Digital Learning Summit

Dr. Tammi Perez-Rice is a Post-Secondary Course Program Specialist at the Charles A. Dana Center. She manages the content development of the Dana Center Mathematics Pathways course materials and supports their implementation in colleges and universities.  Tammi also delivers professional learning for K-12 and higher education math educators and supports Launch Years’ cross-state learning. Before joining the Dana Center, Tammi was a mathematics faculty member for over 15 years, during which she designed and taught corequisite math courses for over 14 years. Dr. Perez-Rice’s research examined the impact corequisite mathematics has on a student's intrinsic motivation.

Dr. Wynn Rosser is the Commissioner of Higher Education and CEO of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), where he provides statewide leadership and oversees higher education budget and policy for the world’s eighth- largest economy. Before joining the THECB, Dr. Rosser worked in philanthropy and higher education administration. With a background in cultivating cross-sector collaboration, he has extensive experience partnering with others to advance shared goals for education across Texas. Through these experiences, he brings deep knowledge and commitment to advancing Texas higher education and the goals of the state's strategic plan for higher education, Building a Talent Strong Texas. His educational background includes a level one certificate, an associate degree, and a research doctorate.

Elisabeth Bancroft Wessel Meindl is an educator and writer with experience teaching Theatre, Art, English, Creative Writing, Religious Studies, and Humanities in both K12 and higher education settings. She holds an MFA in Interdisciplinary Arts from Goddard College and a BA in Religion from Principia College. She also has nearly twenty years of professional theatre experience, having worked on more than 65 productions. In her classes, she emphasizes restorative justice, emotional safety, and educational equity, and treats technology as a tool, not a teacher. She introduces AI and virtual reality as practical, ethical supports that save prep time and make her courses more accessible.

Katie Deering is the Director of Instructional Design and Support at Texas State Technical College (TSTC) and the project lead for TSTC's Competency Based Education initiative. She has led over 23 programs through the transition to Competency Based Education. In her free time, Katie enjoys reading, hiking, arts and crafts, and spending time with her two cats, two kids, razor back musk turtle, and wonderful husband.

Michael Cropper serves as the Manager of Production Specialists and Extended Reality (XR) at Texas State Technical College (TSTC), where he leads the deployment and integration of immersive technologies across the institution's eleven campuses. With TSTC's strategic investments in XR, Michael has gained extensive, hands-on experience implementing innovative solutions at scale within higher education.

Rudy Cervantez is the Director of Alignment for the Automotive and Auto Collision programs. As the DA Rudy mainly serves to build course curriculum and credential faculty for the programs. Will 20 years of service at TSTC serving as instructor, assistant department chair, statewide department chair and director of alignment. In his spare time, Rudy enjoys fishing with his daughter and nephews, hunting,and drag racing.

Terra Alvarado is the Director of Instructional Design & Support at Texas State Technical College (TSTC), where she leads a talented team of instructional designers, technologists, and production specialists in developing high-quality, industry-driven course content. With 22 years of experience in higher education as a mathematics instructor, department chair, and division director Terra is passionate about creating engaging learning experiences that prepare students for success. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, building with Legos, and all things Star Wars.

Phumara Phin-Cox serves as the Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs Operations at The University of Texas Permian Basin. She earned her bachelor's in Business Administration with a specialization in Marketing, in 2020 she completed her MBA at UTPB, and currently she is a candidate in the doctorate of business administration program at the University of Pittsburgh. With over a decade of higher education experience at Penn State University and her current institution, she has a deep passion for higher education, student success, and empowering first-generation students like herself see that it is possible.

Clark Moreland is Lecturer of English and Founding Director of the Heimmermann Center for Engaged Teaching at The University of Texas Permian Basin. A fourth-generation teacher, Clark has received several honors for his work as an educator, including being named a Fellow of the University of Texas System Academy of Distinguished Teachers. In 2020, Clark founded the Heimmermann Center for Engaged Teaching, which promotes the use of evidence-based learning strategies to help faculty and students reach their educational and career goals. He is a member of the UT Faculty Developers Team and the UT System Momentum on OER (MOER) advisory group, and he chairs the UT Permian Basin OER Institute Leadership Team. He is a coeditor of Eighty Steps: Tales on College Teaching (2023) and has also published on C.S. Lewis, Dr. Martin Luther King, Harriet Jacobs, and Edgar Allan Poe. He is the author of Will: Parenting at the Crossroads of Disability and Joy, a memoir about raising a son with Down syndrome.

