Workshops
Keynote: The Future of AI in Higher Education
Dr. Bryan Alexander is a highly accomplished futurist, researcher, writer, speaker, consultant, and teacher in the field of higher education. He earned his PhD in English language and literature from the University of Michigan in 1997 and taught at Centenary College of Louisiana, where he pioneered interdisciplinary classes and organized information literacy initiatives. From 2002 to 2014, he worked with the National Institute for Technology in Liberal Education (NITLE), contributing to various roles and initiatives. In 2013, he founded Bryan Alexander Consulting, LLC, providing consulting services to higher education institutions globally. Bryan is a prolific writer and speaker, with his work featured in numerous prestigious publications and media outlets. He has authored several books, including "Academia Next" and "Universities on Fire," and is currently working on "Peak Higher Ed: How to Survive the Emerging Academic Crisis." Bryan is currently a senior scholar at Georgetown University, where he teaches graduate seminars in their Learning, Design, and Technology program.
For more information about Dr. Bryan Alexander, visit https://bryanalexander.org/
AI and Student Success Panel
Moderator:
Dr. Leonard Clemons serves as the VP for Student Affairs at Austin Peay State University since July 2023. Dr. Clemons is a seasoned higher education leader with a Doctorate from the University of Miami. With over a decade of experience, he's driven student success at various universities, previously serving in roles like associate vice provost for Student Success at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Dr. Clemons is deeply engaged in professional associations like NASPA and NACADA, and he contributes to the community through organizations such as the United Way and American Red Cross. Additionally, he's an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Panelists:
Dr. Allie Johnston is the Writing Center Director and an Assistant Professor in the Languages and Literature Department. Her research focuses on writing center studies and multimodal curriculum in first-year writing programs.
Dr. Martina Malvasi, is a distinguished academic with over 25 years of experience in data management, research, project management, and strategic planning, as well as 30 years of expertise in library science, particularly in health sciences. Holding multiple advanced degrees, including a Doctor of Business Administration and a Master of Library Science, Martina currently serves as the Director of Library Services at Austin Peay State University. In this role, she oversees various aspects of library operations and strategic planning. Dr. Malvasi's previous positions include leadership roles at the Medical University of South Carolina and Minnesota State University. Known for her teaching prowess and commitment to student success, Dr. Malvasi has also secured grants to enhance information literacy and accessibility. With her wealth of experience and forward-thinking approach, Dr. Malvasi continues to drive progress in research, technology, and education.
Dr. Lindsey Gilmore, newly appointed Associate Vice President for Campus Engagement at APSU, brings 17 years of diverse higher education experience to the role. Previously serving as Director for Housing & Residence Life at Bellarmine University, she led operations and strategies promoting student success. Dr. Gilmore holds degrees from Southern Illinois University, Western Kentucky University, and Bellarmine University, and is actively involved in professional associations such as SACSA and ACUHO-I. In her new position, she oversees various aspects of campus life and leads initiatives for student engagement and support.
Eric Morgan is the Director of Career Services at APSU since June 2022, brings extensive experience in career counseling and program development. Previously, he excelled at Nashville State Community College, earning recognition as a finalist for TBR Advisor of the Year. With a background in psychology and divinity, Eric holds credentials as a Career Development Facilitator and Certified Professional Resume Writer. His interests span career theory, diversity in higher education, and bridging academic and career success.
Claudia Alonzo, Director for Community Care and Standards at APSU, brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her role. With a background in medical imaging and a Master's in Public Health, Claudia is committed to nurturing student well-being and safety. Actively engaged in professional associations and pursuing a Doctorate in Education, she is dedicated to advancing best practices in higher education. Claudia's leadership fosters a supportive and inclusive campus environment, promoting proactive approaches to student health and safety through collaborative initiatives and stakeholder engagement.
AI Ethics and Policy Panel
Moderator:
Dannelle F. Walker Whiteside is a trailblazing higher education leader and education lawyer. She currently serves as Vice President for Legal Affairs and Organizational Strategy at Austin Peay State University (APSU), where she is the institution's Chief Legal Officer. She's spearheaded strategic initiatives, including a successful rebranding effort resulting in a 19% surge in applications. As Interim President in 2020, she led APSU through the COVID-19 pandemic, securing over $65 million in donations and becoming the first Black president in the institution's history. Before APSU, she held key roles in education law, including with the U.S. Department of Education and the Tennessee State Board of Education. She's earned accolades like the 2021 Nashville Business Journal's 40 Under 40 and is deeply involved in community development and legal advocacy.
