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5N Plus Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Results

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19% growth in annual revenue to $289.3 million39% growth in annual Adjusted EBITDA1 to a record $53.3 millionAnnual Adjusted gross margin percentage1 of 31.6%Backlog1 of $252.8 million, representing 326 days of annualized revenue, as at December 31, 2024Increases 2025 Adjusted EBITDA guidance to a range of $55 to $60 million

MONTREAL, Feb. 25, 2025 /CNW/ – 5N Plus Inc. (TSX: VNP) (“5N+” or “the Company”), a leading global producer of specialty semiconductors and performance materials, today announced its financial results for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024  (“Q4 2024”) and fiscal year (“FY 2024”) ended December 31, 2024. All amounts in this press release are expressed in U.S. dollars unless otherwise stated.

“We had an outstanding year in FY 2024, generating stellar financial and operational results. We generated record annual Adjusted EBITDA representing 39% growth over the previous year, delivered on our margin expansion efforts, and sustained an elevated backlog and a solid balance sheet. We also successfully increased capacity at several sites to meet demand in strategic sectors, with work underway to increase solar cell capacity at AZUR by an additional 30% this year, on top of the 35% achieved last year. Looking at our segments, in Specialty Semiconductors, we continued to benefit from our unique position as the leading supplier outside China and trusted partner in the growing terrestrial renewable energy and space solar power sectors. In Performance Materials, our improved product mix and solid operational execution also contributed to strong profitability,” said Gervais Jacques, President and CEO of 5N+.

“Our strategic focus on higher margin, value-added advanced materials and on being a critical supplier without being a critical cost to customers operating in growing markets continues to pay off. This is further supported by our recognition as a reliable partner and market leader with unique expertise and manufacturing capabilities. With our resilient and agile business model as our foundation, we will continue to leverage our strategic positioning and competitive advantages to build on our FY 2024 momentum as we enter 2025 and forge ahead on our profitable growth path,” concluded Mr. Jacques.

Financial Highlights

Revenue in Q4 2024 increased by 9% to $70.9 million, compared to $65.1 million in Q4 2023, driven by strong growth under Specialty Semiconductors. Revenue in FY 2024 reached $289.3 million, compared to $242.4 million in FY 2023, supported by the terrestrial renewable energy and space solar power sectors under Specialty Semiconductors.Adjusted EBITDA in Q4 2024 increased by 38% to $12.5 million, compared to $9.0 million in Q4 2023, driven by higher volume from the terrestrial renewable energy and space solar power sectors, and better prices over inflation. Adjusted EBITDA was $53.3 million in FY 2024, representing a 39% increase compared to $38.3 million in FY 2023.Adjusted gross margin1 increased by 26% to $23.4 million in Q4 2024, favourably impacted by the same factors as above. Adjusted gross margin as a percentage of sales was 33.0% in Q4 2024, compared to 28.5% in Q4 2023. Adjusted gross margin reached $91.3 million for FY 2024, or 31.6% of sales, compared to $70.2 million in FY 2023, or 29.0% of sales.Net earnings in Q4 2024 were $1.0 million, compared to $2.3 million in Q4 2023. For FY 2024, net earnings were $14.7 million, compared to $15.4 million in FY 2023.Backlog stood at $252.8 million, representing 326 days of annualized revenue as at December 31, 2024, 37 days higher than the previous quarter and 34 days higher than at the end of last year, primarily due to the timing of contract signings and renewals.Net debt1 was $100.1 million as at December 31, 2024, compared to $73.8 million as at December 31, 2023, reflecting an increase in working capital1 and planned capital expenditures in 2024 under Specialty Semiconductors. The Company’s net debt to EBITDA ratio1 stood at 2.02x as at December 31, 2024.

____________________________

1 These measures are not recognized measures under IFRS and do not have standardized meanings prescribed by IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. See Non-IFRS Measures for more information.

Market Outlook

In Specialty Semiconductors, 5N+ continues to benefit from its unique position as the leading global supplier of ultra-high purity semiconductor compounds outside China, with long-term partnerships with key customers. Growing demand remains the rule, particularly in terrestrial renewable energy and space solar power. 5N+ is well-positioned to capitalize on future opportunities in these high-growth sectors.

The Company also anticipates growth under imaging and sensing applications including in the security, defence and medical sectors. The anticipated transition to photon counting detector (PCD) technology for medical imaging is anticipated to provide a promising growth avenue in the medium term.

