Programming Lineup: Future Ready, CCA’s 2023 Annual Convening

December 10 – 12, 2023
Paris Las Vegas

At Future Ready, Complete College America’s 2023 Annual Convening, respected higher education leaders, practitioners, and policymakers will share how they are looking to the future on affordability, equity, emerging technologies, changing political landscapes, and more. 

Attending the Annual Convening? You can view the event schedule in the event app website.

View sessions by subject

View sessions by schedule

Concurrent Sessions By Subject

Featured Plenary Sessions

A Future Ready Approach to College Completion and Higher Education Attainment
Monday, December 11, 8:45 to 10:15 a.m., Concorde Ballroom

Opening remarks from CCA President Yolanda Watson Spiva followed by a conversation with leaders recognized for their Future Ready approach.

  • Maria Anguiano, Executive Vice President of Learning Enterprise, Arizona State University; Regent, University of California  
  • COL Chris Mayer, U.S. Army, Ph.D.; Department Head, Department of English & Philosophy, The U.S. Military Academy at West Point 
  • Suzanne Elise Walsh, President, Bennett College 
  • Moderator: Yolanda Watson Spiva, President, Complete College America

 

Future Ready Presidents: Presiding Over Campuses for Learners of Today, Tomorrow, and Far Beyond
Tuesday, December 12, 8:15 to 9:15 a.m., Concorde Ballroom
Concorde Ballroom

Orientation Sessions 

These sessions are geared towards new Annual Convening attendees and will take place between 4:15 and 5:15 pm on Sunday, December 10.  

CCA 101  

  • Complete College America staff 

Student Success 101 

  • Nia Haydel, Vice President for Alliance Engagement & Institutional Transformation, Complete College America
  • Loretta Griffy, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the University College, Austin Peay State University

Student Welcome and Orientation
This session is for students attending the Annual Convening 

 

Breakout Sessions 

Bolded presenters are Complete College America Fellows. 

Creating Coalitions and Partnerships 

Central Valley CC’s and UC Merced Ignite Intersegmental Miracle to Increase Transfers!
Concurrent Session 3: Monday, December 11, 2:15 to 3 p.m., Chablis

  • Tom Burke, Chancellor Emeritus — Interim Chancellor, Kern Community College District 
  • Stan A. Carrizosa, Southern Regional Coordinator, Central Valley Higher Education Consortium 

Creating Cross-State Collaborations to Increase Effectiveness of Institutions of Higher Education to Meet Basic Student Needs
Concurrent Session 1: Monday, December 11, 10:45 to 11:30 a.m., Champagne 2

  • David Hewkin, Project Specialist, Strategic Initiatives and Projects, Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development
  • Allison Little, Assistant Commissioner, P16 Alignment and Outreach, Massachusetts Department of Higher Education 
  • Kim McCurdy, Director, Bureau of Postsecondary and Adult Education, Pennsylvania Department of Education 
  • Michael Vente, Chief Performance Officer and Senior Director of Research and Data Governance, Colorado Department of Higher Education 

Engaging Partnerships Across Higher Education: Elevating Student Success at Scale
Concurrent Session 2: Monday, December 11, 1:15 to 2 p.m., Versailles 1/2

  • Tim Renick, Executive Director, National Institute for Student Success (NISS) at Georgia State University 

Never Giving Up: Effective Student Support for Colleges That Close
Concurrent Session 2: Monday, December 11, 1:15 to 2 p.m., Chablis

  • Catherine Marciano, Vice President, Partnerships, College Possible 

We Bet You Never Thought of Community Colleges Like This
Concurrent Session 6: Tuesday, December 12, 11:15 a.m. to Noon, Champagne 2

  • Tracy Chen, Director of Media Strategy, Lumina Foundation 
  • Shauna Davis, Strategy Director, Lumina Foundation 

 

Equity and Inclusion 

Featured Stan Jones Stage Panel: Louisiana’s Bipartisan Push for Equity in Higher Education
Monday, December 11, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Stan Jones Stage

Advancing Equity Through an Innovative, Comprehensive, Cloud-Based Student Success Suite
Concurrent Session 5: Tuesday, December 12, 9:30 to 10:15 a.m., Champagne 2

  • Michele Agostinelli, Associate Vice Chancellor & Associate CIO, Maricopa Community Colleges
  • Lori Lindenberg, District Director of Enterprise Analytics and Strategy, Maricopa Community Colleges

Advancing Racial Justice on Campus: Student & Administrator Perspectives on Conditions for Change
Concurrent Session 4: Monday, December 11, 3:15 to 4 p.m., Burgundy

  • Alexa Chamberlain, Director of Research and Strategy, NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education 
  • Jill Dunlap, Senior Director for Research, Policy, and Civic Engagement, NASPA 

Charting New Pathways: Prelim Insights on Equitable Completion in the Two-Year College Landscape
Concurrent Session 7: Tuesday, December 12, 1:45 to 2:30 p.m., Versailles 3/4

  • Carrie Hodge, Data Analyst, Complete College America
  • Hoori Kalamkarian, Senior Research Associate, Community College Research Center
  • Carrie Kisker, President, Kisker Education Consulting
  • Katonja Webb Walker, President, City Colleges of Chicago-Kennedy-King College

Cultivating Equity-Minded Leadership at IUPUI
Concurrent Session 3: Monday, December 11, 2:15 to 3 p.m., Burgundy

