Instructor: Luke Williams
Competency-Based Education Program Coordinator & Sr. Lecturer
Institution: Central Washington University
Programs: Introduction to Business, Marketing Principles
Solutions: McGraw Hill Connect® with the Evergreen™ delivery model
The Challenge: Staying Current at Scale
At Central Washington University, Luke Williams teaches Introduction to Business and Marketing courses to more than 100 students each term. In disciplines where industry trends change quickly, keeping course materials current, relevant, and engaging was a constant challenge—especially with limited prep time.
Before Evergreen, updating to new editions meant weeks of planning and course rebuilding. Williams often spent 30–50 hours each year reviewing updates, sourcing new content, and verifying quality.
“Rather than spending a large portion of my summer planning course changes, the Evergreen delivery model has reduced the course revision timeline to almost zero.”
The Solution: Evergreen™ Delivery Model
McGraw Hill’s Evergreen delivery model delivers updated content, tools, and accessibility improvements directly into existing Connect courses—without requiring instructors to switch editions or rebuild assignments. With Evergreen, Williams can review release notes, accept updates, and move forward knowing his materials are current and relevant. This release-centered approach allows instructors to maintain a modern, agile course while dramatically reducing maintenance time.
“Evergreen increases student engagement and at the same time reduces instructor prep work. It empowers instructors to teach smarter, not harder.”
Currency Matters—Especially in Business and Marketing
Williams believes relevance is directly tied to student motivation and success. In fast-moving fields like business and marketing, outdated examples quickly disengage students. Evergreen ensures students always work with up-to-date content and real-world examples—building trust in what they’re learning.
“Course material in disciplines like marketing and business is consumable—almost like YouTube or TikTok. When students encounter outdated content, they lose interest very quickly. Evergreen solved the outdated issue—students now trust that what they’re learning is timely and relevant.”
Making Learning Meaningful with Real-World Application
Using Connect with Evergreen, Williams incorporates SmartBook® assignments, quizzes, and Application-Based Activities (ABAs) that help students apply concepts to real business scenarios. He regularly uses multi-part ABAs featuring the same company and data-driven tools like Tableau dashboards to connect theory to practice. Rather than sourcing and validating content on his own, Williams relies on Evergreen to deliver high-quality, classroom-ready materials.
Driving Engagement Through Structure and Transparency
Engagement is foundational to learning, especially in large-enrollment courses. Williams structures his courses so students complete 4–5 Connect assignments each week, which account for about 50% of the final grade. This consistency helps students understand expectations and arrive prepared. As a result, his classroom now functions as a flipped learning environment, with more time devoted to discussion, debate, and application.
“Half of teaching and learning is engagement. If I can’t get students interested from the start, I’ve lost them. Students arrive ready to discuss, not just absorb.”
Student feedback reflects the difference.
Confidence for Instructors—and Students
With Evergreen, Williams no longer has to choose between materials that are fresh and materials that are reliable. He knows his content is vetted, current, and accessible from day one.
Combined with Affordable Access, Evergreen also helps ensure all students have access to required materials from the start of the term.
“I used to have to choose between materials that were fresh and those that were reliable. With Evergreen, I get both. Evergreen empowers me to teach smarter, not harder—and my students benefit every step of the way.”
