2025 Assessment Conference
Assessment in Higher Education: Translating Assessment to Success
Held on April 14-16th, 2025 at the Hilton UF Conference Center in Gainesville, FL.
In April 2025, the Assessment in Higher Education Annual Conference returned to an in-person format for the first time since 2019—bringing renewed energy, fresh perspectives, and a vibrant community of assessment professionals to Gainesville. Hosted by the Office of Accreditation, Assessment, and Curriculum, this year’s theme, Translating Assessment to Success, inspired a dynamic range of proposals and resulted in a robust slate of presentations including lightning talks, plenary and breakout sessions, panels, and meaningful opportunities for both formal and informal connection. Attendees included long-standing colleagues, new collaborators, and emerging voices in the field, all contributing to a rich dialogue around data, impact, and improvement.
Keynote speaker Dr. Allison Crume, Dean of Undergraduate Studies and Associate Vice President for Student Success at the University of South Florida, delivered a keynote speech on aligning the “why” of assessment—student success—with the “how”—data-informed practices that support learning. Her call to action emphasized the importance of defining and pursuing student success in all its forms.
Dr. Shaun Boren from UF’s Division of Student Life shared findings from his recently published study using machine learning to predict first-year retention. His research highlighted the positive influence of campus engagement, including residing on-campus, participating in Greek-life, and recreational sports.
A particularly memorable moment came with the surprise recognition of Dr. Timothy Brophy, founding director of the Office of Institutional Assessment. Colleagues reflected on his foundational work in the early 2010s, which continues to shape our institutional practices today.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the presenters listed below, whose contributions were central to the success of this year’s conference.
- Dr. Amanda Pacheco, University of Central Florida
- Dr. Amy Buechler-Steubing, University of Texas-San Antonio
- Dr. Annabelle Conroy, University of Central Florida
- Ms. Brandy Barksdale, University of Texas-San Antonio
- Ms. Carolyn Beamer, University of West Florida
- Dr. David Miller, University of Florida
- Dr. Devon Cadwell Bazata, University of Central Florida
- Mr. Joe Uong, University of Florida
- Dr. John Krigbaum, University of Florida
- Mr. Joshua Funderburke, Savannah College of Art and Design
- Ms. Kendall Kroger, University of Florida
- Dr. Lissette Tolentino, University of Florida
- Dr. Marshall Haning, University of Florida
- Mr. Nico Mora, University of Florida
- Dr. Robert G. Lee, Southeastern Theological Baptist University
- Ms. Sandra Taylor, University of West Florida
- Dr. Selman Hershfield, University of Florida
- Dr. Tara Oviedo, Savannah College of Art and Design
- Dr. Tobin Shorey, University of Florida
- Ms. Valarie Kite, Savannah College of Art and Design
- Dr. Aaron Thomas, University of Florida
- Dr. Carrie Wells, University of Florida
- Dr. Ana Riberio, University of Florida
- Dr. Michael Barber, University of Florida
- Dr. Andrea Barra, Emory University
- Dr. Christian Christensen, University of Florida
- Dr. Rebecca Gibbons, University of South Florida
- Dr. J.D Mosley-Matchett, InforMaven.AI
- Dr. Glenn Phillips, Watermark
- Dr. Claire Brady, Glass Half Full Consulting
- Dr. David DiSabito, Western New England University
- Dr. Gina Musolino, University of Florida
- Dr. Shakeel Ahmed, University of Florida
- Dr. Mark Bishop, University of Florida
- Dr. Ellu Li, University of Florida
- Dr. Shaun Boren, University of Florida
- Dr. Cathy Cavanaugh, University of Florida
- Dr. Taylor Bainter, University of Florida
Conference Presentations
Below are the presentations that were provided to our office:
Presented by:
Aaron Thomas, PhD
Principal Data Scientist and Associate in Data Platform and Analytics, UFIT
Presented by:
Ana Riberio, DDS, MS, PhD
Carrie Wells, EdD
College of Dentistry
Leveraging Navigator AI for Enhancing Ethical Reflection in Dental Education
Presented by:
Dr. Michael Barber
Assistant Director of Center for Teaching Excellence
AI-Powered Assessments: Creating Multiple Choice Magic with Best Practices
Presented by:
Andrea C. Barra, PhD
Director of Assessment, Emory University
Presented by:
Christian Christensen, PhD
UF/IFAS Extension Director of Business Intelligence
Saving Time & Empowering Impact: Florida Cooperative Extension's Vision for Mode
Presented by:
Rebecca Gibbons PhD
Assistant Director for Accreditation, Regulatory Compliance, and Assessment
Presented by:
J D Mosely-Matchett, PhD
Glenn Phillips, PhD
Claire Brady, EdD
David M DiSabito Jr, MBA
Using AI to Level the Playing Field in Assessment and Accreditation
Presented by:
Gina Maria Musolino, PT, DPT, EdD, MSEd
Shakeel Ahmed, PT, MPT, PhD
Mark D Bishop, PT, PhD, FAPTA
Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Competency-Based Assessment
Presented by:
Ellu Li
Assistant Director of Analytical Services
Dr. Shaun Boren
Director of Student Life Assessment and Research