Wednesday Forums

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Chief Academic Officers Forum

Wednesday, February 14, 2024
Sponsored by: Campus

Facilitator: Aaron Profitt

Academic Leadership – Sharpening the Edge

Overview: Academic leaders have the esteemed honor of leading the educational enterprise of our institutions! And what better way to lead this learning community than by being a learner. Engage with distinguished CAO’s from across ABHE around issues vital to your leadership journey. Sharpen your leadership edge as iron sharpens iron.

7:00 – 8:00
Forum Buffet Breakfast – Regency Foye

8:00 – 8:15
Welcome & Introductions

8:15 – 9:30 – Session #1
Continuous Discernment: When to Stay, When to Go, and How to Know

Presenter: Meghan Griffin, Provost | Southeastern University

Overview: You’re called to serve as your institution’s CAO for this moment in time. Have you ever asked if this is it? Have you arrived? Is this a stop on the road to the presidency? Join a conversation around key leadership trajectory questions that will help you assess alignment with your personal goals and God’s call on your life.

9:30 – 10: 15
Refreshment Break – Regency Foyer

10:15 – 11:45 – Session #2
The Transformative Power of Biblical Higher Education: Shaping Hearts, Minds, and Society

Presenter: Evan Posey, Executive VP & Provost | Luther Rice College & Seminary

Overview: The people and curriculum we lead ought to reflect our deep passion for providing a transformative education that embodies Anselm of Canterbury’s “fides quaerens intellectum”(faith seeking understanding). On the other hand, we should also be convinced that a well-rounded education entails more than the mere pursuit of truth, it must also shape the person and in turn, the culture.

11:45 – 12:00
A word from our sponsor – Campus

12:00 – 1:00
Buffet Lunch – Regency Foyer

1:00 – 2:15 – Session #3
Leveraging AI for Good in Academia

Presenter: Adam Porcella, Provost | Cairn University

Overview: AI is here and is significantly impacting biblical higher education. Learn how to integrate AI into academia in a way that ethically and morally enhances the learning experience. It all begins with effective policy development that provides a framework for AI integration that compliments the curriculum.

2:15 – 3:00
Refreshment Break – Regency Foyer

3:00 – 4:15 – Session #4
Effective Biblical Integration Across the Curriculum

Presenter: Tom Cornman, Provost | Corban University

Overview: Biblical integration across the curriculum has been an historic tenant defining biblical higher education. As programmatic offering has broadened the temptation to marginalize biblical integration (whether intentionally or unintentionally) is a valid threat to the core of biblical higher education. Learn how to maintain effective biblical integration throughout your curriculum without compromising what has defined us for over 100 years.

4: 15 – 4:30
Wrap Up

6:00 – 8:30
Connections Dinner – Ballroom B/C/D

Download Program Schedule

Enrollment Leaders Forum

Wednesday, February 14, 2024
Sponsored by – Liaison International

Charting the Course for Consistent Enrollment Growth

Facilitator: Keith Mock

Overview:  Few leaders across biblical higher education have more pressure and higher expectations than those on the front lines of enrollment. It’s the crux of mission fulfillment for institutions and the basis of institutional viability. This forum is designed for enrollment leaders who are learners. Who want to expand their capacity for enrollment growth and sharpen their competency to serve at the top of their game. Join with other enrollment leaders to lean forward and help your institution grow.

7:00 – 8:00             
Forum Buffet Breakfast – Regency Foyer

8:00 – 8:15             
Welcome & Introductions

8:15 – 9:30 – Session #1
Achieving Enrollment Success – Hard Work, Smart Work and Different Work

Presenters:  Ryan Dougherty and Nick Willis, Partners | TGThree

Overview: There are three types of work that you must be able to execute in order to be highly successful in enrollment – hard work, smart work and different work.  Come learn with us about the three types of work and thoughtfully consider where your institution could work differently in order to meet your enrollment goals.

• Are there tasks that your team must execute perfectly every time? Do they?
• Who is out-performing you? Why?
• Are you trying to get better or trying to be different?

9:30 – 10: 30         
Refreshment Break – Regency Foyer

10:30 – 11:45 – Session #2
Effective Enrollment Communications

Presenter: Nathan Alexander, Regional Vice President for Partner Relations | Clark Higher Ed

Overview: Recruiting is a relational business, and this means effective communications, using all the available technologies and means available. Highly effective recruiters have mastered the art of communications – a two-way street that shares and hears what is important for the prospective student’s journey. To efficiently manage this, there must be clear processes and protocols to make it happen. Walk through this important process with a veteran enrollment leader and refine your comms for greater results.