Dr. Aubree Stearns is the director of faculty development in DSI and an applied sociologist with 20 years of experience in higher education. She studies power in higher education, inclusive instruction, and disability. Dr. Stearns has taught at Zayed University in the United Arab Emirates, the University of Texas-Arlington, and Texas Woman's University. Dr. Stearns was the founding director of the BIRCH professional learning center at the nation-wide nonprofit, Branch Alliance for Educator Diversity. She has been at UNT since 2021 when she relaunched the faculty development team in DSI where she supports the creation and facilitation of innovative teaching resources, workshops, and faculty institutes such as CETO (Certificate of Excellence in Teaching Online). Dr. Stearns earned a Ph.D. in Sociology from Texas Woman's University, a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Southern Mississippi, and a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Central Florida. She is a member of Phi Kappa Phi and a recipient of the 2020 Virginia Chandler Dykes scholarship. She has been published in Critical Education, The Journal of Transformative Learning, Inside Higher Ed, and Faculty Focus.

Dr. Babafunso Adegbola is a dedicated faculty and staff development specialist with nearly two decades of experience in the education sector. She brings a rich and multifaceted background to her work in higher education. With a doctorate in Education, specializing in Curriculum and Instruction, she offers deep expertise in pedagogical design, instructional effectiveness, and inclusive teaching practices. Her professional journey began in guidance and counseling, later expanding into roles as a Behavioral Management Specialist working with special needs children, a classroom teacher, and an academic advisor. These experiences have shaped her holistic approach to supporting both educators and students, emphasizing individualized guidance, strategic planning, and culturally responsive engagement. In her current role as an Assistant Faculty/Staff Development Specialist, her work includes operational and logistics management of workshops, coordinating professional learning communities, and promoting student success-centered teaching strategies. She is known for her collaborative spirit, strategic mindset, and empathetic leadership qualities that foster a culture of growth, innovation, and continuous improvement across academic and administrative units.   Her research includes the publication Pre-Service Teachers Perceptions of Preparedness and Self-efficacy in Instructing Students From Diverse Cultural and Linguistic Backgrounds (2022), along with presentations on culturally responsive mentoring and comparative educational philosophies. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys cooking, reading, and traveling. Her love for exploring new cultures and cuisines often inspires fresh perspectives that enrich both her personal life and professional practice.

Audon is a Data Analyst at the University of North Texas, with current research interests that include the role novel technology plays in college-level learning as well as how to implement best-practices in integrating said technology into content and pedagogy. He also likes board games, but they don't let him do research on that (yet).

Madelyn Traylor is a dedicated Success Coach and former Adjunct Instructor with Houston City College's VAST Academy and the Pathways Bridge to Careers program. She is committed to empowering students with intellectual and developmental disabilities by providing personalized support, academic guidance, and career-ready skill development. Through her passion for teaching and student growth, Madelyn helps learners build confidence, discover their strengths, and successfully transition into meaningful educational and career pathways.

Megan Campbell is a transition specialist at VAST Academy and Bridge to Pathways at Houston City College. She supports students in their transitions from VAST and Bridge to Pathways to employment and beyond. She works with community collaborators, educators, and leaders to support student growth and success.

Educator, Storyteller, Achiever, Strategic, Activator, Ideator. Disrupt and reinvent.

Zianab Bayanzay is a doctoral student in Higher Education Leadership and Policy Studies at the University of Houston. She is also an instructor in Apple Technologies and Career Education at Houston City College. Her research interests are the experiences of Southwest Asian and North African (SWANA) college students, poetry as research methodology, digital learning and storytelling, and the counter-narratives of misrepresented student populations.

Dr. Christian Servin is a Professor of Computer Science at El Paso Community College and Chair of Association of Computing Machinery (ACM) Special Interest Group in Cybersecurity and Information Technology Education (SIGCITE). With over fifteen years of experience in computing and cybersecurity education, he leads initiatives that integrate adversarial thinking, artificial intelligence, and competency-based education. He serves as an ABET Program Evaluator and Vice Chair of the ACM Committee for Computing Education in Community Colleges (CCECC), contributing to global curriculum guidelines such as CS2023 and IT2027. Dr. Servin directs projects like Hack the Border and The CS OER, supported by NSF and THECB, focusing on bridging academia and industry through experiential learning and open educational resources.