  • Karen Dace, Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis 
  • Gina Sánchez Gibau, Associate Vice Chancellor for Faculty Diversity and Inclusion, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis  
  • Kathy E. Johnson, Executive Vice Chancellor, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis 

Intersecting Identities: How Recognizing the Whole Student Is the Key to Retaining Nontraditional Students
Concurrent Session 1: Monday, December 11, 10:45 to 11:30 a.m., Champagne 1

  • Elaina Carroll, Director of Product, Upswing 
  • Ben Crowther, Director of Customer Success, Upswing 
  • Melvin Hines, CEO, Upswing 
  • Rebecca Wurm, Vice President of Revenue, Upswing 

Golden State Aspirations: Charting a Path to Equitable Completion in California
Concurrent Session 3: Monday, December 11, 2:15 to 3 p.m., Versailles 3/4

  • Charles Ansell, Vice President for Research, Policy, and Advocacy, Complete College America
  • Jessie Ryan, Executive Vice President, The Campaign for College Opportunity

How Not to Disable Student Success: Using Inclusive and Universal Design
Concurrent Session 4: Monday, December 11, 3:15 to 4 p.m., Chablis

  • Mary Lee Vance, Director, Disability Access Center, California State University Sacramento 

“Lived Experience Matters!” Making Credit for Prior Learning Work for All Students
Monday, December 11, 2:30 to 3:15 p.m., Stan Jones Stage

  • Tina Gridiron, Senior Vice President, ACT’s Center for Equity in Learning
  • Christopher Guidry, Vice President, Community Affairs, CAEL

Unlocking the Future: Innovative Approaches for Adult Student Success
Concurrent Session 6: Tuesday, December 12, 11:15 a.m. to Noon, Champagne 1

  • Matt Bergman, Senior Affiliate Faculty, University of Louisville; Vice President of Academic Innovation, Student-Ready Strategies
  • Tracy Robinson, Director of Professional & Continuing Education, Center for Regional Economic Enrichment, University of Memphis 
  • Buffy Tanner, Director of Innovation and Special Projects, Shasta College 

The Higher Ed Equity Network: From Admission to Grad: Racial & Wealth Inequities in College Success
Tuesday, December 12, 11 a.m. to Noon, Stan Jones Stage

  • Phillip Nevels, Partner, Catalyst:Ed
  • Sana Meghani, Associate Partner, Catalyst:Ed
  • Monica Parrish Trent, Chief Program and Network Officer, Achieving the Dream
  • Kristen McGuire, Executive Director, Young Invincibles
  • Charles Ansell, Vice President for Research, Policy, and Advocacy, Complete College America

College Cost and Affordability 

Investigating the Financial Tipping Point: The Effect of Unmet Financial Need on Retention
Concurrent Session 1: Monday, December 11, 10:45 to 11:30 a.m., Versailles 3/4

  • Christopher Ledford, Associate Director of Data, Research, and Advanced Analytics, Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education 
  • Travis Muncie, Executive Director of Data, Research, and Advanced Analytics, Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education

Radical Financial Aid Solutions for Low-income College Students in STEM
Concurrent Session 2: Monday, December 11, 1:15 to 2 p.m., Burgundy

  • April Christina Curley, Engagement and Partnerships Manager, Last Mile Education Fund 

Strategies on Coalition Building for College Affordability
Concurrent Session 6: Tuesday, December 12, 11:15 a.m. to Noon, Loire

  • Ana Fung, Senior Research Associate, The Institute for College Access and Success 
  • Manny Rodriguez, Director of Policy and Advocacy, California, The Institute for College Access and Success 

 

Technological Innovation 

Achieving Equitable Access through Ivy+ Textbook Innovation
Concurrent Session 4: Monday, December 11, 3:15 to 4 p.m., Bordeaux

  • Emily Sellers, Vice President of Project Implementation & Support, Ivy Tech Community College

Applications of Educational Technologies to Improve Equity and Support Gateway Course Reform
Concurrent Session 2: Monday, December 11, 1:15 to 2 p.m., Champagne 2

  • Megan Tesene, Assistant Vice President, Digital Transformation for Student Success, Association of Public and Land Grant Universities 
  • Karen Vignare, Vice President, Digital Transformation for Student Success, Association of Public and Land Grant Universities 
  • Farai Gombedza, Assistant Professor of Biochemistry, Purdue University Northwest

Centering Student Voice and Equity in the Transformation of Our Digital Learning Futures
Concurrent Session 4: Monday, December 11, 3:15 to 4 p.m., Champagne 2

  • Laura DaVinci, Associate Director, Every Learner Everywhere 
  • Norma Hollebeke, Sr. Manager, Network Programs and Services, Every Learner Everywhere 

How AWS Is Driving Skills-Based Education and Hiring
Concurrent Session 7: Tuesday, December 12, 1:45 to 2:30 p.m., Loire

  • Craig von Collenberg, Workforce Program Manager, West Region, Amazon Web Services (AWS) 

The Digital HBCU: (Em)Powering Black Student Success
Concurrent Session 1: Monday, December 11, 10:45 to 11:30 a.m., Burgundy

  • Moderated by Meacie Fairfax, Strategy Director, Complete College America 
  • Mililani Stewart, Student, Lawson State Community College
  • Kailyn Haye, Student, Virginia State University
  • Maria Prieto Morales, Student, Virginia State University

Scheduling and Placement 

Advising Students to “Think 30” to Graduate in 4 Years
Concurrent Session 2: Monday, December 11, 1:15 to 2 p.m., Loire