• Understanding the key steps in the communications process – no missing steps
• Grasping the impact of timely communications – staying current and fresh
• Discovering the keys to automation – effective comms processes
• Adding spice – creativity that makes the difference in your comms

11:45 – 12:00        
A word from our sponsor – Liaison International, Inc

12:00 – 1:00          
Buffet Lunch – Regency Foyer

1:00 – 2:15 – Session #3
Crafting an Effective and Comprehensive Enrollment Strategy

Presenter: Dave Burke, Vice President | Fuller Higher Ed Solutions

Overview: An effective enrollment strategy is more than numbers. It’s a much more complicated picture and asks for important factors to be considered. What are the essential components of effective recruitment and enrollment practices, and how do they combine to produce “more of the right students” for your institution?  Walk through the strategic roadmap with an enrollment expert.

• Surveying the factors to be included – the big picture
• Understanding how the pieces fit together – with synergy
• Creating your own enrollment strategy – getting started

2:15 – 3:00             
Refreshment Break – Regency Foyer

3:00 – 4:15 – Session #4
Secrets to Setting and Achieving Your Enrollment Goals – Every Year

Presenter: Keith Mock, Enrollment Marketing Solutions | Liaison International

Overview: Any enrollment leader who can set realistic but stretching enrollment goals and consistently meet them is worth gold. They manage the life blood of the institution and the essence of the institution’s mission fulfillment. There’s both a science and art to such success and you can learn the right principles from a veteran leader who has done it over and over again.

• Setting the right enrollment goals – based on accurate data
• Sizing the enrollment goals to your enrollment strategy – a reasonable plan for success
• Matching your team to your goals – delegation, accountability, motivation, celebration
• Tracking the progress – effective management through the funnel

4:15 – 4:30            
Wrap Up

6:00 – 8:30             
Connections Dinner – Ballroom B/C/D

Download Program Schedule

Enrollment Marketing Forum

Wednesday, February 14, 2024
Sponsored by: Caylor Solutions

Best Practices for Higher Education Marketing

Presenter: Bart Caylor, President | Caylor Solutions

Overview: Join industry leader Bart Caylor for a practical, interactive, and intensive day of higher education marketing best practices for ABHE institutions. This Higher Ed Marketer Bootcamp will focus on the following outcomes and be designed for both beginner and veteran leaders. Updated for 2024.

• Review and understand the best practices for recruitment marketing in higher education for both traditional and adult/graduate
• A comprehensive evaluation of inexpensive tools and techniques to achieve your marketing goals within any budget
• How to use artificial intelligence to maximize your efforts, even with limited resources
• Marketing templates, personal worksheets, editorial calendars, and many more
• Resources, tips, and tricks for getting your marketing on track

7:00 – 8:00             
Forum Buffet Breakfast – Regency Foyer

8:00 – 8:15             
Welcome & Introductions

8:15 – 9:30 – Session #1
Best Practices in Higher Ed Marketing for Small, Faith-Based Schools

• Dive deep into the best practices for recruitment marketing for ABHE schools

9:30 – 10: 15
Refreshment Break – Regency Foyer

10:15 – 11:45 – Session #2
Get Organized and Focused with Cobots

• How to get organized and focused using artificial intelligence.

11:45 – 12:00        
A word from our sponsor – Caylor Solutions

12:00 – 1:00          
Buffet Lunch – Regency Foyer

1:00 – 2:15 – Session #3
Practical Approach to Content

• Practical insights for content development.

2:15 – 3:00             
Refreshment Break – Regency Foyer

3:00 – 4:15 – Session #4
Putting it all Together with Your Plan

• A practical walk-through of a working plan and budget to take back to your school to improve your efforts.

4:15 – 4:30            
Wrap Up

6:00 – 8:30             
Connections Dinner – Ballroom B/C/D

Download Program Schedule

Faculty Leaders Forum

Wednesday, February 14, 202
Sponsored by: Acadeum

Facilitator: Blanton Feaster

Faculty Leadership – Learning to Teach and Lead Well

Overview: Faculty leaders often find themselves pulled in two divergent directions – teaching and leading. Join in conversation with colleagues to learn how to best manage the tension in a way that increases effectiveness and satisfaction. 