Mandy Jordan is a Research Associate at Sam Houston State University Online, where she contributes to digital learning projects, research efforts, and division-wide communication initiatives. Her work includes supporting the Digital Education Summit, collaborating on OERTX initiatives, and assisting with operational needs across SHSU Online. As an applied and cultural anthropologist, Mandy also teaches anthropology courses and brings a human-centered, research-driven perspective to online education and student support.

For the past twelve years, Dr. Madelyn Kilgore has collaborated with the SHSU Online team and university stakeholders on core initiatives, including research, strategic planning, instructional design, project management, and faculty development. Dedicated to continuous learning and enhancing student success, she also teaches online academic courses in the College of Education. Dr. Kilgore supports faculty, students, and staff in the creative utilization of online technologies for leadership, management, research, teaching and learning, and community engagement.

Dr. Huff Mann is an experienced educator and digital learning leader with a diverse background in K-12 and higher education. A former elementary school math/science teacher and junior high school science teacher in a Title I school, Dr. Mann transitioned into instructional design, where he developed a passion for creating engaging, technology-enhanced learning experiences. He now serves as the Director of Distance Education at Alvin College, leading initiatives in digital learning innovation, instructional design, and educational technology strategy. His work focuses on improving online teaching quality, fostering faculty development, and expanding access to meaningful learning opportunities through thoughtful integration of emerging technologies.

An experienced educator with over fifteen years of full-time teaching experience in higher education, specializing in Business Management and Computer Technology. Currently completing a doctorate in Business Management, this professional brings a decade of industry management experience and ten years as the owner of Onyx Tiger PC, a network solutions and consulting firm. With a strong foundation in both business strategy and technological innovation, they are dedicated to preparing students for success in an increasingly digital and competitive global marketplace.

Dr. Tania Heap is the Sr. Director of Learning Research and Accessibility based in the Division of Strategic Educational Alliances (SEA), as well as Adjunct Faculty at the University of North Texas (UNT). She has been involved in digital learning initiatives in different capacities for 20 years. Her background is in practice-based research in learning technology, design and methods in educational research with human participants, digital accessibility and Universal Design for Learning, scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL), and instructional design for high-enrollment online classes and MOOCs.

Dr. Nirmala Naresh is Associate Professor of Mathematics at the University of North Texas, College of Science.

Lavinia is a PhD researcher in Data Science at the University of North Texas with a BS and MS in mathematics. Her current projects center on statistical frameworks for data privacy, particularly differential privacy, and applied machine learning for biomedical signal processing and engineering domains. She develops deep neural architectures, including transformer-based models for time-series and biomedical signals, as well as simulation-based inference to address challenges in non-invasive blood pressure estimation and infrastructure resilience. Her research aims to advance trustworthy AI at the intersection of statistical rigor and real-world applications.

Darin Hobbs is a senior leader with WGU’s Learning and Employment Records & Digital Credentials Ecosystem, advancing skills visibility, portable learner records, and interoperable credentials that connect learning to work. He has led multiple national demonstrations of the Achievement Wallet, highlighting design, governance, and employer alignment for learner-owned records. Darin frequently speaks on digital credential standards and ecosystem development across higher education and industry.  With over twenty years of management and customer service experience in various professional, academic, and volunteer capacities, Darin is known for innovative solutions that create efficiencies within the work environment and constantly thinks creatively about how to reimagine the student record. Darin has devoted his career to WGU to transforming higher education for the benefit of students.

Lorin M. Flores is Instructional Services Librarian at Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi. Her research interests include instructional and emerging technologies, microlearning, and critical information and digital literacy in libraries.

Tara Carlisle directs the I-Know Digital Information Literacy PTara Carlisle directs the I-Know Digital Information Literacy Program in Mary and Jeff Bell Library.  Her career as an academic librarian specializing in digital humanities spans two decades. Tara has B.A. in Philosophy from Texas A&M University, an M.A. in Art History, and an M.S. in Information Science from the University of North Texas.

Eric Cosio has taught research skills and information literacy in a variety of settings and curricula. And with more recent experience in instructional design and technology, he enjoys working with instructors to develop interactive and engaging learning content. He tries to learn more about teaching with technology everyday and enjoy learning about new teaching tools and how they can bring courses to life. Eric believes learning about anything can also be fun and interactive.

Web Developer

Melody Smith is an Instructional Consultant at Tarleton State University's Center for Educational Excellence, where she leads initiatives in faculty development, instructional design, and the integration of artificial intelligence in teaching and learning. A doctoral candidate in Educational Leadership with a specialization in Educational Technology, her research focuses on strategies that encourage faculty to transition from resistance to embracing AI in higher education.

