Academic Leaders Conference
November 2-3, 2020What does excellence in leadership look like for the modern academic enterprise? This two-day conference designed for current and aspiring chief academic officers will explore the diverse responsibilities and roles of the CAO and provide wise guidance for distinguished leadership. From faculty hiring, evaluation, development and transition to academic program assessment, management and delivery – review your skill set for academic leadership and grow.

Conference Pricing
Early Bird Deadline: September 1, 2020
Members & Affiliates (On-Site): $450 per person ($400 Early Bird)
Members & Affiliates (Virtual Via Zoom): $150
Non-Members (On-Site): $650 per person ($600 Early Bird)
Non-Members (Virtual Via Zoom): $300
Virtual Pricing Includes:
Full engagement in two-day program, including Q&A
Access to video recordings of presentations post-conference
Access to all conference resources
On-Site Pricing Includes:
Full engagement in two-day program, including Q&A
Networking/Fellowship with attendees & presenters
Access to video recordings of presentations post-conference
Three night’s lodging at the nearby SpringHill Suites by Marriott
7 meals & refreshments
Access to all conference resources
Program Overview
A Fresh Vision for Distinctively Bible-Centered Education
Presenter: Philip Dearborn, President – Association for Biblical Higher Education (FL)
Overview: With this generation’s precipitous drop in Bible knowledge and application, NOW is the time for us to re-visit and renew our engagement in effective biblical higher education. What does it mean for all of our educational programs to be Bible-based and Christ-centered? Is the declaration and spread of the gospel still a passion in the heart of God . . . and in our institutions? Consider some provocative questions including:
- Revisiting the heart of biblical higher education – Who are we?
- Capturing the passion of God for all to know Him – Is Christ & the gospel center?
- Weaving God’s Word through the entire curriculum – How can we do this?
- Fanning the Flame of God’s presence – Is there power present for transformation?
Effective Financial Management of Academic Programs
Presenter: Evan Posey, VP for Academic Affairs – Luther Rice Seminary (GA)
Overview: During times of tumult, effective financial management is both tested and vital. Timely information informing prudent decisions is essential. Budgets must be nimble and more accurate than ever. Think through this process with a distinguished dean with expertise in this important arena of leadership, including:
- Confirming the key financial data points to track – strategic information
- Establishing protocols for timely budget adjustments – management systems
- Prioritizing decisions for responsible impact – knowing implications
- Communicating with leadership and faculty – building trust
Setting & Achieving Superior Academic Standards – Quality Assurance
Presenter: Jim Lanpher, Provost – Columbia International University (SC)
Overview: What is the educational promise of your institution? And how well do you consistently deliver on that promise? Quality assurance – perhaps this is at the heart of the CAO’s responsibility. Hear the thoughtful insights from a distinguished provost of how this vital process is assessed and managed, including:
- Knowing the CAO’s interface with accreditation standards and ongoing quality assurance
- Establishing systems to assure consistent delivery of education programs with excellence
- Cultivating faculty ownership and engagement of the quality assurance process
- Giving effective oversight and transparent reporting of results
Taking Online Education from Exigency to Excellence
Presenter: Eric Brandt, Director of Digital Learning – Lancaster Bible College | Capital Seminary & Graduate School (PA)
Overview: There has never been such a massive, overnight move to online education across ABHE. However, moving to online delivery under duress is not the same as designing and delivering high quality online education. So how do we re-assess the quality of our online courses and bring them up to par? Consider keen insights from an expert online educator, including:
- Knowing the distinctives of high-quality online education – from the inside out
- Designing courses specifically for the online educational experience
- Assessing online courses for learning outcomes effectiveness & quality
- Training faculty to become online educators – facing the challenge
Integrating Assessment into the Institutional Planning Process
Presenter: Michael Jackson, VP for Academic Affairs – Heritage Christian University (AL)
Overview: For your institution, is assessment an integrated process with institutional planning . . . or a project completed and put on a shelf? How do mature institutions structure the assessment process so that insights and data naturally flow into the comprehensive planning process – providing strategic intelligence that is actionable? Consider insights from a veteran academic officer who makes this integration work for his institution, including:
- Understanding the appropriate deliverables from assessment – outcomes
- Weaving assessment outcomes into the information base for planning – blueprint
- Completing the loop from assessment to planning to execution to assessment – system
- Tweaking the system for most important insights and impact – refinement
Creating an Exemplary Faculty Handbook
Presenter: Greg Linton, Vice Provost for Academic Services – Johnson University (TN)
Overview: A bedrock document for every faculty is the Faculty Handbook. Not an archived historical relic, but a living reference work that guides the daily life of the academic community with structure, intention and accountability. What is the blueprint for an exemplary Faculty Handbook? Consider these insights from a distinguished dean:
- Understanding the purpose and parameters of the document – perspectives
- Reviewing the typical structure and outline – overview
- Achieving accreditation requirements – accountability
- Reviewing for comprehensive coverage – what’s missing
Executive Team Synergy – A Dynamic Partnership
Presenter: Lisa Beatty, VP for Academic Affairs – Emmaus Bible College (IA)
Overview: Highly effective academic leaders are quintessential bridge builders – creating effective relationships with the president and executive team as well as the faculty. What does synergy with the executive team look like . . . and how is this cultivated and maintained? Consider wise counsel from a distinguished academic leader including:
- Understanding the complimentary roles – finding the right balance and relationships
- Building trust and respect – twin pillars of synergy
- Sustaining vital communications – no surprises or secrets
- Repairing damage from unavoidable mistakes – we’re human
Innovation in Christian Higher Education – What You Should Know
Presenter: Joshua Fischer, CEO – InterLearn (OK)
Overview: What are some of the newest ideas and initiatives that are emerging from this post-pandemic world for higher education? What creativity has been sparked? Who are the innovators? Consider these stories and ideas from the front lines:
- Innovative delivery models and modalities
- Emerging patterns and partnerships
- Risks & rewards for the brave at heart
- Managing quality during turbulence
Conference Faculty