Panelists:
Dr. Marsha Lyle-Gonga was born in Montego Bay, Jamaica, she immigrated to the US in 1989 and holds a Doctorate in Public Policy and Administration from Walden University. Dr. Lyle-Gonga, Associate Dean for the College of Behavioral Health Sciences at Austin Peay State University, has extensive experience in academia and community service. She served as Chair of the Political Science department and has over eight years of experience directing a grant program for low-income and first-generation students. Her research interests span political behavior, public policy, and education, and she's known for creating the Young Women’s Leadership Symposium to enhance political efficacy and civic engagement among young women.
Dr. John Nicholson is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Information Technology. He graduated with a B.S. In Computer Science from Purdue University in 1992. He then worked in the Information Technology field for several years in Washington D.C. and Chicago at various organizations, including the U.S. Government, IT contractors and consultants, the Chicago Tribune, and as an independent consultant. He returned to school in 2006 and received his Ph.D. in Computer Science from Utah State University in 2010. In 2010, he also joined APSU as a new faculty member in the CSIT department. His research interests include robotics, artificial intelligence, and the intersection of math and art.
Dr. Rich Mifsud is the Director for the Institute for National Security and Military Studies at Austin Peay State University. He served as a reserve and National Guard Infantry Officer from 1991 to 2021, retiring as an Infantry Brigade Combat Team Commander. COL (ret.) Mifsud is the Institute’s in-house military strategist as his experience includes multiple overseas deployments, numerous civil support operations, information operations, special expertise in the National Guard’s State Partnership Program with US security partnerships in Eastern Europe, and significant Joint Assignments and Security Cooperation activities at the Combatant Command level. In addition, he has over twenty years of experience at the federal, state, and local level in emergency and disaster response operations. He received his Doctorate of Education in Organizational Change and Leadership from the University of Southern California; has a master’s degree in Leadership from the University of Southern California; a master’s degree in Strategic Studies from the US Army War College, and a master’s degree in Emergency and Disaster Management from Trident University. He is the father of two successful daughters and a new resident to Tennessee.
Corey Harkey, Associate General Counsel at Austin Peay State University, leads the Office of Legal Affairs, providing legal counsel to university stakeholders. With a background in education law, she previously served as Assistant General Counsel at Tennessee State University and as a Metropolitan Attorney for the Metropolitan Government of Nashville. Harkey is a member of several legal associations and holds degrees in International Relations, Political Science, and a Jurist Doctorate. She resides in Nashville with her husband and two children.
Barbara Tucker serves as the Director of Technical Services at Austin Peay State University, her alma mater. She holds a Master of Arts in Education in Instructional Design and Technology. Barbara Tucker is currently advancing toward a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership at APSU's Eriksson College of Education, with an anticipated graduation date of August 02, 2024. As the distinguished 2022-2023 Holmes Scholar, her passion for education, advocacy, driving innovation, and harnessing technology's transformative power runs deep. With nearly 15 years of experience in higher education, she excels in collaborative environments, firmly believing in technology's potential to level the playing field and instigate positive change across various domains. Additionally, she is venturing into the exciting realm of artificial intelligence, exploring its potential applications and implications in the educational landscape. Embracing the future of AI, I am eager to integrate its capabilities to enhance learning experiences further and shape the future of higher education at APSU and beyond.
Keynote: How AI Will Impact Institutional Success
Clement Auditorium/Zoom
Dawn Ressel, EAB is the Senior Director of Financial Sustainability Terrain at EAB since 2022, boasts over 25 years of experience in institutional effectiveness and data analytics. With expertise spanning campus and state board governance levels, she excels in performance funding, predictive analytics, data governance, and compliance reporting for both 4-year and 2-year institutions. Dawn holds a Master of Science in statistics from the University of Arkansas and a Bachelor of Science in mathematics from the University of the Ozarks. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, hiking, and camping with her family, including their four-legged members.
Sponsored by the Division of Legal Affairs and Organizational Strategy, Center for Advancement of Faculty Excellence (CAFÉ), and the Office of Institutional Culture.