#United States #New Orleans #University of Phoenix #PESC Data Summit #Hillary Halpern

University of Phoenix Leaders to Open PESC April Data Summit

The University of Phoenix is excited to announce that prominent leaders from its institution will deliver the welcoming remarks at the upcoming Postsecondary Electronic Standards Council (PESC) April 2026 Data Summit, taking place on April 22-23 in New Orleans, Louisiana. This event aims to foster an environment of shared learning and collaboration within the higher education community focused on data standards and interoperability.

Opening Session Details

Hillary Halpern, the Senior Director of Program Deployment at the University of Phoenix, and Monterey Sims, the Director of Admissions and Evaluations, will jointly welcome attendees. Halpern, also the chair of the PESC Program Committee, and Sims, who chairs the PESC Board, will introduce the goals for this data summit and acknowledge the collaborative efforts of the PESC community aimed at enhancing data standards in postsecondary education.

Sims emphasizes the importance of community within the education ecosystem: "PESC brings together leaders who are focused on advancing how data informs and improves the education ecosystem and learner success. Opening the Summit with this community is an opportunity to acknowledge that shared responsibility and reinforce the collaborative approach required to progress in this field."

The Purpose of PESC Data Summit

The PESC Data Summit is hosted biannually and complements the efforts of higher education institutions, technology providers, and policy organizations to discuss pressing issues related to data standards and collaboration. The opening remarks by Halpern and Sims are designed to prepare the attendees for two days filled with discussions centered on actionable engagement, community development, and shared understanding.

Halpern shares, "The Summit is where critical conversations about data, policy, and practice come together. What makes PESC's work distinctive is its focus on alignment across institutions and systems and on the practical decisions that ultimately affect learners. Convening this community sets an important tone for the discussions ahead."

Focus on AI and Higher Education

Besides her opening remarks, Halpern will host a session titled “Embedding AI in the Learning Environment: Data Standardization to Support Scale.” In this session, she will discuss how integrating AI tools early in learning management systems can strengthen user engagement and identify better solutions to cater to students' needs. Moreover, she will participate in a panel discussion on “Standards in AI: A Critical Partnership,” which aims to scrutinize the implications of AI on data standards within higher education.

With 19 years of experience at the University of Phoenix, Halpern has a strong background in student support and process improvement, leading her to develop and maintain the University Program Lifecycle (UPL) process. Her accolades include receiving the "Rookie of the Year" award from the Southwest Alliance of Excellence in 2017. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Arizona State University and both an MBA and Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management from the University of Phoenix. Halpern recently co-authored a white paper focusing on creating a skills ecosystem in career-focused education.

Sims has dedicated 30 years to the University of Phoenix, during which she has been a vital part of various process improvement projects. She currently oversees the document processing division within the Office of Admissions, ensuring efficient management of admission documents and transcripts. Her involvement in the AACRAO Standardization of Postsecondary Education Record Electronic Data Exchange (SPEEDE) Committee demonstrates her commitment to improving procedural efficiencies in educational admission practices.

University of Phoenix's Engagement in Higher Education Events

As active participants, Halpern and Sims represent key members of the University of Phoenix's leadership team, often invited to share their insights at national conferences. Up ahead, they are scheduled to partake in events such as the AACRAO Annual Meeting and the SXSW EDU Conference, highlighting the University of Phoenix's dedication to innovation in education and its continuous efforts to share knowledge that shapes the future of learning.

About University of Phoenix

The University of Phoenix, celebrating 50 years of service to adult learners, is dedicated to transforming lives through education. It offers flexible online learning options, relevant curricula, and a focus on career advancement in a rapidly evolving job market. Students benefit from resources that provide lifelong career support. For further information, please visit phoenix.edu.