Regular and Substantive Interaction: Context, Future, and Advice

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.

Melissa Haberman

Director of Financial Aid, UW Flexible Option, University of Wisconsin-Extension

Laura Pedrick

Executive Director, UWM Online, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee

Laura Pedrick oversees UWM’s online and blended programs. She co-chairs the Online Program Council, facilitates new program development, partners with the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning staff to promote high-quality online learning experiences, and collaborates on marketing and student recruitment for this growing segment of UWM’s student population. Laura leads the University’s self-funded Online Growth Initiative. She is also the campus lead for UWM’s participation in the UW Flex Option, which offers 7 competency-based online programs. Her additional projects include microcredential development and the incorporation of prior learning assessment into the curriculum.

Amanda Sharp

Online Instruction Manager, National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA)

Russ Poulin

Executive Director, WCET & Vice President for Technology-Enhanced Education, WICHE

303-541-0305rpoulin@wiche.edu

LinkedIn Profile

Russ Poulin is the executive director for WCET. He directs the team’s work in supporting the efforts of postsecondary institutions from all 50 states with a focus on the policy and practice of digital learning. He is a highly sought-after expert and leader regarding policy issues for distance education and on-campus uses of educational technologies. As WICHE vice president for technology-enhanced education, he advises on policy and projects for the regional higher education compact. Russ’s commitment to the field is continually noted, and he was honored to have represented the distance education community on federal negotiated rulemaking committees and subcommittees. Russ has received recognition from the Online Learning Consortium (OLC), the Presidents’ Forum, Excelsior College, and the National University Technology Network (NUTN) for his contributions to postsecondary digital education and educational policy.

Russ received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado Denver and holds a master’s degree from the University of Northern Colorado. For no discernible reason, Russ also writes movie reviews for WCET members. As a movie enthusiast, Russ is most fascinated with characters and plots that surprise him. In addition, Russ is a recovering trivia guy who is also partial to cats and to his wife, Laurie.