Keynotes
The conference kicks off with an energizing opening keynote and wraps up with a closing keynote to send you home inspired.
Roslyn Artis, JD, EdD
Keynote
Placing Students at the Center of Institutional Strategy: Transforming Higher Education from the Inside Out
Wednesday, Nov 18
9 am
Central Time
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 Above all else, this moment calls for courageous leadership—leadership willing to confront outdated practices, challenge institutional inertia, and advocate boldly for students whose potential is too often constrained by systemic barriers.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.
Dr. Jermaine Davis
Keynote
Turning Setbacks into Strategic Comebacks
Wednesday, Nov 18
9 am
Central Time
College life comes with unexpected ups and downs, highs and lows. Those twists and turns can leave you feeling overwhelmed. That’s when a slump hits—when your motivation, confidence, and performance take a noticeable drop. Whether it’s a rough semester, friendship drama, a toxic relationship, or straight-up burnout, a slump can drain your energy, shake your confidence, and cause you to lose sight of your dreams and goals.
Lauren Vicker and Tim Franz
Keynote
Making Team Projects Work: Leadership & Teamwork Skills for the Next Generation
Thursday, Nov 19
9 am
Central Time
In this keynote we will describe the essential steps required for an effective team project, and the role of the student leader and advisor in this process. We will walk participants through a systematic process of team projects, including choosing team members, defining the task(s), assigning roles for team members, planning processes and how to handle inevitable conflict in the team. Along the way, we will focus on the leadership behaviors necessary for the team to be successful, with an eye on stakeholders in the process–students and advisors, but also faculty, staff, and administrators. We will provide useful tools for the student leaders to employ in preparing for and executing the team project, and supplement with examples of team projects that were successful and others that needed more attention to detail to achieve desired results. Our session will also focus on the leader as role model, someone who fosters leadership behaviors in other students on the team.
Vincent Phipps
Keynote
Lead Out Loud — Communication for the Generations
Thursday, Nov 19
2 pm
Central Time
Today’s campus environment brings together multiple generations shaped by different experiences, technologies, and communication styles. For all stakeholders, student leaders and administrators alike, the ability to communicate across these differences is essential for building inclusive communities, strengthening engagement, and leading effectively.
This dynamic session explores how generational perspectives influence communication, leadership expectations, and campus culture. Participants will examine current trends impacting student life, including digital communication habits, evolving definitions of professionalism, and the growing emphasis on authenticity, belonging, and emotional intelligence.
Through practical strategies, attendees will learn how to adapt their communication to connect with peers, faculty, and administrators from different generational viewpoints. The session also addresses common challenges such as miscommunication, conflict, and disengagement, offering tools to foster clarity, collaboration, and mutual respect.
Participants will leave with actionable techniques to lead conversations with confidence, bridge generational gaps, and create environments where diverse voices are heard and valued, empowering them to truly lead out loud in today’s evolving campus landscape.