Dr. Misty Smith is an Associate Professor in Social Work at Tarleton State University, where she has taught undergraduate and graduate courses for sixteen years, preparing students to integrate theory into practice within various social work agency settings. Dr. Smith currently serves as Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs, leading the Center for Educational Excellence, the institution's teaching and learning center for faculty professional development.

Bhavani Kola, Department Chair Mathematics, Tarrant County College, is a visionary AI educator and technology strategist with 25 years of experience dedicated to making education accessible and equitable for all. Driven by a deep passion to democratize cutting-edge technologies and a mission to bridge the gaps in education, she has delivered inspiring keynotes and hands-on training sessions to diverse audiences worldwide. Recognized as an AI Innovator for 2024-25 by ASU+GSV, Bhavani has also presented for NVIDIA and OpenAI, showcasing practical applications of prompt engineering and generative AI. Her academic foundation includes advanced degrees in Mathematics and Electrical Engineering. She holds certifications from prestigious institutions, including MIT, Stanford, AWS, NVIDIA, and NC3, which underpin her expertise. As a sought-after mentor and thought leader, Bhavani continues to empower educators, administrators, and professionals to harness' AI's transformative potential.

Dr. Ruth Chisum is a strategic leader in digital education and organizational development, serving as Assistant Vice President for SHSU Online at Sam Houston State University. With over 20 years of experience bridging visionary strategy and operational execution, she leads cross-functional teams that support online learning, faculty development, student success, and digital transformation. A seasoned instructor, author, speaker, leadership coach, and certified practitioner in personal and professional development, Dr. Chisum is passionate about equipping leaders with practical tools to build trust, foster team cohesion, and navigate change with confidence. Her workshops blend research-backed frameworks with hands-on application to empower meaningful, lasting impact.

Jacob Spradlin serves as Executive Director of Online Instructional Development & Support at Sam Houston State University. A two-decade SHSU veteran and proud Bearkat parent, Jacob oversees instructional design, faculty development, and online course quality initiatives that advance digital learning across the Texas State University System. His leadership emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement in teaching and learning.

Daniel Walker leads the Online Student Engagement & Learning Technologies Support division at Sam Houston State University. He directs cross-functional teams providing technical support, onboarding, retention outreach, and faculty technology assistance. Daniel's work centers on enhancing the online learning experience through responsive service, accessible technology, and student-centered innovation.

Jason Woodall serves as Associate Director of Online Instructional Development & Support at Sam Houston State University, supporting the Texas State University Systems Shared Services Project. Jason plays a pivotal role in coordinating instructional design, training, and digital learning resources across partner institutions, ensuring alignment and scalability of online education efforts system-wide.

Daniel Bernardo is a Digital Accessibility Specialist for the Center of Learning Experimentation, Application, and Research (CLEAR) at the University of North Texas. Nurturing a lifelong passion for science and technology as well as music, he studied at the University of Rochester and Eastman School of Music before earning his Masters of Music in Music Composition at UNT. Since joining the field of Accessibility, he focuses on the intersection of science, technology, and the arts to explore new ways of bringing accessibility to eager learners.

Patrick Smith is Director of Online Course Design and Development at Sam Houston State University, where he leads a team of instructional designers supporting faculty across multiple TSUS institutions. With over 20 years of experience in educational technology and instructional design, Patrick specializes in creating systematic approaches to course redesign that improve student success outcomes. He holds an M.Ed. in Educational Technology and has received multiple awards for excellence in online course design. Patrick's current work focuses on data-driven course improvement initiatives and developing sustainable service models for instructional design support. He has presented at numerous conferences including SXSW EDU and maintains expertise in both traditional and emerging educational technologies.

Dr. Tania Heap is the Sr. Director of Learning Research and Accessibility based in the Division of Strategic Educational Alliances (SEA), as well as Adjunct Faculty at the University of North Texas (UNT). She has been involved in digital learning initiatives in different capacities for 20 years. Her background is in practice-based research in learning technology, design and methods in educational research with human participants, digital accessibility and Universal Design for Learning, scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL), and instructional design for high-enrollment online classes and MOOCs.

Audon is a Data Analyst at the University of North Texas, with current research interests that include the role novel technology plays in college-level learning as well as how to implement best-practices in integrating said technology into content and pedagogy. He also likes board games, but they don't let him do research on that (yet).

