Doris Savron to share insights on leading transformative change in higher education

University of Phoenix is pleased to share that Vice Provost, Colleges, Assessment and Curriculum Doris Savron, will join the proceedings of the 2024 InsightsEDU Conference as a panelist. The panel discussion, titled “Revolutionizing Higher Education and Leading Transformative Change,” will take place from 9 -10:15 a.m., Wednesday, February 21, 2024, in the Grand Ballroom at the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown.

"I am thrilled to join the InsightsEDU Conference, where our panel will dive into the transformative initiatives reshaping higher education,” shares Savron. “The University of Phoenix's integration of a skills-mapped curriculum and digital badging exemplifies our dedication to providing students with a relevant and accelerated educational experience. I look forward to discussing our journey and contributing to the broader dialogue on transforming higher education for the benefit of students and the evolving needs of the workforce."

The panel session will examine the ways in which visionary institutions featured harness innovation to challenge traditional norms. Panelists will share initiatives that helped redefine the student experience, challenges they encountered, and the lessons learned throughout the process. The session will aim to equip attendees with actionable strategies to drive innovation within their own institutions of higher learning.

Focus areas of the panel discussion will include:

• Exemplary Transformative Initiatives:
  • Highlighting standout initiatives and highlighting innovative features.
  • Exploring how these initiatives have redefined the essence and direction of their respective institutions
• Measuring Success:
  • Discuss the methods used to measure transformative initiative success, whether through quantitative data, qualitative experiences, or a blend.
  • Share insights into outcomes revealed through the measured metrics.
• Leadership Lessons and Student Impact:
  • Reflecting on valuable leadership lessons learned while spearheading transformative change.
  • Exploring the direct impact of transformative changes on students’ lives.

University of Phoenix has implemented several initiatives over the past year to support the needs of its students. Its innovative skills-mapped curriculum, focused on the working adult learner, has culminated in 100 percent of associate, bachelor and master’s degree programs open for new enrollment now being fully skills-mapped. University of Phoenix has issued over 450,000 badges since September 2021, for skills obtained in undergraduate, graduate, and professional development courses.

The University’s transition to a skills-mapped curriculum helps students identify and acquire skills in weeks, rather than years, yielding value from their education as they progress through courses rather than just at the point of graduation. Savron and her team, along with leaders from across the university, championed the initiatives and continue to drive innovation in the realms of skills mapping and digital badging. Savron co-authored a white paper on the subject, which provided a foundational reflection of the University of Phoenix focus on providing career-relevant, skills-based education and authentic assessment for working adult students

Savron has over 23 years of experience in higher education in a variety of settings. She serves as Vice Provost overseeing the strategy for University of Phoenix academic programs and curriculum design, institutional assessment and faculty. This includes oversight of strategy for degree, certificate and course offerings, design of curriculum and student learning outcomes for the University. Savron works collaboratively with her team members to innovate academic solutions that enable the University to provide exceptional student experiences and learning environments to support student success. In her tenure with University of Phoenix she has served as associate faculty, campus vice president, regional Vice president of student services, and college operations.

Passionate about giving back to the community, Savron serves on the Board of Career Connectors, and recently completed board terms with the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce. She also serves on several committees and advisory councils including the DEI professionals committee for the Greater Phoenix Chamber, and most recently the advisory council for UPCEA and AACRAO’s new Convergence Conference in 2023 focused on the emerging field of alternative credentials in Higher Education.

Savron is often sought out as a speaker for her expertise on mapping relevant skills in programs and building an infrastructure to support career tools in curriculum design, micro credentialing and other innovations in curriculum (1Ed Tech, PACRAO). Her significant contributions in her profession, mentoring, and community leadership led to being selected as Greater Phoenix Chamber’s Private Sector Athena Finalist in 2020. Her advocacy for women in leadership has led her to project work in India, Zambia and the U.S. supporting women to achieve their potential in their profession. She has designed, led, and presented in several international empowerment conferences.

Savron earned her MBA from Cleveland State University and is completing her doctorate in management in organizational leadership.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, skills-mapped curriculum for our bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, and a Career Services for Life® commitment help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit phoenix.edu.

About InsightsEDU

InsightsEDU is one of the few higher education conferences that focus exclusively on the adult learner enrolled in online education programs, with sessions focusing on student marketing, enrollment growth, and student success strategies. The conference, hosted by EducationDynamics, attracts hundreds of higher education professionals from across the country. This year’s conference is being held at the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown, February 20-22, 2024. For more information, visit InsightsEDU.com.

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