Plenary Sessions
Leadership in an Ever-Changing World
Thursday, October 8 | 5:00–6:00 PM
Higher education is changing rapidly and relentlessly. Our institutions, systems, and expectations are evolving faster than any single leader can fully predict or control. In this era, the traditional “Captain of the Ship,” who leads primarily through authority and expertise, is quickly ending.
In this opening plenary, attendees will explore a new leadership mindset—one that asks leaders to shift from Captain to Navigator, and ultimately, to Explorer. This shift does not abandon expertise or experience; rather, it reframes leadership as a more human and relational practice that is grounded in authenticity, humility, and trust. At the heart of this evolution is a deeper understanding of emotion as a leadership asset, not a liability. For generations, leaders have been told to suppress their emotions, separating the personal from the professional, and “leaving feelings at the door.” But in times of ambiguity and change, emotional intelligence (EQ) is essential. Our words shape our mindsets, our mindsets shape our behaviors, and our behaviors define the kind of leaders we become.
This plenary challenges leaders to rethink what it means to “manage their emotions”—not by controlling or suppressing them, but by recognizing, exercising, and using them intentionally. Together, these ideas form a powerful invitation: to lead not by having all the answers, but by navigating complexity with emotional intelligence, humility, and collaboration.
Sean Slade, MEd
When Students Are the Strategy: Transforming Higher Education from the Inside Out
Saturday, October 10 | 9:00–10:00 AM
Higher education stands at a pivotal moment marked by demographic change, financial pressures, political scrutiny, and growing demands for measurable outcomes. Above all else, this moment calls for courageous leadership—leadership willing to confront outdated practices, challenge institutional inertia, and advocate boldly for students whose potential is too often constrained by systemic barriers.
This plenary examines how institutions can move beyond access toward achievement by designing structures that proactively support retention, completion, belonging, and career readiness. By placing students at the center of strategy rather than at the margins of institutional planning, colleges and universities can renew their public purpose and strengthen their capacity to prepare the next generation of leaders. This address offers a vision for transforming higher education from the inside out—through intentional design, moral clarity, and an unwavering commitment to the students institutions are called to serve.
Roslyn Artis, JD, EdD