The new University Dean of Educational Initiatives succeeds Phil Regier, who moves into an advisory role after overseeing the growth of ASU Online from six programs to more than 400
Derrick Anderson has been appointed University Dean of Educational Initiatives and CEO of ASU EdPlus at Arizona State University, succeeding Phil Regier, who moves into a senior educational technology advisory role.
Arizona State University (ASU) has appointed Derrick Anderson as University Dean of Educational Initiatives and CEO of ASU EdPlus, the university's innovation unit responsible for supporting ASU Online, as it looks to increase access to digital learning and strengthen educational partnerships.
Anderson takes over from Phil Regier, who will become Senior Advisor on Educational Technology after more than a decade leading EdPlus. During Regier's tenure, ASU's online enrollment increased from 400 to more than 119,000 students, while its portfolio of online programs grew from six to more than 400.
The leadership change took effect on November 2, 2026, with Anderson responsible for advancing the university's work in educational innovation, access and partnerships.
ASU President Michael M. Crow says Anderson will build on a period of substantial growth in online education: “As a skilled leader in design thinking, Derrick Anderson will build on that strong foundation to further advance the ASU Charter, and I am excited to see ASU EdPlus continue to thrive.”
Anderson brings experience in university design and emerging technology
Anderson, an ASU alumnus, has held senior leadership positions at the American Council on Education and the University of Utah, alongside academic and research roles focused on higher education policy, institutional design and emerging technologies.
At the American Council on Education, he served as Senior Vice President of Education Futures, leading national initiatives involving hundreds of universities. His most recent position was Vice President of Enterprise Design and Policy at the University of Utah.
He has also worked with Crow on the development of ASU's public enterprise model, while his research into university design and the governance of emerging technologies has received support from organizations including the National Science Foundation and the Gates Foundation.
Anderson holds a PhD in public policy and management from the University of Georgia and is a Professor in ASU's School of Public Affairs at the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions.
He is also affiliated with the university's Center for Organization Research and Design, University Design Institute and Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory.
His appointment follows his election as one of 64 professionals joining the National Academy of Public Administration's 2026 Class of Academy Fellows.
AI and digital learning form part of EdPlus's next phase
ASU EdPlus has played a central role in developing the university's online education provision and establishing partnerships intended to reach students beyond traditional campus-based learning.
Under Regier's leadership, the unit helped establish initiatives including the Starbucks College Achievement Plan and Global Freshman Academy, alongside partnerships with Uber, Air University, the Mastercard Foundation and the Al Ghurair Foundation.
Regier, who joined ASU in 1987, became Dean of Educational Initiatives and CEO of EdPlus in 2009. He also helped establish the ASU+GSV Summit.
His new advisory position will focus on how educational technology can continue supporting students, while Anderson will oversee the unit's work to broaden access and develop partnerships.
Anderson identifies artificial intelligence as one of the technologies that could influence the next phase of online education.
“Technology, including AI, gives us the chance to make learning more personal, more flexible and more responsive to what each learner needs,” he says.
ASU has not outlined specific new AI products, deployments or investment commitments associated with the appointment.
Anderson's stated priorities are to strengthen partnerships and continue developing educational opportunities for students through the university's digital learning provision.
Looking at the wider mission of EdPlus, Anderson adds: “A learner anywhere should be able to find a place here at ASU.”
ETIH Innovation Awards 2027 open for entries
The ETIH Innovation Awards 2027 are now open for entries, with 26 categories recognising companies, institutions, projects and individuals making a measurable impact across education technology. The global awards span AI in education, digital learning, higher education, skills and workforce, inclusion, education operations, evidence and impact, with entries managed through ETIH’s new online awards platform.
Entries are open worldwide, with the early-bird deadline on Friday 18 December 2026 and the final entry deadline on Friday 26 February 2027 at 23:59 UK time.
Explore the 2027 categories and judging criteria, read the How to Enter guide or start an entry through the ETIH Innovation Awards 2027 platform.