Eric Fuentes is a Digital Accessibility Tester in the Strategic Educational Alliances (SEA) division and Adjunct Faculty in Spanish at the University of North Texas. He is a native assistive technology users and brings a wealth of first-hand experience designing and teaching using accessible materials in higher education.

Josh Garcia serves as the Implementation Coordinator for the Professional Learning and Engagement team at THECB. Previously, Garcia has worked directly with students, advisors/staff, and administrators throughout several programs in Texas to increase college and career readiness in public schools, served as a Student Services staff member at Austin Community College and the University of Texas at Arlington, and taught government courses as an adjunct instructor for Tarrant County College. He holds a B.A. in English from the University of North Texas (2009) and a M.A. in Political Science from the University of Texas at Arlington (2013).

As the Senior Network Coordinator for the Professional Learning and Engagement (PLE) team in the College and Career Division at The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Lauren provides support and training for existing and future programs related to College and Career Advising.  Lauren joined the PLE team in February 2023. Prior to this role, she was a College and Career Adviser for a high school in the Austin Independent School District for 11 years. Lauren graduated in 2009 from St. Edwards University with a Bachelor of Arts in English Language Arts and a Minor in Secondary Education. In May 2021, she completed her master's degree in student development and leadership in Higher Education at Angelo State University. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, traveling, being outside, and spending time with her family.

Rizwan Virani is the Senior Director for Cybersecurity Programs at San Jacinto College, where he also serves as the Director of the Cybersecurity National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense. Rizwan has a background in electrical engineering and technology consulting. With over 20 years of industry experience, including executive roles as Chief Information Security Officer and Chief Executive Officer, Rizwan specializes in cybersecurity and technology consulting, risk management, and technology leadership.  Rizwan holds numerous industry-recognized certifications, including CISSP, CCSP, CISA, CISM, CRISC, CDPSE, HITRUST CSF, and PCI QSA. Rizwan is currently pursuing his doctoral research at Penn State University's College of Engineering, focusing on cybersecurity, compliance, and the responsible integration of artificial intelligence within defense manufacturing enterprises.  In addition to his academic and professional roles, Rizwan serves as an adjunct instructor at Texas A&M University, teaching cybersecurity fundamentals and best practices to government and public safety agencies. He also contributes his expertise on the boards of several industry associations and organizations, including the Center for Cyber Safety and Education, Fusion Cyber, and Alliant, a global technology consulting firm.

Angie Garcia, MD, PhD is a healthcare education researcher and  focused on faculty development, digital transformation, and the integration of artificial intelligence in health professions education. Dr. Garcia leads national research initiatives on AI adoption, ethical integration, and training design for clinicians and faculty, emphasizing human-centered and equitable approaches to digital learning.

Leslie Gray, M.Ed., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Prosthetics-Orthotics at UT Southwestern Medical Center. She specializes in lower limb prosthetic care.  Ms. Gray earned her Master of Education in educational technology at The University of Texas at Brownsville. She received her bachelors degree in prosthetics and orthotics at UT Southwestern.  Certified by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics, she joined the UT Southwestern faculty in 2004.  Ms. Gray has served as Program Director of Prosthetics-Orthotics since 2017. She also provides clinical services in UT Southwesterns Prosthetics-Orthotics Outpatient Clinic and serves as its Clinic Director and Practitioner in Charge. She also provides inpatient coverage and night and weekend on-call coverage at William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital, Zale Lipshy Pavilion, Parkland Memorial Hospital, and Childrens Medical Center Dallas.  She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists and has served President-Elect of its Texas chapter. She is also a member of the Texas Society of Orthotic and Prosthetic Professionals and served on its inaugural executive board.

Dr. Heather Mowry is a licensed physical therapist and Assistant Director of Clinical Education at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. She earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from UT Southwestern and is a board-certified clinical specialist in neurologic physical therapy. Dr. Mowry’s academic and clinical interests center on neurological rehabilitation, clinical education, and student professional development. In her current role, she supports clinical partnerships and mentoring to enhance experiential learning for Doctor of Physical Therapy students.

Ramona Dorough, Ph.D., is an academic leader with expertise in overseeing academic affairs and faculty development in the School of Health Professions at UT Southwestern Medical Center. With a Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership and Policy and a strong background in program development, she ensures compliance with accreditation standards while promoting faculty development opportunities.

