University of Illinois System

University of Illinois System Data Summit

You are the bridge to the future.

Objective:

The University of Illinois System Data Summit is a one-day, in-person-preferred conference bringing together faculty and staff from across the university system to explore how data can be used to drive strategic impact and operational excellence in higher education.

Aligned with the University of Illinois System’s vision for data strategy, to inform decision-making, empower strategic initiatives, and enhance experiences across the university community, the summit will highlight how data is being used to improve access, support student success, and guide innovation in teaching, research, and operations.

The program features a keynote address on linking data strategy to institutional outcomes, panel discussions with university data leaders, and breakout sessions across two tracks: Data Strategy and Innovative Uses of Data. Sessions will focus on topics such as data literacy, governance, and practical examples of how campuses are using tools and technologies to turn data into actionable insight.

Select portions of the event, including the keynote, panel discussions, and closing remarks, will be livestreamed for limited virtual participation.

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Event Details

Date: Monday, October 13, 2025

Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
(Optional social networking from 3:15 to 5 p.m.)

Location: Cisco Systems Building
Downtown Chicago (The Old Post Office)
Floor 2
433 W. Van Buren St.
Chicago, IL 60607

2025 UI System Data Summit: You Are the Bridge to the Future

Opening Remarks

Time: 10:00 - 10:20 a.m.

Speakers:

Nick Jones, Executive Vice President and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Dimuthu Tilakaratne, Chief Data Analytics Officer

Matt Riley, Associate Vice Chancellor, UIC

Josephine Volpe, Associate Vice Provost for Advisory Development, UIC

Linking Data Strategy to Institutional Success

Time: 10:20 - 11:00 a.m.

Speaker: John Ladley

Data Strategy Overview and Handoff Sessions

Time: 11:00 - 11:15 a.m.

Speakers:

Dimuthu Tilakaratne, Chief Data

Analytics Officer

Matt Riley, Associate Vice Chancellor, UIC

Kelly Block

Senior Associate Vice President and Chief Information Officer, AITS

Session: Data Strategy

Time: 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Topic: Data Literacy - "What do you know about Data Literacy?"

Speakers:

Thomas Warfield, Executive Director Institutional Research, UIC

Michelle Gribbins, Associate Provost Institutional Research & Effectiveness, UIS

Amy Edwards, Associate Provost & Director of DMI, UIUC

Dimuthu Tilakaratne, Chief Data Analytics Officer

Session: Innovative Uses of Data

Time: 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Topic: Student Data Model

Speakers:

Josephine Volpe, Associate Vice Provost for Advisory Development, UIC -Student Data Group

Panel

Chris Tidrick, Senior Director Information Technology - Gies Analytics

Birds of a Feather Lunch

Time: 12:15 - 1:00 p.m.

Initial and Long Term Goals of CDAO Role & Field Questions: Dimuthu Tilakaratne, Chief Data Analytics Officer, System Office

Open Questions around Data Strategy: Kelly Block, Senior Associate Vice President & CIO, System Office

Open Questions around Data Strategy: Matt Riley, Associate Vice Chancellor, UIC

Student Data Group: Thomas Warfield, Executive Director Institutional Research, UIC

Student Data Group: Amy Edwards, Associate Provost & Director of DMI, UIUC

Security: Kim Milford, Chief Information Security Officer, UIUC

Privacy: Shefali Mookencherry, Chief Privacy Officer Information Security Office, UIC

Data Classification/AI: Joe Barnes, Chief Digital Risk Officer, System Office

Panel “What Does a Data Strategy Mean to You?”

Time: 1:00 - 1:30 p.m.

Moderator: Mairéad Martin, Vice Provost Information Technology & CIO, UIUC

Panelists:

Katerine Chavall – UIC – great data resources at universities

Roy Campbell – Professor Emeritus, UIUC

Ken Kriz- District Professor, UIS

Vicki Cook, Vice Chancellor Enrollment & Retention Management, UIS

Karen Greenwalt, Assistant Vice President for Budget and Business Operations, System Office

Session: Data Strategy

Time: 1:45 - 2:30 p.m.

Topic: Data Strategy and Governance

Speaker: Dimuthu Tilakaratne, Chief Data Analytics Officer

Session: Innovative Uses of Data

Time: 1:45 - 2:30 p.m.

Topic: College Examples

Speakers: To be announced

Closing Remarks

Time: 2:45 - 3:00 p.m.

Speaker: Chancellor Miranda, UIC

Social Networking

Time: 3:15 - 5:00 p.m.