  • Rosette Allegretti, Dean of Graduate and Professional Education, Saint Peter’s University 
  • Tracy Chacon, Director of Operations for Academic Affairs, Saint Peter’s University 
  • Nicole DeCapua, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, Saint Peter’s University 

Building equitable academic momentum through innovative placement-as-transformation approaches
Concurrent Session 3: Monday, December 11, 2:15 to 3 p.m., Bordeaux

  • Melinda Karp, Founder, Phase Two Advisory 

Creating an Integrated Academic Strategy to Remove Course Access as a Barrier to Completion
Concurrent Session 2: Monday, December 11, 1:15 to 2 p.m., Bordeaux

  • Corley Dennison, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission 
  • Shonda Gibson, Associate Vice Chancellor, The Texas A&M University System 
  • Nia Haydel, Vice President for Alliance Engagement & Institutional Transformation, Complete College America 

Dual Enrollment and Workforce Success: Early Momentum, Long-Term Benefits
Concurrent Session 1: Monday, December 11, 10:45 to 11:30 a.m., Loire

  • Navi Dhaliwal, Economic Analyst, Research Institute at Dallas College 
  • McKenna Griffin, Data Visualization Specialist, Dallas College  
  • Dillon Lu, Data Science Analyst, Dallas College 

Increasing Equity and Success Through First-Semester Placement Policy
Concurrent Session 5: Tuesday, December 12, 9:30 to 10:15 a.m., Champagne 1

  • Jeffrey Hicks, Director of Academic Advisement and Veteran Student Services, Rose State College

 Maximizing Student Success: The Impact of Effective Course Scheduling on Retention, Graduation, and Equity 
Concurrent Session 1: Monday, December 11, 10:45 to 11:30 a.m., Bordeaux

  • John Hamman, Chief Analytics & Insights Officer, Montgomery College  
  • Tom Shaver, Founder and CEO, Ad Astra 
  • Monica Parrish Trent, Chief Program and Network Officer, Achieving the Dream 

Using an Optimized Course Schedule to Maximize Student Success and Equity
Concurrent Session 4: Monday, December 11, 3:15 to 4 p.m., Versailles 3/4

  • Chris Cox, Vice Chancellor of Instruction, Research and Development, Alabama Community College System 
  • Susan English, Education Consult, Ad Astra

 

Student-Centered Campus Culture 

Aha! Catalyzing Campus Change to Ensure Purpose Comes First
Concurrent Session 4: Monday, December 11, 3:15 to 4 p.m., Versailles 1/2

  • Arnel Cosey, CCA PEP Coach – Oklahoma 
  • Heidi G. Loshbaugh, Senior Research Associate, University of Colorado Boulder
  • Margaret Montgomery-Richard, CCA PEP Coach – Arkansas

Designing Higher Education Programs for Today’s Learners
Concurrent Session 4: Monday, December 11, 2:15 to 4 p.m., Champagne 1

  • Brittany Matthews, Director of Policy and Advocacy, Center for Higher Education Policy and Practice at Southern New Hampshire University 
  • Meaghan Rajkumar, Director of Research and Strategy, Center for Higher Education Policy and Practice at Southern New Hampshire University 

Empowering Change: Student-Led Panel on Capstone Projects from the Policy and Advocacy Fellowship
Concurrent Session 5: Tuesday, December 12, 9:30 to 10:15 a.m., Loire

  • Carrie Hodge, Data Analyst, Complete College America
  • Christina Li, Student, Mount Holyoke College
  • Ahmadzia Momand, Student, Ivy Tech Community College

From Game Changers to Life Changers: A Holistic Approach to Student Success
Concurrent Session 7: Tuesday, December 12, 1:45 to 2:30 p.m., Champagne 1

  • Chuck Lloyd, Vice Chancellor, Community College System of New Hampshire 
  • Kristen Miller, Vice President of Academic Affairs, White Mountains Community College 

ICYM: Students Are Not Weeds–DFWIs, Rigor, & Growing New Faculty Beliefs about Teaching
Concurrent Session 3: Monday, December 11, 2:15 to 3 p.m., Champagne 2

  • Heidi G. Loshbaugh, Senior Research Associate, University of Colorado Boulder 

Helping Your Students Feel Seen, Heard, Known: Tool to Discover What Drives Them
Concurrent Session 1: Monday, December 11, 10:45 to 11:30 a.m., Chablis

  • Josh Williams, Vice President, Higher Education, TruMotivate, a division of Motivations AI  

Leveraging Systemwide Approaches to Addressing Student Mental Health and Wellbeing
Concurrent Session 7: Tuesday, December 12, 1:45 to 2:30 p.m., Champagne 2

  • John Achter, Director of Student Success and Wellbeing, University of Wisconsin System Administration 
  • Genie Kim, Director of Student Mental Health & Well-being, University of California

 Myths & Mysteries of Transfer: Better Serving Students by Removing Obstacles – Real & Perceived
Concurrent Session 2: Monday, December 11, 1:15 to 2 p.m., Versailles 3/4

  • Vistasp Karbhari, Professor, University of Texas – Arlington, Speaker; Board Member, Complete College America  

Putting Students at the Center of Enrollment Management
Concurrent Session 7: Tuesday, December 12, 1:45 to 2:30 p.m., Versailles 1/2

