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UMass Amherst Information Technology (IT) has launched the Academic Technologies Group (ATG), a coordinated team designed to strengthen the tools and services that support teaching and learning across the university.

With the formation of the group, Ryan Scott steps into the new role of academic technologies product owner, overseeing the operations and strategic development of the University’s Learning Management Systems (LMS). Scott will collaborate with campus partners to ensure the Canvas LMS integrates with essential campus services and technologies from technical, security and accessibility perspectives.

Dan Cannity is transitioning to the new role of Educational Technologies Business Partner. In this new position, Cannity will collaborate with faculty, instructional designers and academic leadership to identify instructional needs, and will lead the evaluation and continuous assessment of third-party tools and LTI applications integrated with the university’s Learning Management System (LMS). Cannity will work in alignment with Brad Turner in his previously announced role of academic digital solutions business partner.

Scott, Cannity, and Turner all report to Associate Vice Chancellor Monica Kane, who will provide leadership and oversight for the group as the technology liaison to Academic Affairs and a member of the Provost’s Council.

The ATG brings together expertise in learning technologies, instructional support, and academic partnerships under unified leadership. Academic Technologies Administrators Josh Smith and Brian Sutherland will continue to report to Scott. Tim Sheaffer takes on the new role of academic technologies support team leader, reporting to Scott and leading the Instructional Media Lab team of academic technologies support specialists: Wayne Gagnon, Minhee Kang, Fraser Stowe, and Jia Zhuang.

The launch of the ATG reflects IT’s commitment to aligning technology services with the academic mission of the university. As the transition to a unified, central IT organization for UMass Amherst continues, organizational improvements like the creation of the ATG and the recently announced Account Management Group will focus on enhancing collaboration, strengthening partnerships, and advancing the goals of university’s strategic plan.