University of Phoenix Leaders Participate in 110th AACRAO Annual Meeting

Administrative leaders presented at event focused advancing knowledge of professionals engaged in higher education enrollment and academic services

PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Key leaders with University of Phoenix joined the proceedings of the 110^th American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) Annual Meeting, taking place March 30 – April 2, 2025, in Seattle, WA to deliver roundtable discussions and presentations on transfer credit, credit for prior learning, skills badging, and quality management. The annual event is intended for higher education professionals from a variety of disciplines, and offers hundreds of presentations, workshops, and panels featuring esteemed presenters from across the country.

“University of Phoenix is dedicated to fostering student success at every stage of the academic journey, especially as it relates to our registrar and admissions related services,” states Marc Booker, Ph.D., Vice Provost of Strategy at University of Phoenix. “Engaging with the AACRAO community to share best practices on academic transfer credit, digital credentials, credit for prior learning, and skills-based learning helps to advance the principles of learning mobility and support AACRAO’s signature initiative in this space.”

AACRAO is a non-profit, voluntary, professional association working to make higher education more responsive to learners. With a membership of more than 18,000 higher education professionals at approximately 2,300 institutions in more than 40 countries, collectively representing over 16.5 million enrolled learners, the association provides advocacy, research, and policy-based guidance and training to higher education professionals to smooth the path for learners at every stage of their journey.

Leaders from the University of Phoenix Academic Operations participated in the Annual Meeting proceedings, including the following:

• Marc Booker, Ph.D., Vice Provost of Strategy at University of Phoenix, and Deslie Ghiorzi, manager of admissions and evaluations, led the session “Transfer Articulation 101,” providing a basic overview of transfer and articulation requirements and delving into a broad discussion on relevant trending issues facing institutions today. Booker and Ghiorzi reviewed topics including general guidelines and principles for transfer, building effective articulation partnerships, and handling credit for prior learning.
• Devin Andrews, MBA, MAED, vice president, Office of Admissions & Evaluation at University of Phoenix co-led two roundtable discussions titled “Enhancing Student Success through Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) and Credit for Prior Learning (CPL),” and “Navigating Non-Traditional Credit Opportunities with Alternative Credit Providers,” which examined practical strategies for implementing and improving PLA and CPL programs and resources and tools to support use of non-traditional credit opportunities, respectively.
• Doris Savon, MBA, Vice Provost of Colleges, Curriculum and Assessment at University of Phoenix co-presented a panel discussion, “Digital Credentials: A Universe of Use Cases.” The panel explored diverse use cases for digital credentials across learning institutions, from traditional universities to online programs. Insights included how credentials can enhance student engagement, simplify transfer processes, facilitate employer recognition, and support lifelong learning.
• Monterey Sims, Director of Admissions and Evaluation at University of Phoenix participated in a roundtable discussion, “Improving Business Continuity Sending and/or Receiving Electronic Transcripts,” and co-presented the session “Connecting Institutions and Learners Through Interoperability Solutions.” The roundtable discussion focused on best practices for electronic transcripts while the presentation delved into Postsecondary Electronic Standards Council standards serve as a resource for AACRAO member institutions and the broader educational community.
• Joe Tate, senior director in the Registrar’s Office at University of Phoenix led a session titled “Employee Badges: Identifying, Enhancing, & Articulating Critical Skillsets.” The discussion focused on the breadth and depth of skills that registrar's office professionals need to be successful, which they develop during their tenure, and how skills badging can support employee development, and a systematic approach to quality management. Tate also presented a session titled “Risk-Based Quality Management in Registrar and Admission Offices” that promoted a systematic approach to quality management in higher education administrative departments.

Andrews, Booker, Savron, Sims and Tate are key members of University of Phoenix's dynamic leadership team, frequently invited to share their expertise at prestigious national conferences and events. In 2025, University leaders will participate in the ASU + GSV Summit, 1EdTech Learning Impact Conference, SXSW EDU Conference, and PESC Data Summit. These engagements underscore the University's commitment to innovation and thought leadership in higher education, providing valuable insights and fostering collaborations that drive the future of learning.

Learn more about the AACRAO 110th Annual Meeting here.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, skills-mapped curriculum for our bachelor’s and master’s degree programs and a Career Services for Life® commitment help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit phoenix.edu/blog.html.