  • Gregory DeSantis, President, Student Centered Consulting 
  • Cassie Walizer, Strategy Director, Complete College America 

Transforming Student Success at SUNY
Concurrent Session 6: Tuesday, December 12, 11:15 a.m. to noon, Versailles 3/4

  • Donna Linderman, Senior Vice Chancellor for Student Success, State University of New York (SUNY)

Career-Focused Programs and Workforce Alignment 

Employers as Partners in Life-Long Learning for Working Adults: The Achieve Your Degree Program
Concurrent Session 3: Monday, December 11, 2:15 to 3 p.m., Champagne 1

  • Megan Andrew, Full Behavioral/Social Scientist, RAND 
  • Molly Dodge, Senior Vice President, Workforce and Careers, Ivy Tech Community College 
  • Jennifer Gasiorek, Vice Chancellor for Workforce Partnerships/Strategic Communications, Ivy Tech Community College
  • Katrina Jones, Director of Employer-Sponsored Programs , Ivy Tech Community College  

Guided Career Pathways: Health Care Exploration
Concurrent Session 6: Tuesday, December 12, 11:15 a.m. to Noon, Versailles 1/2

  • Dan Belyea, Chief Workforce Development Officer, Maine Community College System 
  • Susan Cerini, Dean of Workforce and Professional Solutions, Eastern Maine Community College
  • Matthew Goodman, Dean of Academic Excellence and Strategic Initiative, Southern Maine Community College
  • James Whitten, Dean of Workforce Development, Southern Maine Community College

Equitable Excellence: Learning from Leading Four-Year Institutions on Inclusive College Completion
Concurrent Session 1: Monday, December 11, 10:45 to 11:30 a.m., Versailles 1/2

  • Raman Adaikkalavan, Associate Professor, Associate Professor
  • Julie Nash, Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, University Massachusetts Lowell
  • Jill Pearon, Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Indiana University South Bend
  • DeShawn Preston, Research Associate, MDRC
  • Daphne Rankin, Associate Vice President for Special Programs, Virginia Commonwealth University
  • Amie Tryon, Director, Institutional Effectiveness, Salish Kootenai College
  • Amelie Wax Reeves, Academic Advisor, University of New Orleans

Policy Focus 

A Framework for Fostering Higher Education Equity After the Supreme Court’s SFFA Ruling
Concurrent Session 5: Tuesday, December 12, 9:30 to 10:15 a.m., Stan Jones Stage

  • Edward Smith, Senior Policy Advisor, EducationCounsel 
  • Wil Del Pilar, Senior Vice President, The Education Trust
  • Brandy Johnson, President, Michigan Community College Association

Louisiana Meauxmentum
Concurrent Session 2: Monday, December 11, 1:15 to 2 p.m., Champagne 1

  • Tristan Denley, Commissioner for Academic Affairs and Innovation, Louisiana Board of Regents 

The Three-Legged Stool of Systemic Remedial Education Reform: Policy, Perspective, and Practice
Concurrent Session 5: Tuesday, December 12, 9:30 to 10:15 a.m., Versailles 1/2

  • Renee Davis, Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs, Nevada System of Higher Education 
  • James McCoy, Vice President and Chief Academic Officer, College of Southern Nevada 
  • Brandon Protas, Assistant Vice President for Alliance Engagement, Complete College America 

Civic Learning and the Future of Student Success: Bridging Democracy, Workforce, and Equity
Monday, December 11, 1:15 to 2:15 p.m., Stan Jones Stage

  • Carol Schneider, Senior Advisor, Civic Learning and Democracy Engagement
  • Nikolas Huot, Assistant Vice President for Institutional Transformation, Complete College America
  • John Lane, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Equity Initiatives, SHEEO
  • Martha Kanter, CEO, College Promise
  • Mary Beth Love, Executive Director, Metro College Success Program, San Francisco State University

Using Completion-Goals Funding to Improve Accountability and Outcomes
Concurrent Session 5: Tuesday, December 12, 9:30 to 10:15 a.m., Versailles 3/4

  • Charles Ansell, Vice President for Research, Policy, and Advocacy, Complete College America
  • Seth Hinshaw, Senior Associate Commissioner and Chief Financial Officer, Indiana Commission for Higher Education
  • Sophia Laderman, Chief Policy and Research Officer, Colorado Department of Higher Education
Future-Ready Policy: Charting the Course for College Completion into 2024
Tuesday, December 12, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., Stan Jones Stage
  • Vincent Brown, Associate, Arnold and Porter
  • Jhenai Chandler, Director, College Completion Policy, The Institute for College Access & Success
  • Colin Chellman, University Dean for Institutional and Policy Research, City University of New York
  • Wil Del Pilar, Senior Vice President, The Education Trust
  • Grace Mukupa, Policy Director, Complete College America
  • Lee Nimocks, Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff, Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education
  • Jessie Ryan, Executive Vice President, The Campaign for College Opportunity

Advising and Coaching 

Integrating Career Advising for Equitable Student Success
Concurrent Session 3: Monday, December 11, 2:15 to 3 p.m., Versailles 1/2

  • Lynn Brabender, Director of Student Success and Service Provision, American Association of State Colleges and Universities 
  • Michelle Foley, Associate Director, Strategic Partnerships for the Advising Success Network, NASPA–Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education 
  • Jamil Johnson, Associate Director of Research and Grants, National Resource Center for the First-Year Experience; Clinical Assistant Professor of Higher Education and Student Affairs, University of South Carolina 

The Keys to College Completion: Engage, Coach, and Advise
Concurrent Session 7: Tuesday, December 12, 1:45 to 2:30 p.m.

