University of Phoenix leadership to present at 2024 PESC Data Summit

Vice Provost of Strategy Marc Booker and Vice President of Information Technology Shannon Wilson are featured speakers for the event focused on collaborative data standardization

University of Phoenix is pleased to share that that Marc Booker, Ph.D., Vice Provost of Strategy, and Vice President of Information Technology Shannon Wilson will be featured speakers at the 2024 Postsecondary Electronic Standards Council (PESC) Data Summit. The event, which will be held on October 16-17, 2024 in Garden Grove, CA, provides a platform for leaders in education, policy, and technology to explore emerging trends and innovations in data standards.

Dr. Booker will co-present the session “AI in the Standards Space: No Hallucinations Welcome!,” on Wednesday, October 16 at 3:30 p.m. PDT, and be a panelist for a general session on digital and micro-credentials on Thursday, October 17 at 10:30 a.m. PDT. Both discussions will cover the importance of data standards, and the foundational role data standards play in the use of AI to accelerate credential innovations and in creating more value for learners utilizing micro-credentials in an increasingly tech-driven world.

"The PESC Summit offers a unique opportunity to explore how data standards and new technologies can accelerate innovation in higher education,” shared Booker. “I look forward to both discussion on the intersection of AI, data, micro-credentials and how embracing standards are an essential component to delivering material value to learners in real-time while also protecting their privacy in an environment where the concept of what a sharable record of achievement should be is constantly evolving.”

Wilson will present “TechEQ: Mastering Results, Relationships, and Respect in the Digital Age” on Wednesday, October 16 at 9:00 a.m. PDT. In his discussion, Wilson will explore how emotional intelligence is revolutionizing the technology sector, can improve leadership effectiveness, team collaboration, and foster a culture of inclusion and innovation. Focused on the pillars of results, relationships and respect, he will share actionable tactics for leaders looking to master emotional intelligence.

"Emotional intelligence is at the core of successful leadership in today’s digital world," stated Wilson. “In the technology sector, where we are often focused on driving innovation, we also celebrate the role emotional intelligence plays in enhancing performance, collaboration, and mutual respect.”

Booker and Wilson presented at a national conference last year highlighting the strong collaborative efforts between academics and information technology at University of Phoenix. Their strategic insights have been instrumental in improving educational experiences for working adult students at the University, and through their commitment to excellence and innovation, they continue to drive noteworthy progress in the field.

As Vice Provost for Strategy at the University of Phoenix, Booker oversees critical path academic initiatives to improve the student experience such as learning platform implementations, curricular enhancements, and developing empathetic solutions to drive improved student outcomes through data. Booker’s work in higher education has been recognized by several associations as he was the 2024 recipient of UPCEA’s Business and Operations award for operational excellence, was honored with a 2024 Thomas A. Bilger award for his service from the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO), and in 2020 Booker received a Hall of Fame recognition from Blackboard for his contributions in providing thought leadership and innovation in education.  

Wilson is Vice President of Information Technology at the University of Phoenix, a role in which he is responsible for application engineering and all technology infrastructure, platforms, client services, network, and data center operations, including a combination of public/private cloud services, hybrid-cloud, and co-location hosting services. He has oversight of more than 15 Agile product teams. With over 25 years of experience managing and hiring for IT teams, his diverse background spans IT leadership, application engineering, hybrid-cloud infrastructure, public-private cloud services, business operations, marketing, project management, finance, financial analysis, budgeting and sales.

Learn more here about the 2024 PESC Data Summit.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, skills-mapped curriculum for our bachelor’s and master’s degree programs and a Career Services for Life® commitment help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit  phoenix.edu/blog.html.