LISA BEATTY
VP for Academic Affairs
Emmaus Bible College

ERIC BRANDT
Director of Digital Learning
Lancaster Bible College
Capital Seminary
& Graduate School

PHILIP DEARBORN
President
ABHE

JOSHUA FISCHER
CEO
InterLearn

MICHAEL JACKSON
VP for Academic Affairs
Heritage Christian University

JAMES LANPHER
Provost
Columbia International University

GREG LINTON
Vice Provost for
Academic Services
Johnson University

EVAN POSEY
VP for Academic Affairs
Luther Rice Seminary
Frequently Asked Questions
Is lodging included in the registration fee?
Can I request for additional hotel nights?
Is airport shuttle service available?
- Call the hotel for shuttle pickup – 407-816-5533
- Take airport elevator to level 1 – ground transportation
- Go through the sliding doors
- Stand at either A4 (A Side) or B4 (B Side) for pickup
Where is the hotel located in relation to the ABHE Conference Center?
Are meals included in the registration fee?
Are scholarships available?
What is your Cancellation Policy?
How do I CANCEL a person on my registration?
Growing institutions are led by growing leaders. Consider engaging in the Executive Training Program specifically designed for academic leaders in ABHE. Delivered over two years including over 36 workshop presentations in seven areas of leadership competency and capacity. You can review the certification program details HERE. Enroll in the program today!
Questions regarding the certification program can be directed to David Medders, Executive Vice President.

SpringHill Suites by Marriott – Orlando Airport
5828 Hazeltine National Dr,
Orlando, FL 32822
(407) 816-5533
SpringHill Suites Orlando Airport is an all-suite hotel offering you first class service, located minutes away from the Orlando International Airport (MCO), and features amenities, including free Internet access and on-site dining. The ABHE staff will make your hotel reservations for you. Please indicate your room type/preference when you register for the conference.
Complimentary shuttle service is available from the Orlando International Airport (MCO) to the SpringHill Suites. To request the complimentary shuttle from the Orlando International Airport (MCO) to the SpringHill Suites:
- Call the hotel for shuttle pickup – 407-816-5533
- Take airport elevator to level 1 – ground transportation
- Go through the sliding doors
- Stand at either A4 (A Side) or B4 (B Side) for pickup
Conference Staff
David Medders
Executive Vice President
david.medders@abhe.org
Carol Dibble
Director of Communications & Events
carol.dibble@abhe.org