  • Marcedes Butler, College Opportunity Learning Concierge, University of Nevada, Las Vegas 

 

Future Ready Hub 

Stop by the Future Ready Hub throughout the Annual Convening to interact with AI solutions for student success, live podcasting sessions from student learners, and one-on-one connections with Future Ready experts. 

 

Exhibition Space 

Meet with organizations and companies who offer solutions and services for systems, campuses, and states. Exhibitors include the College Board, NASPA, Upswing, Annual Convening sponsors, and more. 

 

Full Schedule, Including Concurrent Sessions

Sunday, December 10

1 to 4 p.m. — Pre-conferences for CCA project cohorts

1 to 6 p.m. — Registration

4:15 to 5:15 p.m. — CCA 101 Orientation Session

These sessions are geared towards new Annual Convening attendees and will occur between 4:15 and 5:15 p.m. on Sunday, December 10.

CCA 101  

  • Complete College America staff

Student Success 101 

  • Nia Haydel, Vice President for Alliance Engagement & Institutional Transformation, Complete College America
  • Loretta Griffy, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the University College, Austin Peay State University

Student Welcome and Orientation
This session is for students attending the Annual Convening

 

6 to 8 p.m. — Welcome & Opening Reception

Concorde Ballroom

This will include the honoring of the Stan Jones Legacy Award, brief welcome remarks, recognition of the Complete College America Fellows, and a welcome reception to connect with colleagues and peers from across the country. The reception will include heavy hors d’oeuvres.

 

MONDAY, DECEMBER 11

7 a.m. to  5 p.m. — Registration

 

7:30 to 8:30 a.m. — Breakfast

8:45 to 10:15 a.m. — Welcome Remarks and Plenary Panel Session

Concorde Ballroom

Opening remarks from CCA President Yolanda Watson Spiva followed by a conversation with leaders recognized for their Future Ready approach.

A Future Ready Approach to College Completion and Higher Education Attainment

  • Maria Anguiano, Executive Vice President of Learning Enterprise, Arizona State University; Regent, University of California  
  • COL Chris Mayer, U.S. Army, Ph.D.; Department Head, Department of English & Philosophy, The U.S. Military Academy at West Point 
  • Suzanne Elise Walsh, President, Bennett College 
  • Moderator: Yolanda Watson Spiva, President, Complete College America

10:45 a.m.* to 11:30 a.m. — Concurrent Sessions 1 and Stan Jones Stage Invited Sessions

* The Louisiana panel begins at 10:30 a.m., immediately following the conclusion of the plenary session. All other concurrent sessions begin at 10:45 a.m.

Featured Stan Jones Stage Panel: Louisiana’s Bipartisan Push for Equity in Higher Education
10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Stan Jones Stage

Creating Cross-State Collaborations to Increase Effectiveness of Institutions of Higher Education to Meet Basic Student Needs
Champagne 2

  • David Hewkin, Project Specialist, Strategic Initiatives and Projects, Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development
  • Allison Little, Assistant Commissioner, P16 Alignment and Outreach, Massachusetts Department of Higher Education
  • Kim McCurdy, Director, Bureau of Postsecondary and Adult Education, Pennsylvania Department of Education
  • Michael Vente, Chief Performance Officer and Senior Director of Research and Data Governance, Colorado Department of Higher Education

The Digital HBCU: (Em)Powering Black Student Success
Burgundy

  • Moderated by Meacie Fairfax, Strategy Director, Complete College America
  • Mililani Stewart, Student, Lawson State Community College
  • Kailyn Haye, Student, Virginia State University
  • Maria Prieto Morales, Student, Virginia State University

Dual Enrollment and Workforce Success: Early Momentum, Long-Term Benefits
Loire

  • Navi Dhaliwal, Economic Analyst, Research Institute at Dallas College
  • McKenna Griffin, Data Visualization Specialist, Dallas College
  • Dillon Lu, Data Science Analyst, Dallas College

Helping Your Students Feel Seen, Heard, Known: Tool to Discover What Drives Them
Chablis

  • Josh Williams, Vice President, Higher Education, TruMotivate, a division of Motivations AI

Intersecting Identities: How Recognizing the Whole Student Is the Key to Retaining Nontraditional Students
Champagne 1

  • Elaina Carroll, Director of Product, Upswing
  • Ben Crowther, Director of Customer Success, Upswing
  • Melvin Hines, CEO, Upswing
  • Rebecca Wurm, Vice President of Revenue, Upswing

Investigating the Financial Tipping Point: The Effect of Unmet Financial Need on Retention
Versailles 3/4

  • Christopher Ledford, Associate Director of Data, Research, and Advanced Analytics, Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education
  • Travis Muncie, Executive Director of Data, Research, and Advanced Analytics, Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education

Maximizing Student Success: The Impact of Effective Course Scheduling on Retention, Graduation, and Equity
Bordeaux

  • John Hamman, Chief Analytics & Insights Officer, Montgomery College
  • Tom Shaver, Founder and CEO, Ad Astra
  • Monica Parrish Trent, Chief Program and Network Officer, Achieving the Dream

Equitable Excellence: Learning from Leading Four-Year Institutions on Inclusive College Completion
Versailles 1/2

  • Raman Adaikkalavan, Associate Professor, Associate Professor
  • Julie Nash, Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, University Massachusetts Lowell
  • Jill Pearon, Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Indiana University South Bend
  • DeShawn Preston, Research Associate, MDRC
  • Daphne Rankin, Associate Vice President for Special Programs, Virginia Commonwealth University
  • Amie Tryon, Director, Institutional Effectiveness, Salish Kootenai College
  • Amelie Wax Reeves, Academic Advisor, University of New Orleans

 

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Lunch

Rivoli

 

1:15 to 2 p.m. — Concurrent Sessions 2 and Stan Jones Stage Invited Sessions

Civic Learning and the Future of Student Success: Bridging Democracy, Workforce, and Equity
Stan Jones Stage
Note: This one-hour session will conclude at 2:15 p.m.

