Samantha Demmerle

Samantha Demmerle is the GTA and Faculty Program Manager at the University of Kansas Center for Teaching Excellence. She coordinates KU's New GTA Orientation and supports a range of faculty and graduate student programs, including TEval, New Faculty Programs, the Gamification of Learning working group, and the Student Learning Symposium. Her work focuses on helping graduate teaching assistants navigate their first teaching experiences at KU while supporting faculty and instructors through professional development initiatives.

Drawing on a background in writing center work and graduate student support, Samantha helps instructors reflect on and communicate their teaching growth. She emphasizes process-based learning, meaningful feedback, and the idea that strong teaching develops through iteration and reflection. She also consults with faculty and GTAs interested in incorporating gamification strategies into their courses and learning environments.

Before joining CTE, Samantha served as Graduate Writing Specialist for KU Writing Center Services and spent many years working in writing centers throughout her undergraduate and graduate education. She holds a doctorate in English Language and Literature from Indiana University Bloomington. As a first-generation college student, she brings a student-centered perspective to conversations about teaching, learning, and support. Outside of work, she performs with an improv troupe, enjoys long walks in nature, and shares her home with her loving husband and two handsome cats.