Management expects growth in the Performance Materials segment to be primarily driven by the health and pharmaceutical sector, which provides high profitability and predictable cashflows. We expect demand for bismuth chemicals to continue to grow in line with GDP in respective markets.

As a result of increased production capacity and operational flexibility, 5N+ is in a position to efficiently capture additional organic growth opportunities in the near term, while it also actively pursues external growth opportunities.

Based on under-contract and anticipated near-term demand primarily driven by the Specialty Semiconductors segment, management anticipates generating Adjusted EBITDA in a range of $55 to $60 million in 2025, representing an upward revision of its previously disclosed range of $50 to $55 million.

The recent change in administration in the U.S. creates uncertainty in the global economic outlook, particularly regarding potential trade protectionist measures that could trigger retaliatory actions from affected countries. Given the rapidly evolving landscape and the potential impact of these measures, the Company has elected to defer providing guidance for 2026 until it has had the opportunity to further assess the direct and indirect impacts on its business and operations. The Company remains committed to its long-term objectives and the execution of its strategic initiatives.

The Company intends to leverage its strategic positioning and competitive advantages to build on its FY 2024 momentum as it enters 2025 and to navigate any potential headwinds that result from the evolving macro-economic and geopolitical environment.

Conference Call

5N+ will host a conference call on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss Q4 and FY 2024 financial results. All interested parties are invited to participate in the live broadcast on the Company’s website at www.5nplus.com.

To participate in the conference call:

Toronto area: 289-819-1299Toll‐Free: 1-800-990-4777Enter access code: 71321

A replay of the conference call will be available two hours after the event and until March 5, 2025. To access the recording, please dial 1-888-660-6345 and enter access code 71321.

________________________________

1  These measures are not recognized measures under IFRS and do not have standardized meanings prescribed by IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. See Non-IFRS Measures for more information.

About 5N+

5N+ is a leading global producer of specialty semiconductors and performance materials. The Company’s ultra‐pure materials often form the core element of its customers’ products. These customers rely on 5N+’s products to enable performance and sustainability in their own products. 5N+ deploys a range of proprietary and proven technologies to develop and manufacture its products. The Company’s products enable various applications in several key industries, including renewable energy, security, space, pharmaceutical, medical imaging and industrial. Headquartered in Montréal, Quebec, 5N+ operates R&D, manufacturing and commercial centers in strategically located facilities around the world including Europe, North America and Asia.

Forward‐Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release may be forward‐looking within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward‐looking statements are based on a number of estimates and assumptions that the Company believes are reasonable when made, including that 5N+ will be able to retain and hire key personnel and maintain relationships with customers, suppliers and other business partners, that 5N+ will continue to operate its business in the normal course, that 5N+ will be able to implement its growth strategy, that 5N+ will be able to successfully and timely complete the realization of its backlog, that 5N+ will not suffer any supply chain challenges or any material disruption in the supply of raw materials on competitive terms, that 5N+ will be able to generate new sales, produce, deliver, and sell its expected product volumes at the expected prices and control its costs, as well as other factors believed to be appropriate and reasonable in the circumstances. However, there can be no assurance that such estimates and assumptions will prove to be correct. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve assumptions, risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and may cause the Company’s actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward‐looking statements. A description of the risks affecting the Company’s business and activities appears under the heading “Risk and Uncertainties” of the Company’s 2024 MD&A dated February 25, 2025, available on www.sedarplus.ca.

Forward‐looking statements can generally be identified by the use of terms such as “may”, “should”, “would”, “believe”, “expect”, the negative of these terms, variations of them or any similar terms. No assurance can be given that any events anticipated by the forward‐looking statements in this press release will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits that 5N+ will derive therefrom. In particular, no assurance can be given as to the future financial performance of 5N+. The forward‐looking statements contained in this press release is made as of the date hereof and the Company has no obligation to publicly update such forward‐looking information to reflect new information, subsequent or otherwise, unless required by applicable securities laws. The reader is warned against placing undue reliance on these forward‐looking statements. Forward-looking statements are presented in this press release for the purpose of assisting investors and others in understanding certain key elements of the Company’s expected financial results, as well as the Company’s objectives, strategic priorities and outlook, and in obtaining a better understanding of the Company’s anticipated operating environment. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes.

