We are excited to share that the final program and app for the DEAC Annual Conference are nearly complete! We are proud to present an exceptional lineup of confirmed speakers, each bringing a wealth of experience in distance education learning experience, technology, regulatory compliance, and leadership. Their insights and expertise will undoubtedly enrich our discussions and provide valuable perspectives on the evolving landscape of distance education.
We are particularly thrilled to announce our Keynote Speaker, John Maketa, who will open the event with a captivating session on demographics. His deep understanding of how demographic trends impact higher education will set the tone for an engaging and thought-provoking conference.
Stay tuned for more details on the program and be prepared for an inspiring experience that will foster learning, networking, and innovation in the field of distance education and accreditation. We look forward to seeing you there!
Sunday, April 6, 2025
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Welcome Reception and Conference Registration
Location: Norville Lawn
Join DEAC Commissioners and staff for a delightful outdoor evening reception. As the sun sets over the beautiful Arizona skyline, enjoy a variety of delicious food and drinks while mingling with your fellow attendees.
Monday, April 7, 2025
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Breakfast and Conference Registration
Location: Ironwood Ballroom
9:00 AM – 10:15 AM
Welcome Remarks and Opening Keynote Address
Speaker: John Makeda
Location: Papago Ballroom
This keynote address will explore the profound impact of shifting population dynamics on education, highlighting innovative strategies to adapt and thrive in an evolving landscape. Attendees will gain insights into how understanding demographic trends can enhance accessibility, engagement, and learning outcomes in online environments.
10:15 AM – 10:30 AM
Break
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Plenary Session
Topic: Navigating State Authorization, NC-SARA and Accreditation
Speakers: Kevin LaMountain, AZBPPE; Julie Woodruff, THEC; Joanna Murray, CABPPE; Marianne Boeke, NC-SARA
Facilitator: Van Davis, President, WICHE Consortium for Education Technology (WCET)
Location: Papago Ballroom
This session will provide a comprehensive overview of the state authorization process and the accreditation landscape, highlighting the key differences and interconnections between these important features of higher education.
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
BREAK
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Lunch
Location: Papago Terrace
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
CONCURRENT SESSIONS
Topic 1: The Regulatory Landscape – Dynamics and Disruptions
Speaker: Katherine Brodie, Partner, DuaneMorris
Location: Papago Ballroom
This session explores the evolving regulatory landscape of US higher education, examining the key dynamics and disruptions shaping the sector today. Participants will gain insights into recent policy changes, emerging trends, and the potential impact of new shifting regulatory frameworks, including the threats and opportunities that may arise from the same.
Topic 2: Quality Matters in Action: Advancing Online Excellence and Supporting Accreditation
Speaker: Deb Adair, Chief Executive Officer, Quality Matters
Location: Cypress
Learn how Quality Matters serves an institution’s internal processes for demonstrating and maintaining excellence in online learning. Particular emphasis will be placed on how QM standards align with DEAC standards.
Topic 3: Preparing Audited Financial Statements
Speaker: David McClintock, CPA, Managing Director, McClintock & Associates
Location: Navajo
Join this session for expert insights into preparing your institution for a financial statement audit, ensuring that strong accounting systems and best practices are effectively implemented. Learn essential strategies to streamline the auditing process and enhance financial transparency within your institution.
2:15 PM – 2:30 PM
BREAK
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
CONCURRENT SESSIONS
Topic 1: What the New Cyber Security Regulations Mean for You
Speaker: Brandon Sherman, Counsel, Saul Ewing
Location: Papago Ballroom
As cybersecurity threats continue to rise, regulators are intensifying their focus on compliance with cybersecurity standards, including the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA). Key takeaways will include an overview of compliance obligations and insights into how these regulations may evolve under the new administration.
Topic 2: Engaging Stakeholders Through Data: Strategies for Effective Sharing, Feedback, Evidence Collection, and Closing the Assessment Loop
Location: Cypress
Speaker: Stephen Haas, Chief Academic Officer, Crestpoint University
This session will focus on practical strategies for sharing data with key stakeholders in a way that ensures their feedback is informed, collected, and used effectively at your institution for institutional effectiveness practice.
Topic 3: Collaborative Compliance: Fostering Strong Relationships with the Regulatory Triad
Speaker: Christopher Lambert, Principal, BCC Advisory
Location: Navajo
By engaging proactively with triad members (states, accreditors, NC-SARA), institutions can better align their objectives with the regulations, reduce the risk of non-compliance, ensure more effective communication, and achieve more successful and sustainable outcomes. During this session, participants will learn about the practices deployed by institutions that enhance regulatory efficiency, and support ongoing compliance.
3:30 PM – 3:45 PM
BREAK
3:45 PM – 4:45 PM
CONCURRENT SESSIONS
Topic 1: DEAC Annual Business Meeting (Accredited Institutions Only)
Speakers: DEAC Commissioners and Staff
Location: Papago Ballroom
The DEAC Annual Business Meeting brings together DEAC-accredited institutions to hear from the Commission and staff about strategic priorities, financial and investment positions, celebrate newly accredited institutions, and elect new board members.
Topic 2: Building Successful Online Programs: Developing an Effective Vision and Strategy
Speakers: Van Davis, President, WCET and Darcy Hardy, Founder and Chief Strategist, The Hardy Group
Location: Cypress
Just like a strong house requires a robust foundation, building a strong online program requires a robust vision and strategy. Among the topics covered will be issues such as vision and institutional alignment, organizational readiness, policies and processes for distance education, and the regulatory environment.
Topic 3: DEAC Readiness Assessment
Speakers: Suzanne Chiaramonte and Emily Haworth, Educred Services
Location: Navajo
The DEAC readiness assessment is crucial for initial applicants as it helps institutions identify gaps in their compliance with accreditation standards, ensuring they are well-prepared for the accreditation process. By addressing these areas early on, applicants can enhance their operational effectiveness and increase their chances of achieving successful accreditation.
