Schedule

CHECK-IN: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

LUNCH / VENDOR HALL: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM 

BREAK 2:00 PM - 2:15 PM

BREAKOUT SESSION 1

• Geek Sync: IT Champions and Department Heroes Unite! - Adrienne Howley, Veronica Duran, & ERP Team, Central Arizona College 

What happens when IT heroes and departmental experts join forces as one unified team? Game-changing innovation! Join our dynamic session as we reveal how our combined strengths and collaborative approach enable us to harness cutting-edge technologies and effectively tackle challenges together. Experience the powerful synergy driving Arizona's community colleges toward an innovative, connected, and thriving future!

• The Evolution of Fraud - Go from Defense to Offense by Using Identity Verification -  John VanWeeren, Voyatek, & Christi Noyes, Pima Community College 

Sophisticated admissions and financial aid fraud schemes threaten colleges nationwide. The nature and complexity of attacks have evolved quickly with advanced AI tools available to bad actors. Manual methods and simple rule-based tools no longer work to block fraudsters. To combat this crime and protect institutional reputation and resources, you must verify the person behind the computer. Learn how Pima Community College, long a leader in fighting fraud, has evolved from defensive to offensive techniques that prioritize identity verification. Learn best practices from identity verification experts. Stay ahead of the trends and tactics employed by fraudsters and provide the best protection against loss.

• From Visibility to Action: Operationalizing Cyber Risk Insights in Higher Education with FortifyData - Lorenso Trevino, Pima Community College & Eric Smith, FortifyData

As cyber threats continue to evolve, higher education institutions must move beyond surface-level assessments and static reports. This session will explore how Pima Community College is transforming its cybersecurity program by leveraging FortifyData’s platform to gain actionable risk intelligence. We’ll discuss how to prioritize threats based on contextual risk, integrate findings into strategic planning, and drive measurable improvements in cyber resilience. Attendees will gain insight into practical steps for operationalizing cyber risk data—bridging the gap between visibility and proactive response across complex, resource-constrained environments like community colleges.

• From Insights to Action: How Pima CC Plans to Capture the Student Voice to Improve Retention - Isaac Abbs, Pima Community College & Patrick Hertz, EdSights 

Community colleges are navigating new challenges in understanding and supporting today’s students. At Pima Community College, efforts are underway to explore innovative ways of listening—centering the Student Voice to uncover barriers like disengagement, basic needs insecurity, and academic uncertainty. This session will share how Pima is beginning to implement new technology and strategies to surface real-time insights and strengthen student support. Attendees will walk away with ideas on how similar approaches can lead to more timely, student-centered interventions across campus.

BREAK 3:15 PM - 3:30 PM

BREAKOUT SESSION 2

• Optimizing Device Lifecycle Management through ITAM Integration - Britt Boughan & Cornelius Bledsoe, Pima Community College 

This session will explore how PCC has redefined its device lifecycle process by centralizing asset management within our ITAM system. We'll highlight how custom attributes - such as lifecycle year and device role - have streamlined planning, ticketing, and procurement workflows across both administrative and academic environments. Attendees will learn how this approach has reduced redundant replacements, aligned budgeting with actual device usage, and set the foundation for future automation and cross-system integration.

• From Theory to Practice: Lessons Learned in Building a Practical Zero Trust Architecture in Higher Education - Lorenso Trevino, Scott McGowan, & Justin Kennelly, Pima Community College

Zero Trust is more than a buzzword - it's a strategic imperative! This session will walk through the real-world journey of designing and implementing a Zero Trust Network Architecture (ZTNA) at Pima Community College. We'll share lessons learned, including aligning Zero Trust principles with existing infrastructure, navigating resource constraints, and integrating identity, access, network segmentation, and endpoint controls across the diverse user base that is higher education. Attendees will gain actionable insights into the effectiveness of certain initiatives, how to prioritize early wins, and how to avoid common pitfalls when translating Zero Trust theory into operational security practice in higher education.

• Dynamic Student Checklist - Mike Burke, Pima Community College 

Pima implemented a Dynamic Student Checklist, which leverages data from our SIS to assign different groups of tasks/requirements to students. The tasks are displayed within categories (ie, Required, Informational, Optional, or Graduation) . The tasks are assigned a status that controls the Icon displayed for the task.  Each task type can be configured to display different instructional text and different URLs.  The system continues to monitor data changes in the SIS to make updates to the status of different tasks.  The system has given our students a central place to view tasks which can evolve with their journey through the lifecycle of a student.

• The Power of Purpose in IT Service and Support - Thomas Eastlack, Yavapai College

This presentation highlights how IT support is more than just fixing technical issues—it's about making a meaningful impact through empathy, teamwork, and a sense of mission. Drawing from personal experiences, Thomas will share tips for defusing difficult situations, managing frustration, and leaning on your team for creative solutions. Attendees will walk away with a renewed appreciation for IT support as a force for good, along with practical strategies to enhance team collaboration, find personal fulfillment, and transform everyday support tasks into opportunities to make a difference in users' lives—one ticket at a time.

RECEPTION AND DINNER 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Join us for a delightful Italian bistro dinner buffet with delicious desserts and cocktails! Enjoy lively DJ music, a fun photo booth, and exciting games. It will be a fantastic night you won't want to miss! 

