2026 Champion: Mattson, LD
Biography
Dr. L. D. Mattson is an Assistant Professor in the Humanities and Communication Department of the College of Arts and Sciences at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where he teaches courses in business communication, environmental communication, and speech. He earned his Ph.D. in Communication from Arizona State University, along with a graduate certificate in Sustainability, and holds both a B.A. and M.A. in Communication from the University of South Florida. His research focuses on the way trust shapes perceptions of risk communication and governance organizations.
Campus
Daytona Beach
Position
Assistant Professor in the Humanities and Communication
Courses Impacted
COM 219
COinS
2026 Champion: Mattson, LD
Comments
Nomination Comments:
"LD Mattson has demonstrated an exceptional and sustained commitment to textbook affordability and open education at Embry‑Riddle. Over the past year, he redesigned all three of his courses—Speech, Business Communication, and Science & Technical Communication—to rely entirely on open access and library‑supported materials, eliminating all textbook costs for students. This work required extensive review and thoughtful selection of award‑winning open‑source textbooks and strategic use of Hunt Library’s e-book collections to ensure high‑quality, discipline‑relevant learning resources. His contributions extend beyond course design. He authored an open‑access encyclopedia article for Writing Commons that helps students navigate emerging AI technologies in alignment with communication best practices. By publishing in an openly available venue, they support not only ERAU students but also the broader educational community. He consistently leverages technology in service of affordability and accessibility. Using Canvas and Nearpod, he creates interactive in‑class and homework activities without requiring students to purchase additional software or access codes. Course slides are maintained as dynamic, link‑based resources embedded directly in Canvas, ensuring long‑term usefulness and reducing the need for students to download or keep track of outdated files. Across all these efforts, he exemplifies the ideals of open education: reducing financial barriers, thoughtfully integrating technology, collaborating with library resources, and planning for sustainable, student‑centered learning."