Megan Zara is the Open Educational Resources Librarian at UT Arlington. With experience in K-12 teaching, higher education instruction, professional development, and program design, she builds human-centered learning spaces and communities. Her work links open practice and microcredentials to student success, faculty growth, and inclusive, practice-driven innovation.

As a professor in Tech's College of Education, Paton teaches data supported decision making and policy in the Ph.D. in Higher Education. Her funded research includes three HSI STEM awards with community colleges partners and an Educate Texas STEM Degree Accelerator award.  Paton has served as Vice Provost at TTU and Senior Vice Provost at TTUHSC El Paso. In addition, she served as Chair of APLU's Council on Engagement and Outreach Executive Committee, and Board member of the Engagement Scholarship Consortium (ESC).

Dr. Tara Stevens is a professor of Educational Psychology and is licensed to practice psychology in Texas schools as an LSSP.  Her research interests have focused on variables that influence mathematics achievement.  She has studied efficacy beliefs and interest, television viewing, ADHD, and physical activity. More recently, her research focus has shifted from students to teachers to include the investigation of teacher trauma related to classroom, school, and broader contexts. She has received prior funding from agencies such as the National Science Foundation, American Educational Research Association/IES, and the Mathematical Association of America/Tensor-Summa Foundation.

Mary Rosene serves as Director of Institutional Effectiveness at East Texas A&M. She is a current doctoral student at Texas Tech in the Ph.D. in Higher Education program. As an IDEAS scholar, she is engaged in research using the Online Self-Regulation Learning Questionnaire (OSLQ) with Drs. Paton and Stevens.

Dr. Stacy Ybarra is a highly accomplished and visionary educational leader with over 15 years of progressive experience in higher education. She currently serves as an Adjunct/Contingent Faculty member at San Antonio College, where she has taught since 2016. She has designed and taught EDUC 1300, an introductory learning frameworks course for first-year students,and employs innovative active learning strategies and differentiated instruction to create an engaging and inclusive environment. Dr. Ybarra is a recognized expert in online learning, faculty development, and educational technology. She is a Quality Matters Master Reviewer, providing expert feedback for the development of high-quality online courses. Her commitment to professional growth is further demonstrated by her roles as an Aspen Ricardo Salinas Scholar and an inaugural Writing and Thinking Fellow. Additionally, she has earned numerous credentials in AI, UDL, and digital accessibility. She has received several awards and scholarships, including the NISOD 2025 Faculty Scholarship. In addition to her work at San Antonio College, Dr. Ybarra is the Director of the Center for Teaching Excellence at Our Lady of the Lake University. She holds a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership from Capella University, a Master of Arts (MA) in Counseling and Guidance from Texas A&M University-San Antonio, and a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS) from the same institution.

Remya Mohanraj is a Biology Instructor with a Ph.D. in the area of Plant Tissue culture  and Phytochemistry. She has a passion for integrating innovation and openness in science education. She leads Houston City College’s OER initiative and  currently focuses on leveraging Virtual Reality  and Open Educational Resources to enhance student engagement and accessibility in biology learning. Her teaching and research emphasize creativity, inclusion, and lifelong learning to prepare students for success in an evolving scientific world.

Kristen has dedicated over 35 years to San Jacinto College, contributing significantly to the fields of physical education, wellness, and student development. Throughout her career, Kristen has served as Head Track and Field Coach, District Wellness Coordinator, and Professor of Physical Education, demonstrating a longstanding commitment to fostering both academic and personal growth in students. Recently, she transitioned to San Jacinto Colleges Online College, where she continues to create and deliver innovative courses that integrate the principles of physical activity, nutrition, stress management, and disease prevention into practical, sustainable lifestyles. Kristens professional and scholarly interests are centered on promoting holistic wellness and translating evidence-based health concepts into actionable strategies for students of all backgrounds. Beyond her academic pursuits, she is passionate about healthy living, including cooking nutritious meals, practicing Pilates, exploring the outdoors on hikes, and enjoying time with family and her dogs. Her work reflects a deep commitment to helping others cultivate long-term health and well-being.

