The Future of Online Learning and Artificial Intelligence at Community Colleges
Join community college presidents and vice presidents from across the nation for an exclusive summit dedicated to shaping the future of online learning and artificial intelligence in higher education. Hosted by the Instructional Technology Council (ITC), an affiliated council of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), this inaugural event will foster high-level discussions on strategic innovation, workforce alignment, and the evolving digital landscape in community colleges.
Keynote Speaker: Scott Van Pelt
Co-author of The Great Upheaval, Higher Education’s Past, Present, and Uncertain Future, Scott Van Pelt will provide thought-provoking insights into how AI and technological shifts are transforming education, work, and society. His keynote will challenge attendees to rethink traditional models of online education, examining how adaptive learning, automation, and AI-powered tools can enhance student engagement, improve learning outcomes, and expand access to education at scale.
Event Details
Dates: May 19-20, 2025
Location: Northern Virginia Community College
Richard J. Ernst Community Cultural Center
8333 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA 22003-3723
Program Agenda
Click on each day to view the detailed agenda.
Day 1: Monday, May 19, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 9:00 – 9:10 am | Opening Remarks – Anne Kress, President, Northern Virginia Community College |
| 9:10 – 9:15 am | ITC Welcome and Keynote Introduction – Carol Spalding, President, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College |
| 9:15 – 10:00 am | AI Comes to Campus: Leveraging Technology to Meet the Needs of the New Learner – Scott Van Pelt, Director of Research & Faculty Affairs, University of Pennsylvania |
| 10:00 – 10:30 am | Presentation on Online and AI Data – Jennifer Lerner, Senior Director, Research Discovery & Design, EAB |
| 10:30 – 10:45 am | Break |
| 10:45 – 11:30 am | Supporting Today’s Learner – Monica Parrish Trent, Chief Program and Network Officer, Achieving the Dream |
| 11:30 am – 12:15 pm | The Changing Landscape of Online Education (CHLOE) Report – Mark McCormack, Senior Director of Analytics and Research at EDUCAUSE |
| 12:15 – 1:00 pm | Networking Lunch |
| 1:00 – 1:30 pm | AI for Economic Opportunity and Advancement: A Call to Action – Alex Swartsel, Managing Director, Insights, Jobs for the Future (JFF) |
| 1:30 – 2:00 pm | Fireside Chat with Scott Van Pelt – Scott Van Pelt, Director of Research & Faculty Affairs, University of Pennsylvania; Cynthia Pascal, Associate Vice President of eLearning, Northern Virginia Community College |
| 2:00 – 2:30 pm | Voices from the Classroom: Faculty Perspectives on the Future of Online Education and AI – Jenny Billings, Program Chair, Associate in Arts, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College; Bhavani Kola, Department Chair, Mathematics, Tarrant County College-Connect Campus |
| 2:30 – 2:50 pm | Watching Washington: Advocacy and Policy Impact for Community Colleges – David Baime, Senior Vice President for Government Relations, American Association of Community Colleges |
| 2:50 – 3:05 pm | Break |
| 3:05 – 3:30 pm | Leading Change with AI Tools and Online Learning – Karen Vignare, Vice President for Digital Transformation for Student Success, Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU) |
| 3:30 – 3:50 pm | Building A Culture of Trust and Innovation: Enhancing Academic Integrity Through AI-Powered Assessment Tools – Paul Morales, Chief Information Security Officer, Honorlock |
| 3:50 – 4:10 pm | Pulling Back the Curtains on Ethical and Pedagogical AI – Iain Atkinson, Chief Revenue Officer, Packback |
| 4:10 – 5:00 pm | Innovation in Action: Shaping the Future of AI and Online Education – Carol Spalding, President, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College; Carlos Morales, President, Tarrant County Community College-Connect Campus; Fred Lokken, Chair of the Business, History, and Political Science Department, Truckee Meadows Community College; Eun-Woo Chang, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer, Northern Virginia Community College |
| 5:00 pm | End of Day |
Day 2: Tuesday, May 20, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 9:00 – 9:30 am | Strategic Planning for Online in Challenging Times – Darcy Hardy, Founder and Chief Strategist, The Hardy Group |
| 9:30 – 10:00 am | Microsoft Education – Chris Ingeholm, Account Technology Strategist, Microsoft Education |
| 10:00 – 10:30 am | AI as Technology for Teaching and Learning: Centering the Student Experience – Deb Adair, Chief Executive Officer, Quality Matters |
| 10:30 – 10:45 am | Break |
| 10:45 – 11:15 am | Transform the College Experience with Emerging Tech – Supercomputing, Artificial Intelligence, and Quantum Innovation – Mickey Slimp, Executive Director, Great Plains Network; Chip Byers, Chief Technical Strategist, MOREnet |
| 11:15 – Noon | Closing Remarks: The Future of AI and Online Education – Carol Spalding, President, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College; Carlos Morales, President, Tarrant County Community College-Connect Campus; Eun-Woo Chang, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer, Northern Virginia Community College |
| Noon | End of Summit |
Accommodations
To help you plan your visit for the President’s Summit, we’ve compiled some recommended accommodations and dining options near our campus.
Hotel Recommendations
- Best Hotels near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
- Best Hotels near Washington Dulles Intl. Airport (IAD)
- Top 10 Hotels in Annandale, VA
Restaurant Recommendations
| Restaurant | Type | Distance from Campus | Perfect for visitors who are staying near |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silverado | Southwestern-American, Restaurant and Bar | 3.2 Miles (7052 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003) | Annandale and Fairfax |
| Ted’s Bulletin | American, Restaurant and Bar | 3.6 Miles (2911 District Ave., Fairfax, VA 22031) | Annandale and Fairfax |
| True Food Kitchen | New American, Restaurant and Bar | 3.6 Miles (2910 District Ave., Fairfax, VA 22031) | Annandale and Fairfax |
| Mike’s American Grill | American, Restaurant and Bar | 6.9 Miles (6210 Backlick Rd. Springfield, VA 22150) | Annandale and Fairfax |
| Founding Farmers | American, Restaurant and Bar | 7.9 Miles (1800 Tysons Blvd, Tysons, VA 22102) | Tysons Corner |
| Seasons 52 | American Restaurant and Bar | 7.9 Miles (1800 Tysons Blvd, Tysons, VA 22102) | Tysons Corner |
| Earls | Global, Restaurant and Bar | 7.9 Miles (1800 Tysons Blvd, Tysons, VA 22102) | Tysons Corner |
| Barrel and Bushel | American Restaurant and Bar | 7.9 Miles (1800 Tysons Blvd, Tysons, VA 22102) | Tysons Corner |
| Busboys and Poets | Eclectic American, Restaurant and Bar | 12.6 Miles (4251 S. Campbell Ave, Arlington, VA 22206) | Crystal City, Shirlington, Arlington, and Alexandria |
| ChiKo | Chinese and Korean Fusion, Restaurant, Beer, and Wine | 12.6 Miles (4040 Campbell Ave, Arlington, VA 22206) | Crystal City, Shirlington, Arlington, and Alexandria |
Registration Information
General Registration: $300
Registration + Institutional Membership: $820
What’s Included?
- Full access to all sessions
- Lunch on Monday
- Coffee breaks and snacks throughout
Travel
Located just outside Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia Community College is easily accessible, with two major airports – Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) – providing convenient travel options for visitors.
Attendees are responsible for booking their own travel accommodations.
Parking
Free parking in Student Lots 11 and 12.