5N PLUS INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
Years ended December 31
(in thousands of United States dollars, except per share information)

2024

2023

$

$

Revenue

289,281

242,371

Cost of sales

211,413

184,833

Selling, general and administrative expenses

34,026

29,410

Other expenses (income), net

11,614

756

257,053

214,999

Operating earnings

32,228

27,372

Financial expenses

Interest on long-term debt

8,210

8,262

Imputed interest and other interest expense

959

572

Foreign exchange gain

(549)

(136)

8,620

8,698

Earnings before income taxes

23,608

18,674

Income tax expense (recovery)

Current

6,945

6,674

Deferred

1,991

(3,399)

8,936

3,275

Net earnings

14,672

15,399

Basic earnings per share

0.17

0.17

Diluted earnings per share

0.16

0.17

Net earnings are completely attributable to equity holders of 5N+.

5N PLUS INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
(in thousands of United States dollars)

December 31

2024

December 31

2023

$

$

Assets

Current

Cash

22,142

34,706

Accounts receivable

42,172

33,437

Inventories

137,823

105,850

Income tax receivable

1,811

1,672

Derivative financial assets

6,978

591

Other current assets

6,469

5,707

Total current assets

217,395

181,963

Property, plant and equipment

85,995

84,600

Right-of-use assets

28,583

29,290

Intangible assets

22,929

29,304

Goodwill

10,665

11,825

Deferred tax assets

7,358

8,261

Other assets

3,982

4,959

Total non-current assets

159,512

168,239

Total assets

376,907

350,202

Liabilities

Current

Trade and accrued liabilities

42,116

37,024

Income tax payable

5,207

4,535

Current portion of deferred revenue

11,206

13,437

Current portion of lease liabilities

1,952

1,811

Current portion of long-term debt

25,000

Total current liabilities

60,481

81,807

Long-term debt

122,203

83,500

Deferred tax liabilities

5,737

5,284

Employee benefit plan obligations

12,624

13,393

Lease liabilities

27,450

28,328

Deferred revenue

8,688

5,629

Other liabilities

706

3,669

Total non-current liabilities

177,408

139,803

Total liabilities

237,889

221,610

Equity

139,018

128,592

Total liabilities and equity

376,907

350,202

Non‐IFRS Measures

EBITDA means net earnings (loss) before interest expenses, income tax expense (recovery), depreciation and amortization. 5N+ uses EBITDA because it believes it is a meaningful measure of the operating performance of its ongoing business, without the effects of certain expenses. The definition of this non-IFRS measure used by the Company may differ from that used by other companies.

EBITDA is reconciled to the most comparable IFRS measure:

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

Q4 2024

Q4 2023

FY 2024

FY 2023

$

$

$

$

Net earnings

1,006

2,284

14,672

15,399

Interest on long-term debt, imputed interest and other interest expense

2,446

2,129

9,169

8,834

Income tax expense (recovery)

2,415

(734)

8,936

3,275

Depreciation and amortization

4,373

4,057

16,791

16,110

EBITDA

10,240

7,736

49,568

43,618

EBITDA margin is defined as EBITDA divided by revenues.

Adjusted EBITDA means operating earnings (loss) as defined before the effect of impairment of inventories, share-based compensation expense (recovery), loss (gain) on disposal of property, plant and equipment, loss (gain) on remeasurement of financial instrument, impairment (reversal of impairment) of non-current assets, litigation and restructuring costs (income), and depreciation and amortization. 5N+ uses Adjusted EBITDA because it believes it is a meaningful measure of the operating performance of its ongoing business without the effects of certain expenses. The definition of this non-IFRS measure used by the Company may differ from that used by other companies.

Adjusted EBITDA margin is defined as Adjusted EBITDA divided by revenues.

Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin are reconciled to the most comparable IFRS measure:

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

Q4 2024

Q4 2023

FY 2024

FY 2023

$

$

$

$

Revenues

70,854

65,063

289,281

242,371

Operating expenses

(64,701)

(61,023)

(257,053)

(214,999)

Operating earnings

6,153

4,040

32,228

27,372

Share-based compensation expense

309

414

906

1,432

(Gain) loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment

(2,089)

1,051

Loss on remeasurement of financial instrument

1,000

1,000

(Reversal of impairment) impairment of non-current assets

(120)

64

2,706

672

Litigation and restructuring costs (income)

769

458

1,790

(8,314)

Depreciation and amortization

4,373

4,057

16,791

16,110

Adjusted EBITDA

12,484

9,033

53,332

38,323

Adjusted EBITDA margin

17.6 %

13.9 %

18.4 %

15.8 %

Adjusted gross margin is a measure used to monitor the sales contribution after paying cost of sales, excluding depreciation and inventory impairment charges. 5N+ also expressed this measure in percentage of revenues by dividing the adjusted gross margin value by the total revenue.