7:00 – 8:00             
Forum Buffet Breakfast – Regency Foyer

8:00 – 8:15             
Welcome & Introductions

8:15 – 9:30 – Session #1
Toward Flourishing as a Teacher and a Leader

Presenter: Jenny Carter, Chair, Center for Teaching and Learning | Southeastern University

Overview: The call to teach and the call to lead can sometimes feel at odds with each other. And yet God has gifted you to lead and teach for this season of your life. Identify keys to flourishing in this role through healthy rhythms of self-care. Identify early warning signs of misalignment and learn how to get back on track.

9:30 – 10: 15
Refreshment Break – Regency Foyer

10:15 – 11:45 – Session #2
Peer Leadership Done Well

Presenter: Andy Miller, Vice President of Academic Affairs | Wesley Biblical Seminary

Overview: Leading peer faculty can be challenging. Learn how to foster collaboration, provide constructive feedback, and inspire community among the faculty you lead. Discover key principles of peer leadership that enhances your ability to advance the academic enterprise.

11:45 – 12:00
A word from our sponsor – Acadeum

12:00 – 1:00
Buffet Lunch – Regency Foyer

1:00 – 2:15 – Session #3
Leading Faculty Through Change

Presenter: Blanton Feaster, Assistant Provost for Administration and Graduate Education | Dallas Baptist University

Description: Change in academia is often met with resistance. Learn key best practices for navigating the complexities of change management without losing credibility and momentum. Gain the skills to inspire and guide faculty members through transitions, fostering a culture of adaptability and growth in your institution.

2:15 – 3:00             
Refreshment Break – Regency Foyer

3:00 – 4:15 – Session #4
Teaching Faculty How to Teach

Presenter: Dale Hale, Dean, Global College Center for Digital Instruction | Christian Brothers University

Description: One of the more critical aspects in academia is helping faculty members fine-tune their teaching craft. Today’s reality demands an approach that engages the learner differently than before. Learn a two-pronged approach including traditional and online teaching that emphasizes preparation to teach, questions to ask, and design methodologies that informs course design.

4:15 – 4:30            
Wrap Up

6:00 – 8:30             
Connections Dinner – Ballroom B/C/D

Download Program Schedule

Financial Leaders Forum

Wednesday, February 14, 2024

Sponsored By – CFO Colleague

Facilitator: Jan Haas 

Effective Financial Leadership for Higher Education Institutions

Overview: Financial leadership for an institution of higher education is facing unprecedented stress. Beyond keeping the financial house in order, the need and demand calls for astute understanding of the institution’s business model and future viability prospects. Lean into this vital role and serve your institution with wise effectiveness.

7:00 – 8:00             
Forum Buffet Breakfast – Regency Foyer

8:00 – 8:15             
Welcome & Introductions

8:15 – 9:30 – Session #1
Looking Around and Ahead – Knowing the Financial Trend Lines of Your Institution

Presenter: Dan Campbell, Partner | CapinCrouse

Overview: Financial leaders can suffer from the tyranny of the urgent and fail to notice how the dots of their institutional data are forming a line. This include the financial history, current position, and a clear indication for the future.

• Tracking your institution’s financial history – how the past informs the present
• Comparing your current status with a sustainable business model – truth telling
• Making prudent projections – giving wise counsel for financial decisions

9:30 – 10: 15         
Refreshment Break – Regency Foyer

10:15 – 11:45 – Session #2
Keeping Your Financial House in Order – Essential Principles

Presenter: Dave Moja, CEO | Moja & Company; ABHE Sr. Fellow

Overview: Knowing the requirements for sound institutional financial operations is a core responsibility of every CFO. Failure to keep the financial house in order can be catastrophic for the institution. Review the scope of these responsibilities with an expert and take your financial leadership to a new level. Make sure you . . .

• Grasp the scope of prudent institutional financial operations
• Know your fiduciary responsibilities – and fulfilling them
• Get into your stride – keeping up with the right information and decisions
• Keep a watchful eye – what smart CFO’s look for

11:45 – 12:00        
A word from our sponsor – CFO Colleague

12:00 – 1:00          
Buffet Lunch – Regency Foyer

1:00 – 2:15 – Session #3
Understanding Your Institutional Business Model – Knowing If It’s Working

Presenter: David Sayers | IOD

Overview: Every institution needs a financial leader who understands and monitors the institutional business model. This is a highly valuable leadership contribution to the sustainability of the institution and requires capable assessment and understanding by the financial leader. Join with a professional financial consultant to unpack the components of a sound business model and compare how your institution is doing.

