University of Phoenix Leadership Present at National Conference

Dr. Alisa Fleming and Chandra Shepherd Share Best Practices for Inclusive Curriculum Review at the 2024 AAUA Conference

University of Phoenix is pleased to share that Director of Institutional Assessment Dr. Alisa Fleming and College of Education Program Chair Chandra Shepherd joined the proceedings of the 2024 American Association of University Administrators (AAUA) Conference with a presentation focused on inclusive curriculum review. The presentation, titled "Taking Flight: Piloting an Inclusive Curriculum Review in Higher Education,” examined the ways in which higher education institutions can ensure that the student learning experience reflects the varied perspectives and experiences of all learners.

“We are thrilled to represent University of Phoenix at AAUA and share our innovative approach to the inclusive curriculum review,” shares Dr. Fleming. “By implementing curricula that are accessible and reflective of our diverse student body, we can create equitable learning environments that honor and respect the unique backgrounds and experiences of all our students.”

Drawing upon best practices and lessons learned from an innovative University of Phoenix pilot, the session provided insights into the process of designing, testing, and evaluating an inclusive curriculum review at a higher education institution.

“University of Phoenix’s College of Education strives to equip future educators with the tools and understanding necessary to embrace and celebrate diversity in their classrooms,” states Shepherd. “By intentionally embedding diverse perspectives into our curriculum, we prepare our students to create learning environments where every individual feels valued and empowered to succeed.”

The AAUA Conference brings together education leaders and administrative personnel from all disciplines and institutional types with colleagues, thought leaders and other experts to focus on the opportunities and challenges facing higher education today. The event features inspiring and insightful plenaries, breakout sessions, and roundtable discussions.

Dr. Fleming is an academic leader with experience in higher education administration, business, consulting, and teaching. As Director of Institutional Assessment, she sets the direction for institutional-wide assessment efforts and those that extend beyond academics, including the administration of major surveys, the gathering, reporting, and dissemination of data, and engagement of stakeholders to uphold a culture of evidence and continuous improvement.

Dr. Fleming has served on boards for the Kyrene Foundation and the Association for Talent Development, Valley of the Sun Chapter. She is the 2022 recipient of the Phoenix500 faculty award and is a 2019 recipient of the Achieving My Purpose Celebration of Women Award.

Fleming earned a Ph.D. in Business with a specialization in Organizational Leadership from Northcentral University and holds a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the workplace certificate from the University of South Florida. Her research interests include leadership, ethics, diversity, belonging and employee behaviors that contribute to a healthy workplace culture. She is the co-author of a series of white papers on belonging from the perspective of students, staff, faculty and community. Recently featured on the AAUA podcast, “The Next Frontier – Reimagining Higher Education,” Dr. Fleming serves as AAUA board member and is part of a team launching a mentoring program for emerging leaders in higher education. Her passion for developing and inspiring others to action has led to service roles in her organization and outreach within nonprofits and youth-based organizations in her local community.

With nearly two decades of experience as a dedicated higher education administrator, Shepherd serves as a Program Chair in the College of Education. In this role, she oversees faculty development, curriculum support, faculty council management, and elements of academic quality. She also plays a key role in accreditation processes and builds partnerships with local schools and community organizations to enhance educational opportunities.

Shepherd holds a master’s degree in educational counseling (MAED) from University of Phoenix and is passionately committed to community enrichment and DEIB initiatives, fostering an environment conducive to growth and innovation. Her dedication extends beyond higher education; she actively participates in programs that support child and adolescent development and serves on the board of the Odell Recreation Sports Association. Drawing from her background in K-12 education, she brings valuable insights to her work.

In addition to her administrative duties, Shepherd has developed short burst learning courses for virtual education and DEIB course videos centered on courageous conversations. She also acts as a committee Chair within the university-wide Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Council. Balancing her roles as a devoted wife and nurturing mother, she infuses empathy into every aspect of her professional journey. A steadfast advocate for lifelong learning, she champions inclusive and accessible education for all. Guided by a deep commitment to equity, her mission is to empower individuals to achieve their highest potential through the transformative power of education.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, skills-mapped curriculum for our bachelor’s and master’s degree programs and a Career Services for Life® commitment help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit phoenix.edu/blog.html.

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