Adjusted gross margin is reconciled to the most comparable IFRS measure:

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

Q4 2024

Q4 2023

FY 2024

FY 2023

$

$

$

$

Total revenue

70,854

65,063

289,281

242,371

Cost of sales

(51,104)

(49,677)

(211,413)

(184,833)

Gross margin

19,750

15,386

77,868

57,538

Depreciation included in cost of sales

3,643

3,189

13,445

12,656

Adjusted gross margin

23,393

18,575

91,313

70,194

Adjusted gross margin percentage

33.0 %

28.5 %

31.6 %

29.0 %

Backlog represents the expected orders the Company has received, but has not yet executed, and that are expected to translate into sales within the next twelve months, expressed in dollars and estimated in number of days not to exceed 365 days. Bookings represent orders received during the period considered, expressed in number of days, and calculated by adding revenues to the increase or decrease in backlog for the period considered, divided by annualized year revenues. 5N+ uses backlog to provide an indication of expected future revenues in days, and bookings to determine its ability to sustain and increase its revenues.

Net debt is calculated as total debt less cash. Any introduced IFRS 16 reporting measures in reference to lease liabilities are excluded from the calculation. 5N+ uses this measure as an indicator of its overall financial position.

The net debt to EBITDA ratio is defined as net debt divided by the trailing 12 months EBITDA.

Total debt and Net debt are reconciled to the most comparable IFRS measure:

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

As at December 31, 2024

As at December 31, 2023

$

$

Bank indebtedness

Long-term debt including current portion

122,203

108,500

Lease liabilities including current portion

29,402

30,139

Subtotal Debt

151,605

138,639

Lease liabilities including current portion

(29,402)

(30,139)

Total Debt

122,203

108,500

Cash

(22,142)

(34,706)

Net Debt

100,061

73,794

Working capital is a measure of liquid assets that is calculated by taking current assets and subtracting current liabilities. Given that the Company is currently indebted, it uses it as an indicator of its financial efficiency and aims to maintain it at the lowest possible level. 

Working capital ratio is calculated by dividing current assets by current liabilities.

Working capital is reconciled to the most comparable IFRS measure:

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

As at December 31, 2024

As at December 31, 2023

$

$

Inventories

137,823

105,850

Other current assets excluding inventories

79,572

76,113

Current assets

217,395

181,963

Current liabilities

(60,481)

(81,807)

Working capital

156,914

100,156

Working capital ratio

3.59

2.22

SOURCE 5N Plus Inc.

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Intesa Communications Group Named ‘Customers First’ Winner in San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce 2026 Small Business Awards

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The award-winning, women-owned San Diego public relations and government affairs firm was recognized for exceptional client service that has fueled 14 years of growth

SAN DIEGO, July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Intesa Communications Group, a leading San Diego public relations and government affairs firm, has been named the “Customers First” winner in the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 Small Business Awards. Announced July 9 at the Chamber’s annual Small Business Awards event, the recognition honors the small business whose commitment to customer service most clearly sets it apart from the competition.

Founded in 2012, the certified women-owned San Diego firm has grown from a boutique agency into one of the region’s leading public relations and government affairs firms. Intesa has doubled its team over the past two years, sustained three consecutive years of double-digit revenue growth and expanded its client portfolio by 26% last year. Intesa provides public relations, strategic communications, and government affairs services for a wide range of organizations, including San Diego State University, SeaWorld San Diego, Expedia Group, H.G. Fenton Company, San Diego Foundation, San Diego Workforce Partnership, and SBCS.

“This award belongs to every member of our team and to the clients who trust us with their most valuable asset: their reputation,” said Margie Newman Tsay, founding partner of Intesa Communications Group. “Our clients stay with us for years because we show up prepared, fully invested and ready for the moments that matter most. Being recognized for putting customers first is the highest compliment our business community can pay us.”

Intesa’s client-first approach has produced measurable results across public relations and government affairs efforts throughout the region. For example, in its first month working with the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank, the firm helped reimagine the organization’s summer food drive messaging, generating more than 15 million impressions and helping deliver 489,026 pounds of food and $344,505 in donations — the equivalent of more than one million meals and a 175% increase from the previous year. Similarly, Logan Heights Community Development Corporation credits the firm with an 81:1 return on investment after Intesa parachuted in to help the nonprofit promote the California Mortgage Relief Program.

