Advancing Educational Innovation: St. John’s University Hosts ELEVATE EDU Conference

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
 

CONTACT: 
Aliya E. Holmes, Ph.D., Associate Dean for Innovation and Partnership
[email protected]

(QUEENS, NY, July 8, 2026) —The School of Education at St. John’s University welcomed educators, researchers, and industry leaders to the ELEVATE EDU Interactive Conference, a dynamic, one-day event focused on the transformative impact of artificial intelligence and digital learning in education.

Held on June 22 at the D’Angelo Center on the University’s Queens, NY, campus, the conference brought together a diverse community committed to reimagining the future of teaching and learning through innovation. Centered on the theme “Reimagining the Future of Education Through Artificial Intelligence (AI),” the conference emphasized the critical intersection of emerging technologies and human-centered pedagogy. Participants engaged in a full day of panel discussions, keynote presentations, and interactive workshops designed to explore both the opportunities and ethical considerations of integrating AI into educational practice.

In opening remarks, James D. Wolfinger, Ph.D., Dean of The School of Education, highlighted the importance of thoughtful innovation in a rapidly evolving educational landscape. University leadership underscored that while technology continues to reshape teaching and learning environments, educators must remain grounded in principles that prioritize student success, equity, and meaningful engagement.

The conference brought together an impressive lineup of speakers and panelists representing higher education, corporate technology, and nonprofit sectors. Among them were Branden Baskin, Founder of Vivid Imagination; Jeffrey Broome, Chief Operating Officer of KreditVerse; Xiaojun “June” Chen, Ph.D., and Olivia G. Stewart, Ph.D., Faculty from The School of Education, St. John’s University; Michael Coppotelli, Bridge & Learn Advisors, LLC; and Micah Shippee, Ph.D. of Director of Education for Samsung Electronics.

Conceptualized and moderated by Aliya E. Holmes, Ph.D., Associate Dean for Innovation and Partnership, The School of Education, the opening panel explored how AI is reshaping literacy, learning environments, and student outcomes. The discussion, “From Literacy to Learning: Leveraging AI and Digital Learning to Transform Education and Reimagine the Future,” encouraged attendees to consider the evolving role of educators in an increasingly technology-driven world. This engaging dialogue touched on practical applications, access, and the role of the educator, as well as the impact on our future.

A highlight of the event was the keynote address delivered by Dallas Maddox ’26Ph.D., Higher Education Data Strategy Lead for Amazon Web Services (AWS), who presented, “Abracadata: Finding the Magic in Your Data Through Campus Collaboration with AWS.” His session focused on how institutions can transition from traditional data systems to more advanced, AI-enabled infrastructures that support decision-making and improve student success. Participants learned about AI agents and the ability to manage data at a high level with tools like AWS’s Quick—a new AI Assistant.

Attendees also participated in a range of concurrent workshops addressing cutting-edge topics. Sessions included explorations of drone technology in education; AI-driven instructional innovation; interdisciplinary collaboration in digital learning environments; and the integration of virtual reality with artificial intelligence.

Micah Shippee, Ph.D., Director of Education Technology Consulting and Solutions, Samsung Electronics America, provided a demonstration of AI concepts using Samsung’s latest interactive monitor. Attendees also received a free digital copy of Dr. Shippee’s latest book, 2059: The Future of Education. At the end of the session, two monitors were gifted to St. Mary’s and St. Edmunds Catholic Academy, thanks to the growing partnership with Archangel Technologies and The School of Education.

Participants had the opportunity to fly drones, take virtual tours with virtual-reality headsets, and engage with AI in innovative ways. These hands-on experiences provided educators with practical tools and strategies for immediate classroom and institutional application.

To offer a balanced perspective of AI, the conference placed a strong emphasis on ethical and equitable AI integration. Workshops such as “A Critical AI Media Literacy Framework” with Olivia G. Stewart, Ph.D., encouraged participants to examine bias, representation, and power within AI systems, reinforcing the importance of responsible technology use in education. In her workshop, “Learning Together in the Age of AI,” Xiaojun Chen, Ph.D., presented pedagogical approaches for designing instructional experiences with AI.

ELEVATE EDU also highlighted the critical role of partnerships between education and industry. Collaborations with organizations such as Amazon Web Services, KreditVerse, Archangel Education + Technology, Vivid Imagination, and Samsung Electronics demonstrated how cross-sector engagement can drive innovation and expand access to resources.

Throughout the day, participants were encouraged to reflect, collaborate, and envision the future of education. The conference concluded with a facilitated discussion and evaluation session, allowing attendees to share insights and identify next steps for continued innovation in their respective institutions.

In a closing message, organizers expressed gratitude to faculty, staff, industry partners, and attendees for their contributions to the success of the event. The School of Education emphasized that the conversations initiated at ELEVATE EDU represent an ongoing commitment to advancing ethical, effective, and equitable uses of artificial intelligence in education.

As AI continues to shape the future of teaching and learning, ELEVATE EDU stands as a model for collaborative, forward-thinking engagement—empowering educators to lead with innovation while remaining grounded in purpose, equity, and human connection. In alignment with this vision, The School of Education at St. John’s University is intentionally cultivating a dynamic space for ethical AI exploration and engagement, fostering dialogue, critical inquiry, and responsible integration of emerging technologies in education.