• Knowing the essential revenue and expense components of an institutional business model
• Understanding how to interpret financial data in light business model impact
• Knowing your current strengths, liabilities, opportunities and threats

2:15 – 3:00             
Refreshment Break – Regency Foyer

3:00 – 4:15 – Session #4
Effective Financial Oversight of a Higher Education Institution

Presenter: Jan Haas, Senior Partner | CFO Colleague

Overview: While the breadth of scope of a CFO may vary between institutions, there are common responsibilities that every CFO bears in giving oversight to the financial operations of an institution. Think through these points of responsibility with an expert veteran CFO and gain a better grasp of what it means to be the financial leader of your institution.

• Understanding the financial fiduciary responsibilities of a CFO – legally binding
• Giving financial oversight – the art and science
• Learning from the HE market – normal points of risk and failure
• Being proactive in financial leadership – serving the team

4: 15 – 4:30            
Wrap Up

6:00 – 8:30             
Connections Dinner – Ballroom B/C/D

Download Program Schedule

Institutional Assessment Leaders Forum

Wednesday, February 14, 2024

Sponsored by: Strategic Assurance LLC

Unlocking Excellence: A Comprehensive Seminar on Institutional Assessment

Presenters:
Verna Lowe
National Dean of Educator Preparation | Western Governors University
CEO | Strategic Assurance Consulting, LLC

Dale Hale
Dean, Global College Center for Digital Instruction | Christian Brothers University
Partner | Strategic Assurance Consulting, LLC

Overview: Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey towards institutional excellence in the realm of Biblical Higher Education? Join us for an enlightening all-day seminar presented by Strategic Assurance Consulting, an esteemed expert in educational assessment, institutional effectiveness, and accreditation.

In today’s ever-evolving educational landscape, institutions dedicated to Biblical Higher Education face unique challenges and opportunities. Ensuring that your institution meets the highest standards of academic quality and mission alignment is paramount. This seminar offers a comprehensive exploration of Institutional Assessment, a crucial element in enhancing the effectiveness and quality of the educational experience.

7:00 – 8:00             
Forum Buffet Breakfast – Regency Foyer

8:00 – 8:15             
Welcome & Introductions

8:15 – 9:30 – Session #1
Accreditation Insights

Overview: Gain insights into the latest accreditation standards and best practices to streamline your institution’s accreditation process.

• Understanding accreditation basics
• Navigating accreditation standards
• Best Practices in accreditation
• Streamlining your accreditation journey

9:30 – 10: 15         
Refreshment Break – Regency Foyer

10:15 – 11:45 – Session #2
Mission-Driven Excellence

Overview: Learn how to align your institution’s mission with assessment practices and metrics to reinforce your commitment to faith-based education.

• Aligning mission with assessment
• Reinforcing faith-based education commitment

11:45 – 12:00        
A word from our sponsor – Strategic Assurance Consulting, LLC

12:00 – 1:00          
Buffet Lunch – Regency Foyer

1:00 – 2:15 – Session #3              
Holistic Assessment Approach

Overview: Discover the principles and strategies that encompass a comprehensive assessment plan tailored to the unique needs of biblical higher education institutions to continually improve institutional effectiveness.

• Holistic assessment
• Measuring success
• Continuous improvement

2:15 – 3:00             
Refreshment Break – Regency Foyer

3:00 – 4:15 – Session #4
Data-Driven Decision Making

Overview: Harness the power of data to drive continuous improvement and make informed decisions for your institution’s future.

• Introduction to data-driven decision making
• Collecting and analyzing educational data
• Utilizing data for continuous improvement
• Planning for a data-driven future

4: 15 – 4:30            
Wrap Up

6:00 – 8:30             
Connections Dinner – Ballroom B/C/D

Download Program Schedule

Presidents Forum

Wednesday, February 14, 2024
Sponsored by: Campus

Facilitator: Paul Alexander

Effective Presidential Leadership – Sharpening Your Edge

7:00 – 8:00             
Forum Buffet Breakfast – Regency Foyer

8:00 – 8:15             
Welcome & Introductions

8:15 – 9:30 – Session #1
Developing a System for Transformational Change

Presenter: Kenton Ingle, President | Southeastern University

Overview: To remain relevant, educational leaders must develop a system that cultivates innovation and fosters growth and sustainability. Learn how to meet the rising challenges of the current and future contexts of faith-based higher education. Understand how to create a framework that will give your organization a map to the unknown, and develop the necessary skills to promote missional stewardship, a vision for the future, and a culture of collaboration.