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Breakfast
Location: Ironwood Ballroom
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Plenary Session
Topic: Building the Future of AI in Education: The AIICOE Framework
Speakers: Juan-Antonio Henriquez, IT Director and Professor of Electrical Engineering, University of New Orleans and Matthew Gonzalez, Cyber Security Evaluator and Enterprise Architect, American Council on Education
Location: Papago Ballroom
The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) presents higher education institutions with unprecedented opportunities and challenges. In this presentation, we introduce the Artificial Intelligence International Center of Excellence (AIICOE) Framework—a strategic model designed to empower educational institutions to integrate AI effectively. Developed through a synthesis of research, practical experiences, and policy analysis, the AIICOE Framework is built on five core pillars that address key challenges such as fragmented AI adoption, data privacy, ethical concerns, and the lack of AI literacy across educational settings.
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
Plenary Session
AQC Spotlight: Meet the Experts Behind Approved Courses
Speakers: Ghi Crisafulli, Director of Academic Operations and Nick White, Chief Learning Officer, Sophia Learning; Tim Mott, DEAC Staff
Location: Papago Ballroom
Join us for an engaging session that shines a spotlight on the AQC (Approved Quality Curriculum) initiative and hear from approved course providers at Sophia. This session will provide an overview of what it means to be AQC-approved, highlighting the criteria and processes these providers must meet to ensure quality and excellence in distance education courses.
10:45 AM – 11:00 AM
BREAK
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
DEAC Annual Awards Ceremony
Master of Ceremonies: Stephen Kemp, Chair, DEAC Awards Committee
Location: Papago Ballroom
Since 1961, DEAC has held its Outstanding Graduate and Distinguished Alumni Awards Program to recognize the remarkable achievements of individuals who have excelled in their fields through distance education. This program not only highlights personal stories of perseverance and success but also celebrates the transformative power of online education.
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Location: Papago Terrace
Lunch
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
CONCURRENT SESSIONS
Topic 1: Title IX Update: Back to 2020
Speaker: Jessica High, Counsel, DuaneMorris
Location: Papago Ballroom
On January 9, 2025, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky issued a decision vacating the 2024 Title IX Rule, which prohibited the U.S. Department of Education from enforcing it in any jurisdiction. The Office of Civil Rights has since clarified that it will enforce Title IX under the provisions of the 2020 Title IX Rule. This presentation will cover the Court decision as well as discuss the 2020 Title IX Rule requirements.
Topic 2: Digital Boundaries: Where Remote Work Meets Wellbeing
Speaker: Brandy Biglow, Burnout Coach and Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Renovation Integrative Health, LLC
Location: Cypress
Is your laptop basically your new roommate? Struggling to tell where work ends and life begins? We’ll break down occupational burnout, expose multitasking as fraud, and give you practical strategies to set digital boundaries that protect your well-being. You’ll leave with real solutions you can use immediately—because work-life harmony shouldn’t feel so elusive.
Topic 3: The DEI Journey – What’s Next for Higher Ed?
Speaker: John Przypyszny, Partner, FaegreDrinker
Location: Navajo
Join an engaging conversation about a topic that is receiving much attention in higher education. Hear from an expert about emerging trends and share ideas about nurturing a culture of open dialogue and inclusivity that bridges divides and promotes equity and understanding.
2:00 PM – 2:15 PM
BREAK
2:15 PM – 3:15 PM
CONCURRENT SESSIONS
Topic 1: Web Accessibility Law: “’Come into my parlor’, said the spider to the fly.”
Speaker: Lucien (Skip) Capone, University Counsel (ret), University of North Carolina at Ashville
Location: Papago Ballroom
This presentation will help you learn how to avoid the tangled web of internet accessibility laws and regulations. We will cover key legislation, including the ADA, Section 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, the 2024 DOJ Final Rules, and the European Accessibility Act, empowering you to ensure compliance and enhance accessibility for all users.
Topic 2: Choosing the Right Auditor: A Strategic Approach
Speakers: Robert Allison and Tracey Abell, President, American College of Healthcare Sciences
Location: Cypress
Selecting an auditor is a critical decision for any organization, impacting financial transparency and compliance. In this session, we will explore the key factors to consider when choosing an auditor, including industry expertise, reputation, and the importance of a tailored approach to your institution’s unique needs.
Topic 3: To be determined
Location: Navajo
3:15 PM – 3:30 PM
BREAK
3:30 PM – 4:15 PM
Plenary Session
Topic: Update from the DEAC Standards Committee
Speakers: David Srygley, Chair of the Standards Committee and Leah Matthews, Executive Director
Location: Papago Ballroom
Join us for an informative session led by the DEAC Standards Committee, where we will provide crucial updates on the implementation of DEAC’s revised accreditation standards. This session will cover key initiatives aimed at ensuring quality and integrity in distance education programs. Attendees will gain insights into the committee’s ongoing efforts to adapt to the evolving landscape of online learning, including alternative degree structures, subscription tuition, international initiatives and the PhD pilot. This is a valuable opportunity for attendees to engage in dialogue, share experiences, and ask questions about the standards.
4:15 PM – 4:30 PM
CONFERENCE WRAP-UP
Location: Papago Ballroom
Join us for closing remarks from the Chair of the 2025 Annual Conference and to unveil a very special announcement regarding the upcoming centennial celebration in 2026. As we reflect on DEAC’s rich history and the significant milestones achieved over the past century, we hope you will plan to be part of this momentous occasion and get involved in honoring DEAC’s legacy and commitment to excellence in distance learning.
