Utah Valley University (UVU) held the 2025 UVU Data Summit on February 4-5, uniting data professionals and enthusiasts. The summit featured a rich agenda filled with presentations, networking sessions, and a data panel with USHE and UVU data experts, all centered around the theme "Know Your Data,” emphasizing the growing importance of effective data strategies in today's world.

The summit featured a diverse lineup of presenters, including UVU President Astrid S. Tuminez, CIO and Vice President of Digital Transformation (Dx) Christina Baum, Senior Vice President of Data & AI Transformation at AgileOne and founder/CEO of Bodhi Data Jordan Morrow, and Laura Zemp, district director of Enterprise Analytics and Strategy for Maricopa County Community College District.

President Tuminez kicked off the Data Summit by highlighting the rapid pace of technological advancement.

"Advancing and accelerating technology is such that it doesn't stop. You have never arrived; you'll never arrive because of the pace it is changing today," she said.

Tuminez emphasized that understanding and learning are crucial, noting that it's okay to make mistakes as long as we learn from them. 

Keynote speaker Jordan Morrow shared insights on AI and the power of storytelling in data.

"How do we make things more impactful? Because no matter how good the data is, data does not change people's minds as much as we wish it would. Any idea on what does change minds? Stories," Morrow said. "A narrative is only as good as the data that backs it up."

Morrow also addressed the job market changes due to AI, noting that while some jobs will be lost, new opportunities will arise. He advised focusing on solutions and transferable skills.

"Focus on the solution in the process because your skills will be transferable across generative AI models," he said. Morrow also highlighted the importance of learning how to prompt and evaluate prompts within various AI models.

Christina Baum, alongside Laura Busby, conducted a session on the university reports gallery and data strategy. They introduced a "one-stop shop" style dashboard designed to help users access data and reports relevant to their divisions. Baum highlighted various projects within the Dx department and the university, emphasizing the need for a unified data language and quicker delivery of data requests. They also presented a "beach picture," a list of objectives aimed at ensuring smooth operations and achieving milestones within UVU’s Dx division.

Laura Zemp closed out the day two keynote by discussing data governance and the risk of being data-rich and information-poor (DRIP). She emphasized the importance of clear definitions, sharing her favorite: "the exercise, authority, and control (e.g., planning, monitoring, and enforcement) over the management of data assets." She explained that data governance involves "decisions, rules, policies, and procedures that govern access and permissions to the data."

In addition to the keynote speeches, the summit featured a variety of breakout sessions and workshops on various data-related topics. These sessions provided attendees with hands-on experience and practical takeaways to apply in their own work.

The event provided networking opportunities for participants to connect with professionals and build lasting relationships in the data community. For more information and to watch all recorded sessions, visit the Data Summit website. Recordings will be available soon after editing and uploading.