9:30 – 10: 15         
Refreshment Break – Regency Foyer

10:15 – 11:45 – Session #2
Developing the Next Generation of World Leaders

Presenter: Jurie Kriel | CEO & Founder | NXT Move

Overview: Our institutions have the opportunity to train the next generation of global church and ministry leaders. NXT Move is an organization that is intentionally connecting people and organizations to accelerate leadership training for the next generation to impact the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Learn what is necessary to effectively train the next generation of leaders to advance the Kingdom of God. 

11:45 – 12:00        
A word from our sponsor – Campus

12:00 – 1:00          
Buffet Lunch – Regency Foyer

1:00 – 2:15 – Session #3
Marketing Myths and Truths

Presenter: Bart Caylor, President | Caylor Solutions

Overview: Marketing biblical higher education is complex and nuanced. Discover 10 common myths and truths about marketing that have the potential to change how you market your institution.

2:15 – 3:00             
Refreshment Break – Regency Foyer

3:00 – 4:15 – Session #4
Keys to Effective C-Suite Leadership

Presenter: Mark Maxwell, President | Prairie College

Overview: C-Suite leadership is a unique calling in biblical higher education. The president sets the tone for how the institution is led through his or her direct reports. Learn leadership concepts that will encourage and challenge you to renew your calling to serve God, the institution, and each other in a manner that glorifies God while taking your leadership team to the next level.

4: 15 – 4:30            
Wrap Up

6:00 – 8:30             
Connections Dinner – Ballroom B/C/D

Download Program Schedule

Religious Liberty Forum

Wednesday, February 14, 2024
Sponsored by: Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF)

Facilitator: Harrison Smith

Giving Your Ministry the Legal Protection to Carry Out its Mission and Stand for the Truth

7:00 – 8:00             
Forum Buffet Breakfast – Regency Foyer

8:00 – 8:15             
Welcome & Introductions

8:15 – 9:30 – Session #1
Update on Religious Liberty Threats to Christian Ministries

Presenter: Don Ziel — ADF VP of Church and Ministry Alliance and Assistant General Counsel

Overview: Changes in law and culture are impacting the ability of Christian ministries to carry out their missions. This session will provide an overview of the threats to religious liberty posed by courts, administrative agencies, and legislative bodies, including some of the most significant cases currently being litigated.

9:30 – 10: 15         
Refreshment Break – Regency Foyer

10:15 – 11:45 – Session #2
Mission Driven Excellence

Presenter: Valerie Londono — ADF Senior Counsel

Overview: This session will cover practical ways that your ministry can ensure that its governing documents and core policies provide the most comprehensive religious liberty protection.

11:45 – 12:00        
A word from our sponsor – ADF

12:00 – 1:00          
Buffet Lunch – Regency Foyer

1:00 – 2:15 – Session #3
Religious Liberty and Employment Policies and Practices

Presenter: Ryan Tucker — ADF Senior Counsel, Director of Center for Christian Ministries

Overview: Discover the principles and strategies that encompass a comprehensive assessment plan tailored to the unique needs of biblical higher education institutions to continually improve institutional effectiveness.

2:15 – 3:00             
Refreshment Break – Regency Foyer

3:00 – 4:15 – Session #4
Gender Ideology and Managing Student Life on Campus

Presenter: Greg Baylor — ADF Senior Counsel, Director of Center for Religious Schools

Overview: Legal and cultural changes surrounding gender ideology have created new challenges that touch every part of campus life, including athletics, housing, and student organizations. This session will provide valuable insights to help your organization navigate these challenges and be prepared for what’s on the horizon, including the new Title IX rules.

4: 15 – 4:30
Wrap Up

6:00 – 8:30
Connections Dinner – Ballroom B/C/D

Download Program Schedule

Strategic Planning Forum

Wednesday, February 14, 2024

Sponsored by:  The Change Leader, Inc.

