PHX Reporter

University of Phoenix is set to participate in the 2025 SXSW EDU event as a sponsor, hosting a panel titled “Skills IRL: Transforming Education & Employment.” The session will take place on March 3, 2025, from 1:00-2:00 pm CT in Austin, Texas. Key speakers include Jay Titus, Vice President and General Manager of Workforce Solutions at University of Phoenix; Kent Blumberg, Ph.D., SHRM-SCP, National Account Manager and faculty member at the university; Sara Francois, Vice President of Training at Optimum; and Freddy Mathew, Vice President of Data Management at Comcast.

The discussion will focus on how collaboration between educators and employers can address talent stagnation by fostering meaningful workforce development. Jay Titus remarked, “Employers and educators make great collaborators. Working adults know they need to build skills to move forward on their career paths, and employers know what skills are required to achieve organizational success. Educators can be the bridge between the two and empower organizations and workers to pursue growth and opportunity together.”

SXSW EDU 2025 aims to bring together experts in education for idea sharing, networking, and shaping the future of teaching and learning. The conference offers sessions, workshops, mentorship opportunities, film screenings, competitions focused on future innovations, an expo, performances, and various networking events. It is part of the broader South by Southwest (SXSW) family.

Jay Titus leads workforce development initiatives at University of Phoenix with extensive experience from Bridgepoint Education and EdAssist. He holds degrees from Lasell College and Bryant University.

Sara Francois oversees frontline employee development at Optimum with experience across various sectors including financial services and telecommunications. She earned her master’s degree from University of Phoenix.

Freddy Mathew brings over two decades of expertise in data systems from roles at PricewaterhouseCoopers and Avery Dennison. He holds degrees from Villanova University.

Kent Blumberg serves as a national account manager for Workforce Solutions at University of Phoenix while also teaching management courses. His academic credentials include a doctorate from Louisiana State University.