Leaders of the Generative AI (GenAI) in Assessment Community of Practice (CoP)
GenAI Community of Practice Information
John Hathcoat
John D. Hathcoat, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor in Quantitative Psychology at James Madison University and an Associate Assessment Specialist in the Center for Assessment and Research Studies. His scholarship focuses on validity issues in educational assessment, measurement theory, and instrument development, employing quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research to advance assessment practices in higher education. Dr. Hathcoat has taught graduate-level courses in statistics, research methodology, performance assessment, philosophical foundations of social inquiry, instrument development, and measurement theory. In recent years, his work has expanded to exploring the role of artificial intelligence in assessment and research methodologies. He currently leads a research team investigating how large language models can enhance instrument and rubric development, as well as automate the rating of student performances, such as ethical reasoning essays. He is also exploring AI-driven efficiencies in university assessment systems by seeking to optimize and automate workflows.
Will Miller
Dr. Will Miller holds a Ph.D. in Urban Studies and Public Affairs from The University of Akron and serves as Associate Vice President for Continuous Improvement and Institutional Performance at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He oversees over 40 disciplinary accreditations across all campuses and manages authorizations for more than 100 sites globally. At Embry-Riddle, he has leveraged AI tools to consolidate the University’s catalogs and drive a curricular overhaul for greater cohesion. With a background in public opinion analysis, Miller brings expertise in accreditation, assessment, analytics, and strategic advising to higher education.
Ruth Slotnick
Dr. Ruth Slotnick has been the Director of Assessment at Bridgewater State University for over a decade, leading initiatives that enhance educational evaluation and accountability. She earned her Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from the University of South Florida, specializing in Adult Education, and holds an M.Ed. in Art Education from Penn State—foundations that fuel her passion for integrating creativity and rigor in academia. With over 35 years of experience as a ceramicist, Dr. Slotnick brings an artist’s precision to her research, focusing on qualitative methods, reflective journaling, and transformative assessment frameworks such as the AAC&U LEAP VALUE rubrics and Lumina Foundation’s Degree Qualifications Profile. She co-led the national study "A Portrait of the Assessment Professional" with Mark Nicholas, reshaping how institutions understand assessment roles. A pioneer in the field, Dr. Slotnick co-authored the first known article on integrating qualitative research practices with generative AI in higher education assessment, positioning her as a thought leader at the intersection of technology and assessment. Her work continues to explore how AI can enhance equity, creativity, and institutional strategy in higher education.