“Small businesses are the heart of our economy: fueling innovation, creating jobs and defining the character of communities across the San Diego region,” said Chris Cate, president and CEO of the Chamber. “We celebrate the resilience, ingenuity and community impact of our small business leaders. They are the very spirit behind our purpose to champion business and empower leaders.”

The Chamber award is as much a reflection of Intesa’s clients as it is the firm itself. The opportunity to partner with organizations doing meaningful work across the region is what makes recognition like this possible. True to form, the Intesa team plans to mark the win by thanking the clients behind the work.

“We call ourselves dot connectors, and this award is what that looks like in practice,” said Maddy Kilkenny, partner at Intesa Communications Group, who leads the firm’s government affairs practice. “Whether our team of 10 people is helping a client navigate a policy decision at City Hall or a story on the front page of the newspaper, we aim to leave them stronger and more confident than before. Hearing our clients say we deliver on that is the best win of all.”

According to the Chamber’s award requirements, businesses with 100 or fewer employees were eligible for nomination. They were voted on by a panel of chamber members, who reviewed the nominations and selected the winners of all four categories.

The recognition adds to more than 60 awards Intesa has earned for excellence in public relations, strategic communications, and public affairs, including honors from PR News, the Public Relations Society of America, PR Daily, the International Association of Business Communicators, the San Diego Business Journal (SDBJ), MARCOM, and the American Marketing Association, among others. It also comes on the heels of two Intesa team members, Emily Alvarenga and Margaret Lutz Chantung, recently receiving SDBJ’s “40 Under 40” and “Indispensable” awards, respectively.

For more information about Intesa Communications Group, visit www.intesacom.com.

About Intesa Communications Group
Intesa Communications Group is a certified women-owned San Diego public relations and government affairs firm that helps leaders communicate and advocate with confidence. Since 2012, Intesa has partnered with the region’s trusted leaders and organizations, providing strategic communications and public affairs counsel on high-stakes issues at the intersection of reputation, policy and public perception. The firm’s work has earned more than 60 industry awards across 53 recognized client campaigns, including the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce “Customers First” 2026 award. Learn more at www.intesacom.com.

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SOURCE Intesa Communications Group

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The Inner Circle acknowledges Shankari Thiagarajan as Pinnacle Professional of The Year

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HOUSTON, July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Shankari Thiagarajan is acknowledged as a Pinnacle Professional of The Year for her contributions to Information Technology and Agile Delivery.     

Shankari Thiagarajan has established a distinguished career in information technology project and program management, recognized for her expertise in agile delivery, digital transformation, and cross functional leadership across multiple industries. Currently serving as project manager and scrum master at Astellas Pharma Inc., she oversees agile delivery initiatives supporting global life science programs.

With more than 15 years of experience spanning technology and pharmaceutical sectors, Ms. Thiagarajan has developed a reputation for leading complex implementations and driving operational efficiency. Her expertise includes agile methodologies, project and delivery management, product ownership, healthcare IT, telecom and network optimization, financial services modernization, retail technology upgrades, and GIS and digital mapping solutions.

Ms. Thiagarajan earned a Master of Business Administration in Organizational Leadership from Campbellsville University, a Master of Science in Information Systems from Virginia Tech, and a Bachelor of Engineering in Information Technology from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University College of Engineering Hyderabad.

Throughout her career, she has contributed to major organizations across a wide range of industries. Her accomplishments include leading agile transformations at Cigna, overseeing retail technology upgrades at Walmart, managing large scale telecom transformation initiatives at T Mobile and Verizon, and modernizing financial platforms at Security Finance. She also contributed to the early development of Google Maps during her tenure at Google India, advancing to team lead within a year.

In addition to her corporate achievements, Ms. Thiagarajan is the creator of the YouTube channel My Experiments with Life – #Positivity #Learning, launched in 2023. Through this platform, she shares motivational content and insights focused on personal growth, technology, spirituality, and lifelong learning.

Her professional accomplishments have been recognized through honors including Marquis Who’s Who 2026, a featured podcast interview with Jim Masters on Close Up TV hosted across Apple Radio, Spotify, and iHeart., recognition in The National Law Review & EIN Presswire, and a certificate of appreciation from Virginia Tech for academic excellence and community involvement.

Outside of her professional work, Ms. Thiagarajan enjoys creating motivational YouTube content, exploring technology and spirituality, listening to contemporary music, and pursuing philanthropic and educational interests. She credits her strong work ethic and determination to the example set by her parents.

