind, whether it’s a good memory or a bad memory.”

The best advice he’s ever gotten was from his dad who told him to never get old. It was something his dad told him jokingly but that resonates with him more and more, and inspires him to stay open minded and avoid cynicism. 

“Still enjoying things, and trying not to be bitter about stuff. So in that sense, not getting old, and being open to new things, and being open-minded to new ideas,” he said. “I don’t want to be that old guy, right? That’s like ‘young people, they’re so crazy, they don’t know what they’re doing.’ I don’t want to continue that cycle of nonsense that just happens, of being dismissive of everything.” 

David’s advice for anyone considering a career at BU is, “Apply, get the job, and enjoy the ride.” 

He added, “it’s a good spot for you to be, whether you’re starting, or you’re like me, that has been in it for a little while, I think you’ll find a good groove for you to be here. If higher ed is still something that makes you excited, I think it’s a good place to work.” 

Each month, we shine a light on one of our amazing team members through the Bryan University Employee Spotlight. Every employee is eligible. Want to join our team? Explore Careers at Bryan University! 

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