Lyudmyla Dickinson is an economics instructor, AI strategist, and creative innovator with over ten years of experience at the intersection of higher education, business, and digital transformation. With a Master's in Economics, she is known for translating emerging technologies into real-world solutions that empower educators, entrepreneurs, and communities.  An influential force in South Texas AI movement, Lyudmyla is helping shape the regions next chapter. She was a featured speaker at the Digital Learning Symposium 2025, where she inspired educators to adopt AI-enhanced teaching methods. She also shared strategic insights during Marketing Made Smarter with AI, a collaborative workshop with South Texas College and the RGV Hispanic Chamber. As a panelist at the 2nd Annual AI Landscape Forum, she addressed AI's growing role in education and business.  She continues this momentum through hands-on Prompt Engineering workshops and will soon speak at Smart Cities, Smarter Economy, a regional AI summit for decision-makers. Lyudmyla's work fuels inclusive innovation and prepares the Rio Grande Valley for an AI-accelerated future.

Dr. Sandra Mohr serves as the Inaugural Dean of Digital Learning and Instruction at Angelo State University, where she leads the strategic vision for ASU's digital education ecosystem. With over two decades of leadership experience in higher education, Dr. Mohr has distinguished herself as an award-winning innovator in academic administration, online learning, and faculty development. Throughout her career, Dr. Mohr has managed multi-million dollar budgets, directed 16 academic resource departments, and launched transformative initiatives that have increased enrollment, enhanced student success, and elevated institutional effectiveness. Previously, as Dean of Academic Resources and Chief Academic Officer at New England College of Optometry, she successfully navigated the institution through seven critical accreditation evaluations while expanding grant funding by 50% and growing graduate enrollment by 25%. A recognized thought leader in digital learning and artificial intelligence in education, Dr. Mohr has authored numerous publications in Chief Learning Officer, Education Technology Insights, and peer-reviewed journals. She holds a Doctorate in Global Educational Leadership from Lamar University, along with master's degrees in Educational Leadership, Counseling, and Business Administration. Her expertise spans accreditation compliance, strategic planning, AI integration in learning environments, and inclusive leadership practices. Dr. Mohr's work has earned prestigious recognition, including the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's Digital Learning OER Fellowship, Vision Monday's Most Influential Women in Optical, and the Optical Women's Association Leadership Scholar Award. She is a sought-after keynote speaker and has presented at numerous national conferences including EDUCAUSE, SACSCOC, and the Online Learning Consortium. Committed to advancing accessible, high-quality education, Dr. Mohr continues to champion innovation in teaching and learning while mentoring the next generation of educational leaders.

Kendra Morton is a Faculty Training Specialist with the Center for Digital Learning and Instruction at Angelo State University. In her role, she supports new, adjunct, and dual credit faculty in developing and delivering engaging online learning experiences. Her focus is on helping instructors create meaningful, accessible, and innovative course content that enhances student success. For this session, Kendra will be moderating faculty discussions on digital learning innovation across the ASU campus.

Dr. Rita Mitra is a Professor of Practice in the Information Systems and Cyber Security department in the College of AI, Cyber, and Computing (CAICC) at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Her teaching focuses on hands-on lab experiences in evolving technology, particularly in the areas of information security, artificial intelligence, and Internet of Things (IoT). Dr. Mitra is an advocate and developer of open educational resources (OER), a THECB OER Fellow, and a Quality Matters Master Peer Reviewer. Dr. Mitra serves as an undergraduate advisor of record (UGAR), and a faculty advisor for the Online Cyber Security Association (OCSA) and Women in Cybersecurity at UTSA (WiCyS) student organizations.

Dr. `Jon (Sean) Jasperson is the Associate Dean for Academic Innovation and a Clinical Professor of Management Information Systems at Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School. He leads the Teaching & Learning Innovation unit and directs the strategic development of Flex Online, focusing on scalable learning models, digital infrastructure, and emerging technologies. He also serves on the Learning Technology Advisory Committee (LTAC) for the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Dr. Jasperson’s teaching and research center on systems development and the adoption and management of information technology in organizations.

Ashley L. Dockens, PhD, AuD, CCC-A, is the Associate Provost of Academic Innovation and Digital Learning at Lamar University, where she drives academic innovation and excellence. A recognized leader in educational AI, she directs all LU AI initiatives and is a sought-after speaker and consultant on AI training and policy development for organizations. Dr. Dockens serves as the inaugural chair of the international AI Taskforce for the Council of Academic Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Additionally, she serves on the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Learning Technologies Advisory Council and the Texas Department of Information Resources AI User Group. She also works globally with educators in Africa through Project AIEd. Previously, she was Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning Enhancement and directed the Doctor of Audiology program. Across all roles, Dr. Dockens demonstrates an unwavering commitment to advancing higher education through servant leadership.

