Higher Education: Digital Infrastructure for Academic Excellence
In the world of higher education, the website and the Learning Management System (LMS) are no longer just administrative tools—they are the primary environment where learning occurs. With over 25 years of experience in enterprise technology and academic leadership, I specialize in building the robust, secure, and inclusive digital infrastructure that modern universities and colleges require.
Table of Contents
Complexity, Security, and Accessibility
Academic institutions face a unique set of digital challenges that standard web agencies are often unequipped to handle:
- Massive Scaling: Managing digital ecosystems that support tens of thousands of students across multiple legal jurisdictions.
- Security & Compliance: Protecting sensitive student data while ensuring seamless access to learning materials.
- The “Engagement Gap”: Academic platforms often prioritize administrative function over the user experience, leading to a disconnect between students and the curriculum.
- Global Access: Ensuring that learners in remote or low-bandwidth environments have the same educational opportunities as those on campus.
Engineering Academic Success
My approach to Higher Education solutions is informed by my time as the Director of Corporate Technology for Yorkville University and Yorkville College. I bridge the gap between complex technical requirements and effective instructional design.
1. Large-Scale LMS Development
I design and deploy Learning Management Solutions that are built to scale.
- Multi-School Architecture: I have successfully developed and implemented LMS platforms for a dozen different schools simultaneously.
- Platform Versatility: Expertise in Moodle, WordPress, and Salesforce training integrations, as well as Adobe Captivate course development.
- Custom WordPress Solutions: Utilizing Custom WordPress Development to build unique front-facing portals that integrate directly with back-end academic tools.
2. Digital Security & Privacy Management
Having managed digital security for over 36,000 students, I understand the high stakes of academic data protection. My solutions prioritize Digital Learning Architecture that is both secure and compliant with Canadian and international privacy standards.
3. Inclusive & Accessible Learning Design
Education must be equitable. Leveraging my research in my Master of Arts in Learning and Technology, I focus on:
- Low-Bandwidth Optimization: Ensuring that academic platforms perform reliably in remote or underserved communities.
- Multimodal Delivery: Using Wirecast and Davinci Resolve to create high-quality video training that supplements the digital classroom.
- Performance Monitoring: Applying Performance Optimization techniques to reduce friction for every student, regardless of their hardware or connection speed.
A Legacy in Academic Innovation
My work in the higher education sector is grounded in a deep understanding of both technology and pedagogy:
- Yorkville University: Led technology management and purchasing for multiple colleges and a network of private schools.
- Centre for Arts and Technology: Served as a Training Specialist, teaching college-level courses in design, marketing, and software applications.
- Research-Driven Practice: Currently completing an MA in Learning and Technology at Royal Roads University to bring the latest evidence-based strategies to my clients.
Whether you are looking to revitalize a Corporate Learning Management program or build a new digital foundation for a university, I provide the senior-level expertise needed to succeed.
Ready to Scale Your Academic Platform?
I help institutions move beyond static websites to create dynamic, student-centric environments through Technical Training & Mentorship and expert consulting. Talk to me today to learn more.
How much experience do you have managing large-scale student populations?
I have significant experience in high-enrollment environments, most notably as the Director of Corporate Technology for Yorkville University. In that role, I was responsible for the digital security and technology management for over 36,000 students across multiple legal jurisdictions. My work spanned several institutions, including Yorkville College, the Toronto Film School, and RCC College.
Which Learning Management Systems (LMS) do you specialize in for academia?
have developed and implemented custom Learning Management Solutions for over a dozen different schools. My expertise includes:
Moodle & WordPress: Building and scaling open-source learning environments.
Salesforce: Integrating CRM data with training courses.
Adobe Captivate: Developing interactive, standards-compliant courseware.
Custom Environments: Designing WordPress-powered Learndash systems with enterprise-level SharePoint integration.
How do you handle digital security and data privacy for educational institutions?
Security is a primary pillar of my architectural approach. While at Yorkville University, I managed complex digital security protocols for tens of thousands of students, ensuring compliance across various legal jurisdictions. My background as a Senior Software Developer for the Government of Canada (Department of National Defence) further informs my rigorous approach to data protection and institutional privacy.
Do you provide training for faculty and staff on new academic platforms?
Absolutely. I have a long history as a Training Specialist, including a tenure at the Centre for Arts and Technology, where I taught college students design, marketing, and software applications. I deliver both classroom-based and virtual training for educators, ensuring they are fully equipped to manage and facilitate learning within modern digital architectures.
