A Deep Dive into WCET’s AI Practices and Policies Toolkit for Higher Education

Van Davis

Chief Strategy Officer, WCET

vdavis@wiche.edu

LinkedIn Profile

Van joined WCET in 2021 as chief strategy officer where he is responsible for all aspects of WCET’s strategic planning; artificial intelligence research; diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts; and assisting the team with policy and research efforts.

Van is a valuable asset to the team, having over 25 years of experience in higher education as a faculty member, academic administrator, state policy maker, and edtech leader. Van holds a PhD in 20^th century US history with an emphasis in civil rights from Vanderbilt University, and his commitment to education is evidenced in both his professional and personal successes. Additionally, Van led the creation of the Texas adult degree complete project and the development of the first competency-based bachelor’s degrees at Texas public institutions of higher education during his time on the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

Van lives outside of Austin, Texas, with his beloved wife Lisa and two cats and, when not working, spends time collecting Lego models and dreaming of the day he can complete his western US camping trip. Van’s favorite book is To Kill a Mockingbird, and his favorite movie is Dr. Strangelove.

Judith Sebesta

Founder and Principal, Sebesta Education Consulting LLC

judith@sebestaeducationconsulting.com

@JudithSebestaLinkedIn Profile

Judith Sebesta is the founder and principal at Sebesta Education Consulting LLC. She also serves as president of the Executive Council for the Community College Consortium for OER and is on the Board of Directors for the international Open Education conference. Prior to consulting she held roles at ISKME Labs/OER Commons, the Digital Higher Education Consortium of Texas, and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Before shifting her career focus to the broader landscape of policy and practice in open education, innovation, and digital education, Judith enjoyed a fifteen-year career as a university professor and administrator.