  • Carol Schneider, Senior Advisor, Civic Learning and Democracy Engagement
  • Nikolas Huot, Assistant Vice President for Institutional Transformation, Complete College America
  • John Lane, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Equity Initiatives, SHEEO
  • Martha Kanter, CEO, College Promise
  • Mary Beth Love, Executive Director, Metro College Success Program, San Francisco State University

Advising Students to “Think 30” to Graduate in 4 Years
Loire

  • Rosette Allegretti, Dean of Graduate and Professional Education, Saint Peter’s University
  • Tracy Chacon, Director of Operations for Academic Affairs, Saint Peter’s University
  • Nicole DeCapua, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, Saint Peter’s University

Applications of Educational Technologies to Improve Equity and Support Gateway Course Reform
Champagne 2

  • Megan Tesene, Assistant Vice President, Digital Transformation for Student Success, Association of Public and Land Grant Universities
  • Karen Vignare, Vice President, Digital Transformation for Student Success, Association of Public and Land Grant Universities
  • Farai Gombedza, Assistant Professor of Biochemistry, Purdue University Northwest

Creating an Integrated Academic Strategy to Remove Course Access as a Barrier to Completion
Bordeaux

  • Corley Dennison, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission
  • Shonda Gibson, Associate Vice Chancellor, The Texas A&M University System
  • Nia Haydel, Vice President for Alliance Engagement & Institutional Transformation, Complete College America

Engaging Partnerships Across Higher Education: Elevating Student Success at Scale
Versailles 1/2

  • Tim Renick, Executive Director, National Institute for Student Success (NISS) at Georgia State University

Louisiana Meauxmentum
Champagne 1

  • Tristan Denley, Commissioner for Academic Affairs and Innovation, Louisiana Board of Regents

Myths & Mysteries of Transfer: Better Serving Students by Removing Obstacles – Real & Perceived
Versailles 3/4

  • Vistasp Karbhari, Professor, University of Texas – Arlington, Speaker; Board Member, Complete College America

Never Giving Up: Effective Student Support for Colleges That Close
Chablis

  • Catherine Marciano, Vice President, Partnerships, College Possible

Radical Financial Aid Solutions for Low-income College Students in STEM
Burgundy

  • April Christina Curley, Engagement and Partnerships Manager, Last Mile Education Fund

Table Discussions: Students

 

2:15 to 3 p.m. — Concurrent Sessions 3 and Stan Jones Stage Invited Sessions

* The “Lived Experience Matters!” session begins at 2:30 p.m. All other concurrent sessions begin at 2:15 p.m.

“Lived Experience Matters!” Making Credit for Prior Learning Work for All Students
Stan Jones Stage
Note: This session begins at 2:30 p.m. and concludes at 3:15 p.m.

  • Tina Gridiron, Senior Vice President, ACT’s Center for Equity in Learning
  • Christopher Guidry, Vice President, Community Affairs, CAEL

Building equitable academic momentum through innovative placement-as-transformation approaches
Bordeaux

  • Melinda Karp, Founder, Phase Two Advisory

Central Valley CC’s and UC Merced Ignite Intersegmental Miracle to Increase Transfers!
Chablis

  • Tom Burke, Chancellor Emeritus — Interim Chancellor, Kern Community College District
  • Stan A. Carrizosa, Southern Regional Coordinator, Central Valley Higher Education Consortium

Cultivating Equity-Minded Leadership at IUPUI
Burgundy

  • Karen Dace, Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
  • Gina Sánchez Gibau, Associate Vice Chancellor for Faculty Diversity and Inclusion, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
  • Kathy E. Johnson, Executive Vice Chancellor, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis

Employers as Partners in Life-Long Learning for Working Adults: The Achieve Your Degree Program
Champagne 1

  • Megan Andrew, Full Behavioral/Social Scientist, RAND
  • Molly Dodge, Senior Vice President, Workforce and Careers, Ivy Tech Community College
  • Jennifer Gasiorek, Vice Chancellor for Workforce Partnerships/Strategic Communications, Ivy Tech Community College
  • Katrina Jones, Director of Employer Sponsored Programs, Ivy Tech Community College

Golden State Aspirations: Charting a Path to Equitable Completion in California
Versailles 3/4

  • Charles Ansell, Vice President for Research, Policy, and Advocacy, Complete College America
  • Jessie Ryan, Executive Vice President, The Campaign for College Opportunity

ICYM: Students Are Not Weeds–DFWIs, Rigor, & Growing New Faculty Beliefs about Teaching
Champagne 2

