Registration and Continental Breakfast

Easley Pavillion Lobby

Welcome, Introductions, and Opening Remarks

Easley Pavilion North

Past the Pilot: Turning Emerging Technologies into Institutional Advantage

Easley Pavilion North

Artificial intelligence is rapidly moving from experimentation to execution across higher education. From agentic AI and intelligent automation to student support and administrative operations, institutions are finding practical ways to put these technologies to work. Emerging solutions are helping automate advising and front-line services, identify at-risk students earlier, streamline back-office processes, and improve efficiency and decision-making. This session will examine practical applications of AI, lessons learned from early adopters and strategies for moving beyond pilot projects to scalable solutions. Panelists will share real-world examples of AI in action that improves the student experience and discuss how institutions can identify opportunities to deliver measurable value while supporting their mission.

Moderator: Kimberley Jones, Ph.D., Vice President of Information Technology Services and Chief Information Officer, Morehouse College

Myranda Stephens, MS, Director of eCampus Instructional Design and Development, University System of Georgia

Phil Ventimiglia, Vice President and Chief Innovation Officer, Georgia State University

Networking Break

Easley Pavillion Lobby

The AI Operating Model: Data, Platforms, and Decision-Making in the AI Era

Easley Pavilion North

AI capabilities are becoming increasingly embedded within ERP systems, CRM platforms, and other enterprise applications. As a result, institutions face new challenges related to governance, data readiness, and technology strategy. This session will explore how colleges and universities are preparing their data environments, evaluating build-versus-buy decisions, leveraging AI-enabled enterprise platforms, and establishing frameworks for responsible adoption. Attendees will gain insight into creating a sustainable operating model that aligns technology investments, institutional priorities, and AI-driven innovation.

Penny Evans-Plants, Chief Information Officer, Berry College

Kelly P. Robinson, Assistant Vice President / Chief Technology Officer, Instructional Innovation and Technology (IIT), Georgia State University

Robbie Vickers, Chief Information Officer, Office of Information Technology and Data Resources, Technical College System of Georgia

Funding Innovation: Navigating Budget Pressures, Technology Investments, and Resource Constraints

Easley Pavilion North

Technology leaders are being asked to modernize services, strengthen cybersecurity, and implement AI initiatives while facing increasing financial pressures. Enrollment fluctuations, inflation, subscription-based pricing models, and growing technology demands are forcing institutions to rethink how they evaluate, prioritize, and fund innovation. This session will explore strategies for prioritizing investments, maximizing existing resources, identifying efficiencies, and making informed technology decisions that balance innovation with long-term financial sustainability.

Pam Buffington, Executive Director of Foundational Infrastructure and Technology and Interim Executive Director of Academic Technology, Innovation and Research, Georgia Institute of Technology

Lisa Kafati, Assistant Vice Chancellor, Academic Services and Information Technology Services, University System of Georgia

Chris Williams, Chief Information Officer, Information Technology, Western Carolina University

Lunch and Networking

Easley Pavilion North

When Critical Systems Go Down: Building Resilience in a SaaS-Dependent Environment

Easley Pavilion North

Higher education runs on cloud and SaaS-based platforms. These dependencies have become the largest single point of failure faced by institutions, as well as the largest attack surface. Whether the trigger is a provider outage, a ransomware incident, or a compromised vendor, the operational reality is the same: mission-critical systems go down, and leadership has minutes to react. While these services provide flexibility and scalability, they also introduce new risks and dependencies that require thoughtful planning. This interactive session will explore cascading failures that stress-test business continuity, risk management, and organizational resilience. Through peer-to-peer discussion in this tabletop exercise, attendees will examine lessons learned from recent service disruptions, discuss executive communication strategies, and share approaches for preparing their institutions to respond when critical services become unavailable.

Zach Patton, Chief Editor, Content Studio, e.Republic

The Enterprise Campus: Reimagining Technology, Operations, Governance, and the Student Experience

Easley Pavilion North

Many institutions have moved beyond traditional modernization efforts and are rethinking how technology, governance, and operational processes work together across the enterprise. This session will examine how colleges and universities are approaching enterprise-wide technology management, procurement, infrastructure planning, access management, and how those decisions shape digital services that students, faculty, and staff rely on every day. Panelists will discuss how institutions can create more efficient, scalable, and sustainable operating models that improve service delivery and student outcomes while supporting future growth and innovation.

Cole Maddox, Chief Information Officer, University Information and Technology Services, Columbus State University

Lee Webster, Assistant Vice President, Academic Technology and Service Excellence, Instructional Innovation and Technology, Georgia State University

Bits and Bytes: The ADA Title II Countdown – Preparing Your Institution for Digital Accessibility

Easley Pavilion North

As the ADA Title II digital accessibility requirements move from policy discussion to operational reality, colleges and universities are racing to evaluate digital content, remediate barriers, and establish sustainable accessibility practices. Join higher education IT leaders for a candid fireside chat on what institutions are doing today, where the biggest challenges remain, and how campuses can prepare for the road ahead.

Dr. Deona Carter, Executive Director, GOLD, Academic Affairs, Technical College System of Georgia

Bill Curtis-Davidson, Executive Director, Center for Inclusive Design and Innovation, Georgia Institute of Technology

Closing Remarks

Easley Pavilion North

End of Conference

Conference times, agenda, and speakers are subject to change.