UC hosts successful annual Ohio higher education computing council
The University of Cincinnati played host to the Ohio Higher Education Computing Council in May, bringing together information technology organizations and professionals within institutions of higher education across the state.
The annual conference provides an opportunity for colleges and universities to share effective IT strategies, allowing ideas to be transferred to other campuses and enhancing education for students across Ohio and beyond. This includes statewide problem-solving committees, negotiating contracts to secure purchasing discounts for all schools, and cultivating lasting relationships among IT professionals.
UC Assistant Professor Jeffrey Shaffer, left, director of the applied AI lab and Bharath Prabhakaran, vice president and chief digital officer, attend the Ohio Higher Education Computing Council. Photo/Jennifer Delaney
Jason Gerst and Mike Mitchum led the host committee, along with help from Charlotte Brinneman-Groppenbecker, Jenn Delaney, and Ben Hutchison.
Amber Lovett and her team from Conference & Event Services also played pivotal roles in coordinating logistics and scheduling.
Keynote speakers Jeffrey Shaffer, director of UC's Applied AI Lab, and Chris Berry, CEO of OhioX, shared their insights on the future of analytics, innovation and technology leadership in Ohio.
Hosting the OHECC Conference was an incredible opportunity to exchange ideas, build strategic partnerships, and align our efforts with statewide innovation in higher education technology.
Bharath Prabhakaran UC vice president and chief digital officer
"Hosting the OHECC Conference was an incredible opportunity to exchange ideas, build strategic partnerships, and align our efforts with statewide innovation in higher education technology. We hope that events like OHECC will continue to accelerate digital transformation at the University of Cincinnati.”
In addition to the keynote speakers, sessions were led by representatives from various Ohio universities and vendors. Topics were organized into four tracks centered on the theme of transforming higher education through digital innovation. This included academic IT policies and strategies, infrastructure, data management and information security, as well as instructional technologies and support.
Featured image at top: The University of Cincinnati played host to the Ohio Higher Education Computing Council. UC Vice President and Chief Digital Officer Bharath Prabhakaran welcomes guests to the conference.
Related Stories
UC hosts regional summit on the future of healthcare education
May 29, 2026
The University of Cincinnati College of Allied Health Sciences recently welcomed educators, clinicians and healthcare leaders from across the region for the Association of Schools Advancing Health Professions (ASAHP) 2026 Regional Summit focused on preparing workforce-ready healthcare graduates.
Hoxworth launches summer blood drives and “Team Hoxworth” USA jersey donor promotion
May 28, 2026
This June, Hoxworth Blood Center, University of Cincinnati, is kicking off summer blood donation efforts with a limited-edition USA-themed donor jersey, the return of the popular Cincinnati Favorites blood drives and several community blood drives across Northern Kentucky.
Not your grandma's hobby: Young adults take part in needlepoint meet-ups
May 28, 2026
Needlepoint is no longer just your grandmother’s hobby. As WKRC-TV Local 12 recently reported, Gen Z and millennials are picking up needles and thread instead of their phones.