  • Heidi G. Loshbaugh, Senior Research Associate, University of Colorado Boulder

Integrating Career Advising for Equitable Student Success, Versailles 1/2

  • Lynn Brabender, Director of Student Success and Service Provision, American Association of State Colleges and Universities
  • Michelle Foley, Associate Director, Strategic Partnerships for the Advising Success Network, NASPA–Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education
  • Jamil Johnson, Associate Director of Research and Grants, National Resource Center for the First-Year Experience; Clinical Assistant Professor of Higher Education and Student Affairs, University of South Carolina

Table Discussions: Team Network Tables

 

3:15 to 4 p.m. — Concurrent Sessions 4 and Stan Jones Stage Invited Sessions

Achieving Equitable Access through Ivy+ Textbook Innovation
Bordeaux

  • Emily Sellers, Vice President of Project Implementation & Support, Ivy Tech Community College

Advancing Racial Justice on Campus: Student & Administrator Perspectives on Conditions for Change
Burgundy

  • Alexa Chamberlain, Director of Research and Strategy, NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education
  • Jill Dunlap, Senior Director for Research, Policy, and Civic Engagement, NASPA

Aha! Catalyzing Campus Change to Ensure Purpose Comes First
Versailles 1/2

  • Arnel Cosey, CCA PEP Coach – Oklahoma
  • Heidi G. Loshbaugh, Senior Research Associate, University of Colorado Boulder
  • Margaret Montgomery-Richard, CCA PEP Coach – Arkansas

Centering Student Voice and Equity in the Transformation of Our Digital Learning Futures
Champagne 2

  • Laura DaVinci, Associate Director, Every Learner Everywhere
  • Norma Hollebeke, Sr. Manager, Network Programs and Services, Every Learner Everywhere

Designing Higher Education Programs for Today’s Learner
Champagne 1

  • Brittany Matthews, Director of Policy and Advocacy, Center for Higher Education Policy and Practice at Southern New Hampshire University
  • Meaghan Rajkumar, Director of Research and Strategy, Center for Higher Education Policy and Practice at Southern New Hampshire University

How Not to Disable Student Success: Using Inclusive and Universal Design
Chablis

  • Mary Lee Vance, Director, Disability Access Center, California State University Sacramento

Using an Optimized Course Schedule to Maximize Student Success and Equity
Versailles 3/4

  • Chris Cox, Vice Chancellor of Instruction, Research and Development, Alabama Community College System
  • Susan English, Education Consult, Ad Astra

Table Discussions: Student-led Discussions

 

4 to 4:30 p.m. — Networking Break

 

4:30 to 5:30 p.m. — Regional Meetings

The Complete College America Alliance drives policy, perspective, and practice for college completion nationwide. These meetings allow attendees to connect with regional peers and partners while comparing and sharing strategies. Attendees not located in an Alliance state or within a consortium are welcome to attend a meeting based on their region.

South Central US Region – Loire
Includes the following Alliance members:
Arkansas, Houston GPS, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Thurgood Marshall College Fund)

West Region – Versailles 1/2
Includes the following Alliance members:
Arizona, Colorado, Central Valley Higher Education Consortium (California), Hawai’i, Inland Empire (California), Northern California, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico

Nevada State Session – Champagne 1
For attendees from the state of Nevada

Northwest Region – Bordeaux
Includes the following Alliance members:
Idaho, Montana, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming

Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Region – Chablis
Includes the following Alliance members:
Connecticut, City University of New York (CUNY), District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia

Midwest Region – Burgundy
Includes the following Alliance members:
Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin

Southeast Region
Includes the following Alliance Members:
Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee

 

Dinner on your own

 

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12

7 to 9 a.m. — Registration

 

7 to 8:15 a.m. — Breakfast

8:15 to 9:15 a.m. — Plenary Session 2

Future Ready Presidents: Presiding Over Campuses for Learners of Today, Tomorrow, and Far Beyond
Concorde Ballroom

 

9:30 to 10:15 a.m. — Concurrent Sessions 5 and Stan Jones Stage Invited Sessions

A Framework for Fostering Higher Education Equity After the Supreme Court’s SFFA Ruling
Stan Jones Stage

  • Edward Smith, Senior Policy Advisor, EducationCounsel
  • Wil Del Pilar, Senior Vice President, The Education Trust
  • Brandy Johnson, President, Michigan Community College Association

Advancing Equity Through an Innovative, Comprehensive, Cloud-Based Student Success Suit
Champagne 2

  • Michele Agostinelli, Associate Vice Chancellor & Associate CIO, Maricopa Community Colleges
  • Lori Lindenberg, District Director of Enterprise Analytics and Strategy, Maricopa Community Colleges

Empowering Change: Student-Led Panel on Capstone Projects from the Policy and Advocacy Fellowship
Loire

  • Carrie Hodge, Data Analyst, Complete College America
  • Christina Li, Student, Mount Holyoke College
  • Ahmadzia Momand, Student, Ivy Tech Community College

Increasing Equity and Success Through First-Semester Placement Policy, Champagne 1

  • Jeffrey Hicks, Director of Academic Advisement and Veteran Student Services, Rose State College

The Three-Legged Stool of Systemic Remedial Education Reform: Policy, Perspective, and Practice
Versailles 1/2

  • Renee Davis, Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs, Nevada System of Higher Education
  • James McCoy, Vice President and Chief Academic Officer, College of Southern Nevada
  • Brandon Protas, Assistant Vice President for Alliance Engagement, Complete College America

Using Completion-Goals Funding to Improve Accountability and Outcomes
Versailles 3/4

  • Charles Ansell, Vice President for Research, Policy, and Advocacy, Complete College America
  • Seth Hinshaw, Senior Associate Commissioner and Chief Financial Officer, Indiana Commission for Higher Education
  • Sophia Laderman, Chief Policy and Research Officer, Colorado Department of Higher Education

 

10:15 to 11:15 a.m. — Networking Break

 

11:15 a.m.*- Noon — Concurrent Sessions 6 and Stan Jones Stage Invited Sessions

* The Higher Ed Equity Network panel begins at 11 a.m. All other concurrent sessions begin at 11:15 a.m.

