WICHE selects Dr. Van Davis as WCET’s Executive Director and WICHE’s Vice President, Digital Learning

A renowned national leader in artificial intelligence research and policy development, Davis brings more than 25 years of experience in higher education working to shape the future of digital learning

BOULDER, Colorado – After a national search, Dr. Van Davis has been selected as the new executive director of WCET – WICHE Cooperative for Educational Technologies and vice president, digital learning, at the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE).

Davis steps into the role at a time when the possibilities of digital learning continue to expand in a post-pandemic landscape, as policymakers and practitioners explore what technology can do to support educators and students alike. His first day will be January 1, 2025, succeeding Russ Poulin, who is retiring after 30 years of service to WCET at the end of this year.

“Our work in driving innovations in both policy and practice is in excellent hands with Dr. Van Davis at the helm,” said WICHE President Demarée Michelau. “Among a strong pool of highly qualified candidates, Dr. Davis stood out as the clear choice to lead WCET into the future with more than 25 years of experience in numerous higher education roles. Please join me in congratulating Dr. Davis on this next step of his career and wishing Russ Poulin the best in his retirement.”

WCET is the leader in the policy, practice, and advocacy of digital learning in higher education, and its members include colleges, universities, higher education organizations, companies, and institutions across the United States and Canada. WICHE founded WCET in 1988 to integrate educational technology and distance learning into higher education institutions in the Western region.

In his new role, Davis will oversee all strategic and operational responsibilities of WCET’s membership, the State Authorization Network (SAN) that assists institutions with interstate compliance, and Every Learner Everywhere, which is focused on the use of digital learning for equitable outcomes. Recognized nationally for his expertise and leadership in artificial intelligence research and policy development, Davis joined WCET and WICHE in 2021. As WCET’s chief strategy officer he oversaw the organization’s work in strategy and planning, student and faculty inclusion efforts, and provided research and policy analysis support. While serving as director of innovation at the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Davis coordinated distance education, developed the state’s adult degree completion initiative, and coordinated the creation of the first competency-based baccalaureate degrees at public institutions.

“Throughout my career, I have long been drawn to efforts that support increasing access and success for students, and these are the same foundational values that drive the work of WCET and WICHE,” Davis said. “This is a transformational time for higher education, especially in digital learning. I am honored to have been entrusted with leading such a strong and capable team at WCET as we continue working to improve the lives of all students.”

Davis received his bachelor’s in history from Southwestern University and his master’s and doctorate in 20th century United States history with an emphasis on civil rights from Vanderbilt University. Prior to joining WCET and WICHE, Davis served as principal at Foghlam Consulting, associate vice president at Blackboard Inc., director of innovation at the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and a faculty member and academic administrator at several public and private universities with historically underrepresented student populations.