VLC Summit
Innovate. Connect. Lead.
Save The Date
June 15 – 17, 2027
Granstone Conference Center
While we prepare for next year, you can review and download the presentation materials from this year’s speakers below.
2026 Summit Presentations
Building Your Academic Brand
Dr. Dustin York, National Keynote Speaker & Consultant Specializing in Strategic Communications; Tenured Professor at Maryville University
This high-energy keynote helps college leaders transform their expertise into a powerful public voice that drives program growth. Refine college, department, and personal brand to ensure discoverability and elevate school reputation.
The AI Force Multiplier: A Case Study in Rapid Course Development with Limited Resources
Izzy Lara, Senior Manager, Onboarding & Adoption
This case study shares reproducible workflows for drafting technical walkthroughs and HSP activities, providing a blueprint for scaling course development without sacrificing pedagogical quality in resource-constrained environments.
The Efficiency Edge: Rethinking the Integrity Review Process
Brett Perlman, Regional Sales Director; Ben Mayfield, Senior Sales Engineer
Is it possible to protect academic integrity without sacrificing your most valuable resource-time? Discover how to challenge the misconception that maintaining integrity requires reviewing hours of exam footage. Learn best practices for streamlining reviews to save time while maintaining rigorous standards.
Beyond the Deadline: The Future of Digital Accessibility in Higher Education
Dr. Judith Risch, Principal, Judith Risch Advisory Services LLC, Digital Accessibility Consulting
This session explores the current state of digital accessibility, including the impact of ongoing federal review processes, shifting enforcement expectations, and emerging best practices across colleges and universities.
Creating a College Wide Accessibility Plan
Cheryl Fulghum, Director, Instructional Design and Online Learning; Ron Harris, Accessibility Technologist; Brittany McLeod, Disability Services Office; Morgan Steele, Director of Web and Creative Strategy
The committee will go over their recommendations for creating an effective and sustainable accessibility plan for colleges. This presentation will include tips and a procedure for creating a plan that will scale to any college.
Faculty Guide to Generative AI: Classroom Management, Acadcemic Integrity, and Instructional Best Practices
Kathy Davis, Associate Vice President, Distance Learning Technologies, Programs and Student Services, North Carolina Community College System Office; Dr. Candace Holder, Director of VLC Quality and Assessment Center; Senior Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs
Building Curiosity Around Digital Transformation
Dr. Dustin York, National Keynote Speaker & Consultant Specializing in Strategic Communications; Tenured Professor at Maryville University
In an era of rapid digital evolution, the most valuable asset a college possesses isn’t its hardware, but its collective hunger for “why” and “what if.” Move beyond the “how-to” of technology to ignite the “want-to” of academic potential.
Where Learning Meets Labor Market Demand: Credentials, Access, and Regional Impact
Preston Roseboro, Piedmont-Triad Regional Impact Manager, myFutureNC
This session explores North Carolina’s progress toward the goal of 2 million residents ages 25-44 holding a college degree or industry-valued credential. We’ll highlight how regions are aligning education with workforce demand to expand access and strengthen local economies.
Transforming Student Support: How Encoura Help Desk and One Stop Strengthen Enrollment & Retention Through the NCCCS Canvas Transition
Jason Miller, Strategic Consulting Director; Kemaro Townsend, Regional Sales Manager
A platform-agnostic, student-centered support service designed to directly drive student enrollment, retention, and persistence — including in online and distance learning environments.
Launching Open Educational Resources (OER) Campus-wide: A Strategic Framework
Angie Adams, Dean of Arts & Sciences; Angela Davis, Librarian; Dana Glauner, Director of Library Services; Alan Unsworth, Dean of Instructional Support; Charles Wiggins, Director of Library Services
In this presentation, participants will be given a framework for adopting Open Educational Resources on their campus. This is a scalable framework that will work for any size college.
Supercharge Your Canvas Courses with H5P!
Trond Skeie, Director of Customer Success
Discover how easy it is to create interactive learning experiences using H5P within Canvas. This session will show how H5P can seamlessly integrate, build engaging content, accelerate the creation process, and help migrate content.
Building a Culture of Quality with the VLC
Colleen Galan, Director, VLC Technology Center
Quality online learning requires more than a single workshop. This session highlights how faculty are engaging in Quality Matters certification pathways and how these efforts strengthen a shared, sustainable culture of quality.
Exploring Online Learning: Data Trends, Dashboards, and Online Completers
Dr. Bill Schneider, Vice President of System Effectiveness; Dr. Emily Smail, Director of Research and Evaluation; Elizabeth Stoddard, Director, Analytics & Reporting; North Carolina Community College System
Session participants will begin by exploring dashboards focused on course outcomes, with a spotlight on analyzing online learning data. While online course performance is generally lower than that of traditional courses, previous findings suggest that students who complete credentials online may experience distinct benefits.
State Authorization Professional Licensure and Certification Student Notifications Made Easy
Clarke Burleson, Coordinator of Technology-Enhanced Learning, Isothermal Community College; Amanda Carter, Director of Distance Education, Central Carolina Community College; Jerrie Cooper, Coordinator of Division Services Workforce, Technologies, & Community Education, Surry Community College, Analytics & Reporting; Michael Ward, Registrar, Wilkes Community College
Learn exactly how to notify curriculum and workforce continuing education students before they pay for a professional licensure or certification course. Attendees will also receive an updated State Authorization Handbook.
Start Your State Authorization Journey Today: Navigate Approval with Confidence
Clarke Burleson, Coordinator of Technology-Enhanced Learning, Isothermal Community College; Amanda Carter, Director of Distance Education, Central Carolina Community College; Jerrie Cooper, Coordinator of Division Services Workforce, Technologies, & Community Education, Surry Community College, Analytics & Reporting; Michael Ward, Registrar, Wilkes Community College
Join the NCCCS VLC State Authorization Team for an engaging, step‑by‑step walkthrough of the state authorization application process—from start to submission. Attendees will leave confident and equipped with an updated State Authorization Handbook.
Exploring Workforce Pathways and More: Expanding Opportunities from the VLC
Kathy Davis, Vice President, Distance Learning Technologies, Programs and Student Services, North Carolina Community College System Office; Dr. Candace Holder, VLC Director, Quality & Assessment Center
Discover how VLC’s online workforce courses create affordable, efficient pathways to in demand credentials and career advancement. Participants will also preview new Workforce Continuing Education and Curriculum courses.
Canvas – Ignite AI
Maggie Huffaker, Lead, Customer Success, Instructure
Making AI work for education. More efficient educators. More effective institutions. More successful learners.
Canvas – Support
Maggie Huffaker, Lead, Customer Success, Instructure
Breakout session on Canvas Support and Resources.
Simple Syllabus at NCCCS
Gina McArthur, Executive Vice President
Over 550 institutions, including 14 in the NCCCS, use Simple Syllabus to streamline syllabus creation. It seamlessly integrates with Canvas and is Title II ADA compliant, saves time, enhances learning, and meets accreditation standards.
Canvas – Roadmap
Maggie Huffaker, Lead, Customer Success, Instructure
Breakout session on Canvas Roadmap and Product Development.