Utah Valley University (UVU) Digital Transformation (Dx) hosted the 2026 UVU Data Summit on Feb. 25-26, bringing together data innovators, learners, and leaders from across UVU, along with participants from higher education institutions statewide and members of the USHE data team.
Utah Valley University (UVU) Digital Transformation (Dx) hosted the 2026 UVU Data Summit on Feb. 25-26, bringing together data innovators, learners, and leaders from across UVU, along with participants from higher education institutions statewide and members of the USHE data team.
The summit focused on the theme “Better Questions, Better Data, Better Decisions,” featuring keynote speakers and breakout sessions that explored how curiosity and critical thinking lead to smarter strategies and greater impact.
Among this year’s featured presenters were CIO and Vice President of Digital Transformation Christina Baum, CEO and Principal Advisor of Cronin Data Advisors Dr. Mike Kelly, and CIO of Weber State University Rene Eborn.
Mike Kelly opened the summit with a keynote focused on iterative interrogation, a structured approach to refining and clarifying questions to improve data quality and decision-making.
Kelly explained that even simple questions often lack critical context, and that taking time to unpack who is asking, why they are asking, and how the data will be used leads to more accurate and meaningful results. He emphasized that data analysts and requesters alike should expect and value clarifying questions, warning that assumptions can lead to unreliable results.
“Don’t bend the data around the question,” Kelly said. “Bring the question back in to match the data.”
Dx Vice President Christina Baum shared insights into the university’s data and AI strategy, emphasizing the value of data. “We need to be viewing what we’re doing with data as if it’s currency,” Baum said. “It really is critical for us to make informed decisions, and the power of AI only amplifies that.” She also highlighted how data and AI are foundational to UVU’s AI strategy. “Data and AI are really two sides of the same coin. Good data makes good AI outcomes.”
Baum showcased enhancements to the myData Hub, a centralized dashboard for certified institutional data and reports, and introduced the AI Gateway pilot, a secure platform for exploring multiple AI tools strategically and responsibly.
Rene Eborn kicked off the second day of the summit, delivering a keynote focusing on the human side of data. She challenged common myths about innovation, including the idea that software alone drives progress or that benchmarking against peers ensures success.
Eborn stressed that institutions must be proactive, using data to identify patterns and act before issues arise. She emphasized that data itself doesn’t make decisions — leaders do.
“When you lead with data, you aren’t just standing on firm ground,” Eborn said. “You’re the one mapping the path forward.”
The summit featured breakout sessions on both days, giving attendees the opportunity to explore a variety of data-related topics. The event offered participants the chance to connect with other professionals and forge meaningful connections within the data community.
For more information and to watch recorded sessions, please visit the Data Summit website.