BREAKOUT SESSION 3

• ERP Modernization Project at Yavapai College - Patrick Burns & Zach Moss, Yavapai College 

Yavapai College is currently in the middle of our move to the Banner SaaS platform as well as implementing several add-on products (CourseDog, StarRez, Axiom, Emburse, and ESM).  We will discuss the project, lessons learned to this point, and answer questions about the products and vendors.

• Empowering Institutional Success Through Innovation: XR Learning, Banner Excellence, and the Path to SaaS - Suresh Katamreddy, Kastech & Jack Satterfield, Pima Community College

Presenters will discuss innovative tools like Virtual and Augmented Reality (AVR) currently utilized by Pima Community College to drive Student Interaction and Success. Additionally, Kastech Presenters will discuss how moving to the Cloud (Specifically Banner SAAS) can help drive innovation and Employee Satisfaction. 

• Approaches to adopting AI at the community college level and what Central Arizona College is doing about it - Veronica Duran, Central Arizona College & Rebecca Whitehead, Anthology

Discuss what organizations and schools need to consider regarding AI. In this presentation, we will explore the concepts of responsible AI use, ethical AI oversight, AI literacy, and using AI to promote accessibility. We will additionally discuss data security, policy, and adaptability, and jump into the deep end of the AI pool.

• The Evolving Threat Landscape: What's Targeting Higher Ed in 2025 - Scott McGowan & Lorenso Trevino, Pima Community College 

The cybersecurity threat landscape is constantly evolving, and higher education institutions are increasingly in the crosshairs. This session will explore the latest cyber threats targeting community colleges in 2025, from script kiddies to advanced persistent threats. This session will cover topics including ransomware-as-a-service, phishing campaigns, and AI-driven attacks. We will discuss why colleges are considered high-value targets and how you can change that narrative. Attendees will gain insights into recent incidents in higher ed and what made these institutions vulnerable. Understand the landscape to understand how to defend against it. 

BREAK 9:45 AM - 10:00 AM

BREAKOUT SESSION 4

• Wireless Networks with HPE/Aruba Networks - Derek Tuttle, Eastern Arizona College 

A brief overview of current HPE Networks Products and services, and the experience Eastern Arizona College has had since switching to Aruba WIFI.

• The Power of Campus Collaboration: Centralized Portal Migration to Pathify - Anna Becker, Pima Community College & Max Nadler, Pathify 

Pima Community College revitalized its student portal by adopting Pathify to connect every part of the campus experience under a single pane of glass. Join us as we share how we successfully engaged the entire college community to quickly and strategically build a seamless digital ecosystem.

• How Pima Community College cut their mobile invoices in half - Marco Cimmino, & Alex Dukhovny, Intratem, Isaac Abbs, Pima Community College 

Case study on mobile cost optimization for Pima CC and the opportunity to save time and create efficiencies for IT operations.

• The Center for Learning and Innovation: How Yavapai College Designed for the Future with In-House IT Strategy - Ryan Gray, Dr. Richard Pierce, & Robyn Bryce, Yavapai College 

In 2024, Yavapai College began a full transformation of its Prescott campus library into the Center for Learning and Innovation — not just a renovation, but a rethinking of how physical space, instructional technology, and future-proof infrastructure come together. This session will walk through how an in-house IT strategy, led by the AV/IT and instructional teams, took charge of designing technology-rich, collaborative, and immersive learning environments without relying on outside integrators or consultants.

From embedded hybrid support spaces to 360° immersive projection environments and fast capture content studios, the facility is packed with new capabilities — but more importantly, it was intentionally staged for long-term sustainability and collaboration. You’ll learn how the team phased procurement to avoid early tech lock-in, designed infrastructure that anticipates future changes, and partnered with instructional staff every step of the way.

If you’re planning a classroom refresh, preparing for a bond-funded renovation, or just trying to build stronger relationships between IT, Facilities, and Academic Affairs — this session offers lessons, cautionary tales, and a fresh way to think about IT’s role in leading transformation on your campus.

BREAK 11:00 AM - 11:15 AM

BREAKOUT SESSION 5

• Anthology Birds of a Feather - Cameron Sanders, Thomas Thompson, & Michael Jacob, Central Arizona College 

This will be an information-sharing session for the Anthology clients, as many are still in the implementation stage.  We will share each of our experiences across our different organizations to help each other out, so please come armed with your questions to help the conversation along in this group sharing style session.

• Consolidating your Student Services Tech Stack - Isaac Abbs, Pima Community College, Travis Prince, & Brent Reid, ConexED

Isaac Abbs will share Pima Community College District’s journey to modernizing student services, including the challenges they faced and the process behind selecting ConexED as their solution. Travis Prince will follow with insights on the impact ConexED has on driving stronger engagement and retention outcomes for all students.

• PCC's AI Integration So Far - Joe Boehm, Pima Community College 

A description of the tech, policy, and support moves Pima has made over the past 1+ years to make the most of opportunities and manage risks associated with AI.

• Student Drop for Non-Payment - Stephen Chambers, Pima Community College

This presentation will cover the Student Drop for Non-Payment process, but it will also highlight the use of softcoding, how to maximize flexibility by softcoding parameter data, and the Page Builder Application.

BREAK 2:30 PM - 2:45 PM