We examine several aspects of AI integration in teaching and learning, including digital learning and policy making. Discover examples, tools, and resources showcasing AI’s potential to transform how the healthcare workforce is prepared.
Panel 1: AI in Higher Education and Healthcare Workforce Preparation
Dr. Warner-Sanchez serves as AVC of the Teaching and Learning Excellence Division (TLED) and provides direct administrative oversight of instructional services that support the academic success of students. She oversees Academic Technology, Curriculum Management, Experiential Learning, Transfer Articulation, Library Services, Faculty Development & Evaluation, and Faculty Communication.
She has more than 35 years of experience in higher education at public and private colleges and universities around the country.
Some key initiatives at ACC include leading work on development of Guided Pathways Program Maps, the Statewide INRW grant initiative, spearheading Credit for Prior Learning, initiating Strategic Scheduling efforts, and designing an online student orientation with significant persistence rate increases, particularly for African-American (38.3% higher) and Hispanic Males (23.7% higher), enabling ACC to reach their first ATD Leader College Status designation.
Dr. Warner-Sanchez has a Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction from UT Austin, a M.S. in Career & Human Resource Development and instructional Technology from the Rochester Institute of Technology, and a B.A. in Liberal Arts, International Studies, from Virginia Wesleyan College. She speaks fluent Spanish.
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Michelle Singh, Ph.D.
Assistant Commissioner, Digital Learning
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Kate Williams, DNP, RN, NPD-BC, NEA-BC
Regional Director Nursing Professional Development & Practice
Central Texas Region
Baylor Scott & White, Temple, Texas
Panel 2: AI Trends in Healthcare
We will present various applications of AI in the healthcare sector, examining its potential to revolutionize patient care and healthcare data systems. We will also explore the potential role of AI in augmenting the healthcare workforce.
Moderator
Beth Vaughn DNP, RN, NEA-BC, CNML
Division Assistant Vice President of Academic Partnerships for Central and West Texas
HCA Healthcare
Beth Vaughn is a dedicated healthcare leader with a passion for nursing education and professional development. She has a background in cardiovascular and neurocritical care, palliative care, and cardiac rehabilitation. Beth earned her Doctorate of Nursing from Capella University in 2018 and has served in progressive leadership roles within HCA Healthcare since 2014.
Beth’s dedication to nursing excellence has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Circle of Excellence award from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, Excellence in Nursing Award from DMagazine, and awarded a spot as one of Dallas/Fort Worth’s Great 100 Nurses.
In her current role as Central and West Texas Division Assistant Vice President of Academic Partnerships, Beth is focused on enhancing the student clinical rotation experience and improving learning opportunities for nursing and allied health students. She actively collaborates with various academic institutions and organizations, including Texas Workforce Solutions, independent school districts, Capital IDEA, and Project ARRIBA, to create pathways, internships, and opportunities for K-12 students focusing on underserved populations.
Beth is committed to inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals and contributing to a brighter future for the healthcare industry.
Madan Gopal, Ph.D.
Interim Chief Technology Officer (Interim CTO)
Texas Health and Human Services
Toni Swinton, DNP, RNC, NPD-BC, FAWHONN
Division Vice President of Clinical Education for Central and West Texas
HCA Healthcare
Division Vice President of Clinical Education for Central and West Texas
HCA Healthcare
Panel 3: AI for Social Good
We will explore ethical considerations, societal concerns, and the potential benefits and unintended consequences of AI. Join us for an engaging discussion on the promise and pitfalls of AI in creating a better future for all.
Moderator
Nina Almasy, DNP, RN
Associate Vice Chancellor, Health Sciences
Austin Community College
Nina Almasy is the Associate Vice Chancellor of Health Sciences at Austin Community College, overseeing its nationally accredited Health Science programs and the Health Science Academy. With over 30 years of experience in nursing, Dr. Almasy has been instrumental in ACC since 2003, previously serving as Health Sciences Dean and Professional Nursing Department Chair. She holds a Baccalaureate degree in nursing from Ahwaz Medical Sciences University, Iran, and earned her Master’s and Doctorate in Nursing Practice from the University of Texas at Austin, School of Nursing.
Dr. Almasy’s leadership extends beyond ACC; she was appointed by the Governor to the Texas Board of Nursing from 2012 to 2019 and is a recipient of the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Teaching Excellence award. She currently serves on the Leadership Council of the Central Texas Healthcare Partnership and the Board of South Austin Medical Center, influencing the regional healthcare workforce landscape.
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Sherri Greenburg, M.S.
Assistant Dean for State and Local Engagement
LBJ School of Public Affairs – UT Austin
AI Tools and Resources: An Interactive Showcase
Stephanie Bogdanich’s journey in higher education began at the Evergreen State College, where she embraced interdisciplinary learning and experiential learning in community-based programs. With a background in film production and cognitive psychology, she discovered her passion for educational technology, leading her to a diverse career that includes educational technology, blogging, online community organizing, and even taco science. Armed with an MS in Learning Technologies from the University of North Texas, Stephanie focuses on making learning more engaging and effective.
She has pioneered AI integration at ACC by creating the TLED webpage, designing the AI Fundamentals microcredential, and leading the AI Course Redesign Fellowship, while also teaching workshops and presenting at NISOD to help educators harness AI’s potential.
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