The Higher Ed Equity Network: From Admission to Grad: Racial & Wealth Inequities in College Success
11 a.m. to noon
Stan Jones Stage

  • Phillip Nevels, Partner, Catalyst:Ed
  • Sana Meghani, Associate Partner, Catalyst:Ed
  • Monica Parrish Trent, Chief Program and Network Officer, Achieving the Dream
  • Kristen McGuire, Executive Director, Young Invincibles
  • Charles Ansell, Vice President for Research, Policy, and Advocacy, Complete College America

Guided Career Pathways: Health Care Exploration
Versailles 1/2

  • Dan Belyea, Chief Workforce Development Officer, Maine Community College System
  • Susan Cerini, Dean of Workforce and Professional Solutions, Eastern Maine Community College
  • Matthew Goodman, Dean of Academic Excellence and Strategic Initiative, Southern Maine Community College
  • James Whitten, Dean of Workforce Development, Southern Maine Community College

Strategies on Coalition Building for College Affordability
Loire

  • Ana Fung, Senior Research Associate, The Institute for College Access and Success
  • Manny Rodriguez, Director of Policy and Advocacy, California, The Institute for College Access and Success

Transforming Student Success at SUNY
Versailles 3/4

  • Donna Linderman, Senior Vice Chancellor for Student Success, State University of New York (SUNY)

Unlocking the Future: Innovative Approaches for Adult Student Success
 Champagne 1

  • Matt Bergman, Senior Affiliate Faculty, University of Louisville; Vice President of Academic Innovation, Student-Ready Strategies
  • Tracy Robinson, Director of Professional & Continuing Education, Center for Regional Economic Enrichment, University of Memphis
  • Buffy Tanner, Director of Innovation and Special Projects, Shasta College

We Bet You Never Thought of Community Colleges Like This
Champagne 2

  • Tracy Chen, Director of Media Strategy, Lumina Foundation
  • Shauna Davis, Strategy Director, Lumina Foundation

Table Discussions: AI, Equity Legislation, and Ramifications

 

Noon to -1:30 p.m. — Networking Lunch

Rivoli

 

1:45* to 2:30 p.m. — Concurrent Sessions 7 and Stan Jones Stage Invited Sessions

* The Future-Ready Policy panel begins at 1:30 p.m. All other concurrent sessions begin at 1:45 p.m.

Future-Ready Policy: Charting the Course for College Completion into 2024
Stan Jones Stage
  • Vincent Brown, Associate, Arnold and Porter
  • Jhenai Chandler, Director, College Completion Policy, The Institute for College Access & Success
  • Colin Chellman, University Dean for Institutional and Policy Research, City University of New York
  • Wil Del Pilar, Senior Vice President, The Education Trust
  • Grace Mukupa, Policy Director, Complete College America
  • Lee Nimocks, Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff, Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education
  • Jessie Ryan, Executive Vice President, The Campaign for College Opportunity

Charting New Pathways: Prelim Insights on Equitable Completion in the Two-Year College Landscape
Versailles 3/4

  • Carrie Hodge, Data Analyst, Complete College America
  • Hoori Kalamkarian, Senior Research Associate, Community College Research Center
  • Carrie Kisker, President, Kisker Education Consulting
  • Katonja Webb Walker, President, City Colleges of Chicago-Kennedy-King College

From Game Changers to Life Changers: A Holistic Approach to Student Success
Champagne 1

  • Chuck Lloyd, Vice Chancellor, Community College System of New Hampshire
  • Kristen Miller, Vice President of Academic Affairs, White Mountains Community College

How AWS Is Driving Skills-Based Education and Hiring
Loire

  • Craig von Collenberg, Workforce Program Manager, West Region, Amazon Web Services (AWS)

The Keys to College Completion: Engage, Coach, and Advise

  • Marcedes Butler, College Opportunity Learning Concierge, University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Leveraging Systemwide Approaches to Addressing Student Mental Health and Wellbeing
Champagne 2

  • John Achter, Director of Student Success and Wellbeing, University of Wisconsin System Administration
  • Genie Kim, Director of Student Mental Health & Well-being, University of California

Putting Students at the Center of Enrollment Management
Versailles 1/2

  • Gregory DeSantis, President, Student Centered Consulting
  • Cassie Walizer, Strategy Director, Complete College America

 

2:45 to 3:10 p.m. — Final Call to Action: “Complete College, America!”

Concorde Ballroom

 

Ongoing

Future Ready Hub 

Stop by the Future Ready Hub throughout the Annual Convening to interact with AI solutions for student success, live podcasting sessions from student learners, and one-on-one connections with Future Ready experts.

 

Exhibition Space 

Meet with organizations and companies who offer solutions and services for systems, campuses, and states. Exhibitors include the College Board, NASPA, Upswing, Annual Convening sponsors, and more.