2025 University of Illinois System Data Summit

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.

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 7
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.

Speaker:

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

Keynote: Managing Data Assets in Academia: 2025 and Beyond

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

Speaker: John Ladley

Description: This keynote will provide a critical overview of the current state of data management (DM) and data governance (DG) in academia, highlighting the fundamental distinctions between the two. John will explore key challenges specific to the academic environment, including issues related to enrollment, student persistence, and success, as well as the unique cultural and budgetary hurdles that often impede progress. John will conclude with a set of practical recommendations for establishing a successful data strategy, from easily implementable "quick wins" to more complex, long-term initiatives. Attendees will leave with ideas on how to support building a robust data foundation to support their institution's mission.

Data Strategy Overview

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

Speakers:

Matt Riley, Associate Vice Chancellor of Innovation and Chief Information Officer, UIC

Kelly Block, Senior Associate Vice President and Chief Information Officer, System Offices

Dimuthu Tilakaratne, Chief Data & Analytics Officer

Track: Data Strategy

Time:Time: 11:25 a.m. - 12:10 p.m.

Session: Data Analysis – Tools and Resources available for Data Analysis

Speakers:

Thomas Warfield, Executive Director Institutional Research, UIC

Michele Gribbins, Associate Provost Institutional Research & Effectiveness, UIS

Amy Edwards, Associate Provost & Director of DMI, UIUC

Rick Getty, Interim Director, Decision Support, System Offices

Sally Mikel, Director, Planning & Analysis, University Office for Planning & Budgeting, System Office

Track: Innovative Uses of Data

Time:Time: 11:25 a.m. - 12:10 p.m.

Session: Examples of Innovative Uses of Data from Different Areas of the Universities

Speakers:

Josephine Volpe, Executive Associate Vice Provost for Advising Development and Student Systems, UIC

Chris Tidrick, Senior Director of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer

Edwin Lee, Assistant Director Info Solutions, System Offices

Student Core Data Model

Collin Ruud, Associate Director of Data Strategy & Management

Gies Analytics

Birds of a Feather Lunch

Time: 12:10 – 12:55 p.m.

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

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

Open Questions around Data Strategy: Matt Riley, Associate Vice Chancellor of Innovation and Chief Information Officer, UIC

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

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

Security: Taylor Judd, Assistant Director, Cybersecurity Operations and Engineering, 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: 1:10 - 1:40 p.m.

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

Panelists:

Roy Campbell – Professor Emeritus, UIUC

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

Patricia Jones, Associate Vice Chancellor for Research & Innovation in Compliance, UIUC

Michele Gribbins, Associate Provost Institutional Research & Effectiveness, UIS

Mike Bennett, Associate Vice Chancellor for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Strategy, UIC

Track: Data Strategy

Time: 1:50 - 2:35 p.m.

Session: A Deeper Dive into Data Strategy

Speakers:

Shefali Mookencherry, Chief Privacy Officer Information Security Office, UIC

Hannah Christensen, Associate Director, Data and Technology Innovation, Office of the CIO - UIUC

Thomas Warfield, Executive Director Institutional Research, UIC

Dimuthu Tilakaratne, Chief Data & Analytics Officer

Track: Innovative Uses of Data

Time: 1:50 - 2:35 p.m.

Session: Examples of Innovative Uses of Data from Different Areas of the Universities

Speakers:

Michelle Gribbins, Associate Provost Institutional Research & Effectiveness, UIS

Amy Edwards, Associate Provost & Director of DMI, UIUC

Himanshu Sharma – Associate CIO Res Technology & Innovation, UIC

Closing Remarks

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

Speaker: Marie Lynn Miranda, Chancellor UIC

Networking

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