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.