Looking ahead, she plans to continue advancing her leadership capabilities and pursue executive level opportunities that allow her to make significant contributions within the information technology sector.

Guided by a philosophy rooted in courage, persistence, and continuous learning, Ms. Thiagarajan remains committed to professional growth while inspiring others to pursue excellence and self-improvement.

Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, editorialteam@continentalwhoswho.com

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SOURCE The Inner Circle

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University of Phoenix Leaders Present at Building Blackboard Together 2026

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Presentations explored learning technology, accessibility and online pedagogy as higher education adapts to an AI-enabled future

PHOENIX, July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — University of Phoenix leaders shared insights on artificial intelligence, accessibility, online learning and student support at Building Blackboard Together 2026, Blackboard’s flagship user conference, held July 13-15 in Dallas, Texas. The conference brought together educators, institutional leaders and industry experts to explore innovations, technologies and emerging practices shaping the future of teaching and learning.

Representing University of Phoenix were Marc Booker, Ph.D., vice provost of strategy; Kelly Hermann, vice president of Accessibility and Student Affairs; and Erin Amsden, group product manager. Through presentations and panel discussions, the leaders shared perspectives on responsible AI adoption, accessibility leadership, student engagement and the evolving role of learning technologies in supporting institutional goals and student success.

“Building Blackboard Together provides an opportunity to engage with peers across higher education who are navigating many of the same opportunities and challenges around technology, accessibility and learning mobility,” said Dr. Booker. “These conversations help advance practical approaches for supporting learners while thoughtfully integrating innovation into the educational experience.”

During the conference, University of Phoenix was also recognized with the 2026 Blackboard Catalyst Award for Ethical AI Leadership, which honors institutions advancing responsible, transparent and inclusive approaches to artificial intelligence that promote trust and equitable outcomes for learners and educators. The recognition follows the University’s ongoing efforts to support AI literacy, responsible use and AI-enabled learning experiences.

Exploring the Expanding Role of the Learning Management System

As part of the Strategic Leadership Summit, Booker served as a panelist for “The LMS as Mission-Critical: Connecting Learning, Experience & Evidence.” The session examined how learning management systems are evolving beyond course management to support learning, engagement and institutional insight across the student lifecycle.

Panelists discussed how institutions are leveraging learning technologies alongside student information systems to support teaching and learning, advising, co-curricular engagement and data-informed decision-making while addressing increasing expectations surrounding artificial intelligence, student success and accountability.

Sharing Lessons from AI-Powered Student Support

Booker also presented “Scaling AI-Powered Support Across the Student Experience at University of Phoenix,” a session focused on the University’s process for expanding its AI support assistant across the online classroom environment, moving from proof of concept to full-scale deployment over a six-month period.

In addition, Booker participated in “Online Pedagogy to Drive Institutional Growth: Best Practices and Success Stories,” a panel discussion exploring how institutions are designing engaging online learning experiences and leveraging Blackboard technologies to support quality course delivery and student engagement.

Advancing Accessibility Leadership

Hermann joined the session “Communicating Up: Turning Accessibility Work into Leadership-Ready Stories.” The presentation focused on strategies for translating accessibility initiatives into narratives, evidence and visualizations that resonate with institutional leaders.

The discussion explored ways to connect accessibility efforts to broader institutional priorities, demonstrate impact through data and support informed decision-making that advances accessibility and learner success.

Examining Emerging Challenges in Artificial Intelligence

Amsden served as a panelist for “Agentic AI in Pedagogy: Threats and Opportunities.” The session addressed the growing influence of agentic AI and its implications for academic integrity, assessment design and learner engagement.

Panelists explored how technology, pedagogy and security practices can work together to promote authentic student work while helping institutions balance innovation with responsible AI implementation.

Contributing to the Future of Teaching and Learning

Amsden, Booker and Hermann are key members of University of Phoenix’s dynamic leadership team, frequently invited to share their expertise at prestigious national conferences and events. In 2026, University leaders will participate in the ASU + GSV Summit, 1EdTech Learning Impact Conference, SXSW EDU Conference, and PESC Data Summit. These engagements underscore the University’s commitment to innovation and thought leadership in higher education, providing valuable insights and fostering collaborations that drive the future of learning.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix is Built for Real Life. 50 Years Strong. The University innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world through flexible online learning, relevant courses, academic AI pillars, and skills-mapped curriculum for associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. Active students and alumni have access to Career Services for Life® resources including career guidance and tools. For more information, visit phoenix.edu.

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SOURCE University of Phoenix

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