 Strategic Management: Creating Sustainable Higher Ed Institutions for the Kingdom

Presenter: Drumm McNaughton, CEO | The Change Leader

Overview:  Strategic management and strategic planning are critical parts of a higher education leader’s tool kit to deal with disruptions. A strategic plan is a well-thought-out institutional roadmap for the future, but more importantly, the planning process should bring diverse stakeholders together to discuss and develop the institution’s path to its ideal future. This leads to a shared vision and buy-in, alignment across the campus, and helps to create focused positive energy to propel the effort forward. However, higher education institutions are increasingly facing serious disruptions—and those disruptions in today’s world could make the institution obsolete if appropriate action is not taken. These situations beg the question—are there times when leaders need to consider scrapping a strategic plan before the designated endpoint?

7:00 – 8:00             
Forum Buffet Breakfast – Regency Foyer

8:00 – 8:15             
Welcome & Introductions

8:15 – 9:30 – Session #1
Strategic Management Part 1: An Overview of the Planning Process Part

Overview: Given the VUCA world in which we live (volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous), strategic planning isn’t good enough anymore – institutions need to take a more holistic approach to planning and implementation. Enter strategic management – a holistic approach to planning and change that creates sustainable and resilient higher education institutions. In this first portion of a four-part workshop, participants will learn:

• The three goals of strategic management systems
• The three requirements for creating sustainable higher ed institutions
• A new stakeholder-based planning system that creates actionable strategic and tactical plans that mitigate resistance to change

9:30 – 10: 30         
Refreshment Break – Regency Foyer

10:30 – 11:45 – Session #2
Strategic Management Part 2: An Overview of the Planning Process Part 2

Overview: Given the VUCA world in which we live (volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous), strategic planning isn’t good enough anymore – institutions need to take a more holistic approach to planning and implementation. Enter strategic management – a holistic approach to planning and change that creates sustainable and resilient higher education institutions. Let’s continue to develop:

• The three goals of strategic management systems
• The three requirements for creating sustainable higher ed institutions
• A new stakeholder-based planning system that creates actionable strategic and tactical plans that mitigate resistance to change

11:45 – 12:00        
A word from our sponsor – The Change Leader, Inc

12:00 – 1:00          
Buffet Lunch – Regency Foyer

1:00 – 2:15 – Session #3
Strategic Management Part 3: Crafting Actionable Visions, Strategies, and Tactics

Overview: The keys to creating an effective strategic plan is having actionable and accountable visions, strategies, and tactics. In this session, we will use the techniques that have been used with multiple ABHE and secular institutions to develop measurable visions, strategies, and tactics for your own institution.

• Develop an actional vision and strategies for their own institution.
• Create metrics that enable them to measure vision attainment
• Learn how to create buy-in for their strategies and align them across their institution

2:15 – 3:00             
Refreshment Break – Regency Foyer

3:00 – 4:15 – Session #4
Strategic Management Part 4: Enterprise Risk Management

Overview: There are many who think the external environment changes too quickly to “waste” time on strategic planning. But what they really need is enterprise risk management practices – contingency planning that enables them to adapt their strategic plans to ensure they stay viable This last session focuses on helping institutions improve their strategic planning process, and ultimately their financial performance, through holistic approaches to planning and risk management.

• Learn the key steps of enterprise risk management
• Understand the different roles that your institution’s board and administration play in developing risk management strategies
• Learn how to categorize risk and weight it to understand how / if you create contingency plans for it

4: 15 – 4:30            
Wrap Up

6:00 – 8:30             
Connections Dinner – Ballroom B/C/D

Download Program Schedule

Student Development Leaders Forum

Wednesday, February 14, 2024

Facilitator: Rick Swift

Cultivating A Flourishing Campus

Overview: An ideal campus life offers many experiences and relationships that form the highlight of a student’s journey. Great institutions have campus leaders who proactively cultivate a flourishing campus environment marked by spiritual vibrancy. They enjoy the blessings of a healthy and safe climate that feed lifelong friendships and precious memories. Let’s look more closely at the facets of a flourishing campus and serve our students well.

