This year, I had the opportunity to host the 2026 ITC eLearning Conference, an experience that marked both a professional milestone and a moment of reflection on the evolving landscape of distance education.
My involvement with the Instructional Technology Council (ITC) began in 2009, at a time when I was launching my career in instructional design. Over the years, ITC has remained a constant, serving not only as a professional home but also as a catalyst for innovation, collaboration, and leadership development in online and hybrid learning. It also provided me with an opportunity to develop my own community of tech-focused colleagues who grew into a second family.
Today, I have the privilege of serving on the Board of Directors for ITC, the only council within the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) solely dedicated to advancing distance education. In that role, the work is clear: support institutions, elevate practice, and help shape the future of teaching and learning through technology.
Delivering a National Conference with Measurable Impact
This year’s conference brought together 139 attendees and 10 educational technology sponsors, representing institutions and organizations committed to improving student outcomes through innovation.
From an operational perspective, my goals were straightforward:
- Create an environment for meaningful knowledge exchange
- Showcase practical, scalable approaches to emerging technologies
- Reinforce the role of community colleges as leaders in accessible, high-quality online education
The program delivered on those objectives.
Keynotes and sessions explored the evolving role of artificial intelligence in higher education, balancing inspiration with practical application. From forward-looking discussions on the student experience to concrete examples of integrating AI into curriculum design, the conference emphasized actionable insights over abstract theory.
One standout moment included a live debate between a higher education leader and an AI chatbot, illustrating both the opportunities and tensions that institutions must navigate. These types of experiences are critical, not just for engagement but for helping leaders think differently about implementation, policy, and pedagogy.
Leadership, Legacy, and Community
Beyond the sessions and logistics, what continues to define ITC is its community.
A significant moment during the conference was the recognition of a long-standing leader in distance education with a lifetime achievement award. This served as a reminder that the progress we see today is built on decades of commitment, advocacy, and innovation.
At the same time, the community paused to reflect on the loss of a respected colleague and mentor whose influence helped shape many of the careers and programs represented at the conference. These moments reinforce an important truth: while technology evolves rapidly, the relationships and shared purpose within this field remain foundational.
Operational Leadership at Scale
Hosting a national conference of this scope requires more than vision. It demands execution.
This was a true team effort, supported by a highly engaged board, strong institutional partnerships, and a dedicated operational team. As a board member, this experience reinforced several key leadership principles:
- Clarity of purpose drives alignment. When the mission is well-defined, decision-making becomes more efficient across teams.
- Execution matters as much as strategy. A strong vision must be paired with disciplined planning and follow-through.
- Distributed leadership is essential. High-performing teams rely on shared ownership, not centralized control.
Equally important was the broader milestone of returning the conference to a community college campus setting. This was a deliberate decision that reflects ITC’s commitment to accessibility, relevance, and grounding innovation in the environments where students are served every day.
Looking Ahead
The past few days brought a mix of emotions: pride in what was accomplished, reflection on the people who shaped this work, and a clear sense of responsibility for what comes next.
Distance education is not a supplement to higher education. It is central to institutional strategy, student access, and workforce alignment. Organizations like ITC play a critical role in ensuring that innovation is not only explored, but implemented effectively and equitably.
For those of us serving in fractional or strategic leadership roles, the takeaway is clear:
Impact is not defined by title or proximity, but by the ability to influence systems, align stakeholders, and deliver measurable outcomes.
That work continues.
For now, a brief pause to recharge before turning focus back to the next set of opportunities to lead, support, and scale innovation in teaching and learning.