University of Phoenix Explores Credentialing Innovations at PESC Data Summit 2026

The PESC October 2026 Data Summit, held on October 28-29 in Scottsdale, Arizona, brought together an influential group of leaders from higher education, technology sectors, and policy organizations. Among the notable attendees were Marc Booker, PhD, the Vice Provost for Strategy at the University of Phoenix, and Hillary Halpern, MBA, Senior Director of Program Deployment and a member of the PESC Board of Directors. Their participation exemplifies the University’s commitment to enhancing the educational landscape through meaningful dialogue surrounding credentialing and data standards.

The summit focused on pressing issues relating to educational data standards, fostering interoperability, and sparking innovation in the education sector. During this event, Dr. Booker delivered a compelling presentation titled “A Candid Conversation About Credentials,” which sought to address the complexities surrounding credentialing in the current educational climate. His session engaged attendees in a thorough exploration of past experiences and the collective mission to create a more valuable educational framework within a rapidly evolving environment.

Dr. Booker emphasized that credentials are vital tools for learners, enabling them to communicate their capabilities and experiences effectively amidst an ongoing transformation in the education and workforce ecosystem. “As higher education continues to adapt,” said Booker, “this is an opportune moment to reflect on successful strategies, identify shortcomings, and prioritize areas that will significantly benefit adult learners. Our goal is to maximize the value and return on investment from education.”

The Data Summit, organized by the Postsecondary Electronic Standards Council (PESC), is designed to unite educational institutions, industry partners, and organizations around common challenges and aspirations regarding educational data. This year, the summit served to advance dialogue about institutional practices that can nurture innovation while enhancing lifelong learning opportunities.

“The Data Summit enhances collaboration among various stakeholders,” Halpern remarked. “It creates clear pathways to strengthen data-sharing practices and propel innovation, directly benefiting learners across multiple disciplines.” Halpern’s involvement in the summit underscores the University of Phoenix’s dedication to initiatives that elevate the learner experience through effective data practices.

In addition to their roles at the summit, both Booker and Halpern are prominent figures within the University of Phoenix leadership team, which regularly shares insights and expertise at national conferences such as the AACRAO Annual Meeting and SXSW EDU Conference. These engagements reflect the University’s ongoing pursuit of innovation and thought leadership in the higher education sector, driving valuable collaborations aimed at shaping the future of learning.

Furthermore, as a Bronze sponsor of the October 2026 Data Summit, the University of Phoenix demonstrated its tangible commitment to the event's mission—bridging leaders in higher education, technology, and policy to collectively address data standards and advancements.

About the University of Phoenix:
Founded to cater to the unique needs of working adults, the University of Phoenix leverages flexible online learning to help students advance their careers and develop relevant skills in a dynamic world. The institution’s academic programs emphasize skills-mapped curricula, practical online courses, and robust Career Services for Life®, providing resources and guidance to aid students in their professional journeys. To learn more about the University’s offerings, visit phoenix.edu.