University of Phoenix associate dean to present AI literacy framework implementation at AAC&U Conference on AI and Higher Education

Conference presentation highlights how four institutions are implementing the Digital Education Council AI Literacy Framework across diverse academic environments

PHOENIX, Oct. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- University of Phoenix Associate Dean, College of General Studies, Susan Hadley, Ph.D., will present with education leaders from Boise State University, Johns Hopkins University and the Medical University of South Carolina at the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) Conference on AI and Higher Education, Oct. 28-30 in Atlanta, Georgia about how their institutions are implementing the Digital Education Council AI Literacy Framework.

Cross-institution collaboration on AI literacy

The presentation, "One Framework, Four Missions: Implementing the Digital Education Council's AI Literacy Framework Across Diverse Institutions," will share how four institutions that participated in AAC&U's 2025-2026 Institute on AI, Pedagogy, and the Curriculum have implemented the Digital Education Council AI Literacy Framework within their academic environments.

The AAC&U Conference on AI and Higher Education convenes higher education leaders to examine evidence-based approaches to responsible artificial intelligence adoption and institutional strategy.

University of Phoenix approach to AI integration

Dr. Hadley's portion of the presentation will highlight how work accomplished as a part of AAC&U's Institute on AI, Pedagogy, and the Curriculum contributed to broader institutional adoption of the framework. She will also discuss how the University uses the framework to guide AI skills integration across programs and courses, with aligned approaches to assessment of 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," said Hadley. "This presentation provides an opportunity to share our approach, lessons learned, and next steps as we continue intentionally embedding AI literacy across the student learning experience."

University of Phoenix has adopted a comprehensive approach to artificial intelligence that spans curriculum, student support and institutional operations. As part of its academic AI framework, the University is embedding AI skills into academic programs, providing students with opportunities to build AI literacy, expanding AI-enabled learning support resources, and promoting responsible and ethical AI use. The approach is designed to help working adult learners develop practical AI skills that align with evolving workforce needs.

About Susan Hadley, Ph.D.

As Associate Dean for the College of General Studies at University of Phoenix, Hadley oversees the Bachelor of Arts in English degree program and the non-STEM general education catalog, including first-year student experience courses. She has more than 20 years of experience in higher education, serving in dean-level leadership roles, as a faculty member across degree levels, and as a consultant to colleges and universities on academic program structure and design, accreditation, and academic policies and procedures. Hadley earned a doctorate in psychology from Saybrook University, a Master of Arts in English from Emporia State University, a Bachelor of Arts in English from Hastings College, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Bellevue University.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix is Built for Real Life. 50 Years Strong. The University innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world through flexible online learning, relevant courses, academic AI pillars, and skills-mapped curriculum for associate, bachelor's and master's degree programs. Active students and alumni have access to Career Services for Life® resources including career guidance and tools. For more information, visit phoenix.edu.

SOURCE University of Phoenix