Niki Whiteside serves as the Chief Online Learning & Innovation Officer for San Jacinto College, where she leads San Jac Online and the Instructional Innovation and Support division. Her portfolio includes oversight of the San Jac Online campus and college-wide responsibility for instructional design, media development, Blackboard administration, instructional copyright, the Open Books/OER program, campus libraries, and the Student Success Centers across six campuses. With more than 35 years of experience in instructional technology and digital learning, she has shaped the College’s approach to innovative, student-centered online education since joining San Jac in 1998. Prior to San Jacinto College, Niki spent eight years at Texas A&M University supporting remote learning technologies within the College of Engineering and the Trans-Texas Videoconference Network. 

Dr. Timothy L. Snyder currently serves as the founding Associate Vice Chancellor of Teaching and Learning Innovation at Houston City College, one of the largest and most diverse community college systems in the United States. In this role, he provides strategic leadership for the Center for Teaching & Learning Excellence, twelve districtwide Centers for Teaching & Learning Innovation, and faculty-led professional development academies to enhance instructional quality, support faculty development, and foster technology-mediated instruction across seven colleges and twenty campuses serving over 3,000 faculty members and more than 85,000 students annually. He also served as the founding Dean of HCC’s Online College, where he led the transformation of HCC Online from a small support unit into the system’s largest college. In this capacity, he oversaw the launch of 130 online and hybrid programs, increased online enrollment by more than 18,000 students, and developed the academic, operational, and student support infrastructures needed to sustain the college’s rapid growth.

With nearly four decades of leadership experience, Dr. Snyder has held various progressive academic and administrative roles, including Associate Vice Chancellor, Dean, Executive Director, Director, professor, and consultant, at institutions ranging from regional universities to large urban community colleges. He has led significant expansions in online programs, enrollment, and revenue while implementing data-driven retention and success initiatives at several institutions, including Houston City College, Lamar University, and Eastern Washington University. His earlier career includes more than 14 years as a faculty member at various institutions, along with leadership experience spanning military and construction environments, software development teams, divisions within larger corporations, and successful entrepreneurial ventures across disparate industries.

Dr. Snyder holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership with a focus on curriculum, technology, and higher education from the University of Delaware. He also has a Master of Science in Instructional Technology and a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania. His doctoral fellowship experience in China and his academic preparation in anthropology have informed his commitment to multicultural collaboration and the success of diverse and first-generation students in community and regional colleges. An award-winning educator and learning strategist, he has received numerous honors, including institutional commendations and teaching excellence awards, as well as a New York Festivals Award and a Brandon Hall Award for his work in the training and development industry. He has been a guest speaker at national and international conferences, including the American Society for Training and Development’s ASTD Tech Knowledge and ASTD International conferences, New Media's Instructional Design symposiums, Web-Based Training Producer's conferences, Online Learning Consortium Conferences, and the symposium for Enhancing Global Understanding in Chongqing,China.

Patrick Pluscht joined UNT in 1997 to launch distance education and currently serves as an Executive Director in the Division of Strategic Educational Alliances (SEA), focusing on data wrangling, market research, and strategic relationships. He chairs the THECB Learning Technology Advisory Committee (LTAC) and leads statewide initiatives related to Artificial Intelligence and Adapting to Innovation. Patrick has held leadership roles on the USDLA and TxDLA boards and has been recognized with multiple awards, including induction into the Texas Distance Learning Hall of Fame in 2021.

Charlene Stubblefield serves as the Executive Director of the Center for Instructional Innovation and Technology Services at Prairie View A&M University, where she leads institutional digital learning strategy, faculty support, and the implementation of online, hybrid, and technology-enhanced learning environments. Her work focuses on translating operational experience into sustainable innovation, including oversight of learning management systems, distance learning approvals, instructional design standards, faculty training initiatives, and federally funded grants supporting technology upgrades in traditional classrooms through Title III and Connecting Minority Communities programs.

With more than 15 years of prior experience in corporate technology as an Applications Developer, Systems Analyst, and Micro Systems Programmer, Stubblefield brings a systems-oriented, practice-driven perspective to educational technology leadership. Her career spans instructional design, data analysis, learning analytics, and large-scale technology adoption, positioning her to bridge technical infrastructure with pedagogy and policy.

Stubblefield holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Stephen F. Austin State University and a Master of Education in Educational Technology from Texas A&M University. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Educational Leadership at Prairie View A&M University, where her research examines students’ perceptions and adoption of generative artificial intelligence within the context of a Historically Black College and University.