2026 EDUCAUSE Top 10: Why Human Connection Matters
Sophie and Jenay discuss the 2026 EDUCAUSE Top 10: Making Connections with Crista Copp and Mark McCormack live at the 2025 EDUCAUSE Annual Conference in Nashville.
Crista Copp leads research and data initiatives at EDUCAUSE that empower higher education leaders to make informed decisions about technology, strategy, and the student experience. Her work connects data with purpose—translating complex trends into actionable insights that support innovation, equity, and institutional resilience. Together with a talented team, Crista is shaping a research agenda that is not only informative, but transformative.
Prior to joining EDUCAUSE, Crista served as Chief Information Officer at Mount Saint Mary’s University in Los Angeles through a strategic partnership with Dynamic Campus, where she oversaw all aspects of campus technology. Earlier in her career, she held the role of Senior Director of Research and Educational Technology at Loyola Marymount University, leading seven interwoven teams across instructional technology, classroom services, research support, and frontline IT operations. She also served as a faculty member in LMU’s School of Education.
Crista earned her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Administration with a focus on higher education technology and is a frequent presenter at national and regional conferences. She is a co-founder and past chair of EduSoCal, a regional educational technology conference dedicated to advancing collaboration and innovation across Southern California institutions.
Sophie and Jenay discuss the 2026 EDUCAUSE Top 10: Making Connections with Crista Copp and Mark McCormack live at the 2025 EDUCAUSE Annual Conference in Nashville.
IT departments need to develop a relationship of open communication and trust with faculty to achieve the level of collaboration needed for successful integration of academic technology on campus.
| Status: | Yes, current member |