What’s Next for Digital Learning

Van Davis

Executive Director, WCET & Vice President, Digital Learning, WICHE

vdavis@wiche.edu

LinkedIn Profile

Expertise Includes:

• Artificial Intelligence,
• Policy and Practice,
• Federal and State Distance Education Policy,
• Degree Completion Initiatives,
• Competency-based Education,
• the Cost and Price of Distance Education, and,
• the Future of Higher Education and Digital Learning.  

Bio

Van Davis joined WCET in 2021 as chief strategy officer, and in 2025, he became WCET’s executive director and WICHE’s vice president for digital learning. Davis oversees all strategic and operational responsibilities of WCET’s membership, the State Authorization Network (SAN) that assists institutions with interstate compliance, and Every Learner Everywhere, which advocates for successful academic outcomes for all postsecondary education students through advances in digital learning. 

Van has 30 years of experience in higher education as a faculty member, academic administrator, state policy maker, and edtech leader. He holds a Master’s and PhD in 20th Century US history with an emphasis in civil rights from Vanderbilt University and a Bachelor’s in history from Southwestern University. Prior to joining WCET and WICHE, Van served as principal at Foghlam Consulting, associate vice president at Blackboard Inc., director of innovation at the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and a faculty member and academic administrator at several public and private universities with historically underrepresented student populations.  

Van lives in Colorado with his beloved wife, Lisa, and their cat, Kody. When not working, Van collects Lego models and dreams of the day he can complete his western US camping trip.  

John Opper

Executive Director, Distance Learning and Student Services, Florida Virtual Campus

As executive director for distance learning and student services, John Opper oversees the operation of the distance learning and student support services offered through the Florida Virtual Campus. He interacts regularly with state policymakers, education leaders, community agencies, educational entities, and industry regarding issues pertaining to technology and education, and participates in creating statewide distance learning policy and programs affecting Florida’s schools, colleges, and universities. Opper has authored policy studies and recommendations in the area of undergraduate education, academic libraries, funding policy, and educational technology. In addition, he has served on a variety of state, regional, and national workgroups and boards.