University of Phoenix Associate Dean to Present AI Literacy Framework at AAC&U Conference

Susan Hadley, Ph.D., Associate Dean of the College of General Studies at the University of Phoenix, is scheduled to present at the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) Conference on AI and Higher Education in Atlanta, Georgia. The event runs from October 28 to October 30, 2026.

Dr. Hadley is appearing alongside education leaders from Boise State University, Johns Hopkins University, and the Medical University of South Carolina. The collaborative presentation is titled "One Framework, Four Missions: Implementing the Digital Education Council's AI Literacy Framework Across Diverse Institutions."

Focus on Cross-Institution AI Implementation

The panel highlights how four distinct academic institutions have put the Digital Education Council AI Literacy Framework into practice following their participation in the AAC&U's 2025-2026 Institute on AI, Pedagogy, and the Curriculum. The broader conference convenes higher education leaders to explore evidence-based strategies for responsible artificial intelligence adoption and institutional planning.

According to the announced details, Dr. Hadley's contribution to the session focuses on how participation in the AAC&U institute supported institutional adoption at the University of Phoenix. She will discuss how the framework informs AI skills integration across courses and programs, alongside aligned approaches for assessing student learning.

"At University of Phoenix, our work with the Digital Education Council AI Literacy Framework began by integrating foundational AI literacy skills into the Phoenix Success Series and has since helped inform a broader institutional approach to AI skills integration," Dr. Hadley stated in the announcement.

Institutional Approach and Background

The University of Phoenix reports that its AI integration spans curriculum, student support, and operations. Efforts include embedding AI skills into academic programs, expanding AI-enabled learning support resources, and promoting ethical AI usage tailored to working adult learners.

Dr. Hadley oversees the Bachelor of Arts in English degree program and the non-STEM general education catalog, which includes first-year student experience courses. With more than 20 years of higher education experience, her background includes dean-level roles, faculty positions across multiple degree levels, and consultancy work regarding academic program design and accreditation.

Practical Implications and Verification

What Is Confirmed

• Susan Hadley, Ph.D., is presenting at the AAC&U Conference on AI and Higher Education in Atlanta, Georgia.
• The presentation addresses the implementation of the Digital Education Council AI Literacy Framework across four institutions: University of Phoenix, Boise State University, Johns Hopkins University, and the Medical University of South Carolina.
• The institutions previously participated in the AAC&U's 2025-2026 Institute on AI, Pedagogy, and the Curriculum.

What Remains Unknown

• Specific operational details, long-term student outcomes, or proprietary metrics resulting from the framework's broader rollout beyond what was shared in the institutional summary are not detailed in the available text.

How to Verify

Readers can review the original announcement and track official conference details directly through the [PR Newswire Release](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/university-of-phoenix-associate-dean-to-present-ai-literacy-framework-implementation-at-aacu-conference-on-ai-and-higher-education-302924272.html) or visit the official [University of Phoenix website](https://www.phoenix.edu).