7:00 – 8:00             
Forum Buffet Breakfast – Regency Foyer

8:00 – 8:15             
Welcome & Introductions

8:15 – 9:30 – Session #1
Effective Leadership of the Residence Student Life Team

Presenter: Kirk Sabine, Vice President for Campus Life | Kingswood University

Overview: Few things contribute so directly to an enriched campus life like a highly effective residence life team. And rarely does this happen by accident. Someone has crafted a plan, cultivated the right team, and provided inspiring leadership on a consistent basis. So why not you? Think together with a veteran distinguished student development leader who has led numerous resident life teams across many years. Tap his wisdom and take your team higher.

• Catching the vision of an enriched campus life and resident life leadership
• Providing training with clarity of roles and responsibilities – details matter
• Leading your team with inspiration, accountability, solutions, and expectancy

9:30 – 10: 15         
Refreshment Break – Regency Foyer

10:15 – 11:45 – Session #2
Tapping the Morale Wellspring of Athletic Programs

Presenter: Dan Wood, Executive Director | National Christian College Athletic Association

Overview: While athletic programs can become the tail that wags the dog, many institutions enjoy an incredible morale boost from the campus energy generated from their athletic program. What’s the secret to building programs that boost campus morale. What have we learned about dangers to this dynamic? What is required by leaders to chart the right course? Learn from an expert in collegiate athletics and enjoy the overflow of tapping this morale wellspring.

• Unpacking the campus dynamics of collegiate sports – the power of it’s leavening
• Knowing how smart campus leaders cultivate high morale with healthy programs
• Dealing wisely with threats to campus morale through athletic programs gone awry

12:00 – 1:00          
Buffet Lunch – Regency Foyer

1:00 – 2:15 – Session #3
Cultivating a Campus for Spiritual Transformation

Presenter: Charity Williams, Director of Student Care | Highlands College

Overview: The promise of almost every ABHE institutional mission statement assumes student transformation. However, we humbly admit that only God can do what we aspire or promise to happen in our students’ lives. But that’s a very proactive position as we passionately pursue many ways to stimulate and nourish the spiritual transformation of our students by the grace and power of his Holy Spirit. Think creatively with a campus spiritual life leader and lean into your own campus’ spiritual vibrancy with fresh passion and insight.

• Considering the role and opportunities of the campus spiritual life leader – spiritual oversight
• Following the Spirit’s lead and prompting for feeding the spiritual hunger of students – spiritual care
• Shepherding the spiritual transformation of every student – a shepherd’s heart

2:15 – 3:00            
Refreshment Break – Regency Foyer

3:00 – 4:15 – Session #4
A Healthy Campus Is a Fun Campus – Joy and Laughter is Good

Presenter: Rick Swift, Vice President and Dean of Students | Cairn University

Overview:  Academic programs can be a pressure cooker experience for students. Between papers, exams, class work and extra curricula demands, a semester is often marked by student exhaustion that can lead to unhealthy choices. Student development leaders learn how to appropriate inject laughter and fun into campus life that can lift students’ spirits and help them better manage the stress of their work. Consider the opportunities with an humorous veteran as to how he has brought laughter into student life . . . and explore creative ideas of your own.

• Acknowledging the essential role of laughter and joy in campus life
• Creating space for laughter and joy – planned and serendipitous
• Setting an example – not taking yourself too seriously, laughing often
• Brainstorming (and laughing) together about the remaining weeks of  spring

4: 15 – 4:30            
Wrap Up

6:00 – 8:30             
Connections Dinner – Ballroom B/C/D

Download Program Schedule

Student Transformation Leaders Forum

Wednesday, February 14, 2024

Sponsored by: Our Daily Bread Ministries

New Research to Understand and Reach the Next Generation of College Students

Presenters: 
Dr. Todd Hall
Professor of Psychology, Rosemead School of Psychology | Biola University
Faculty Affiliate, Harvard Human Flourishing Program; Founder | SpiritualMetrics.co and ABHE Senior Fellow

Daniel Ryan Day
Senior Director | Reclaim Today, Our Daily Bread Ministries

Overview: Every incoming class bears both its generational markers and the unique characteristics of its own journey. This is especially true from our post-pandemic students. Delve into what this looks like for understanding your students with remarkable insights from new national research shared by two distinguished leaders in more deeply understanding student transformation.

7:00 – 8:00             
Forum Buffet Breakfast – Regency Foyer

8:00 – 8:15             
Welcome & Introductions

8:15 – 9:30             
Session #1 – Understanding the Next Generation: A Whole Life Approach

Overview: The importance and methodology of “whole-life” research and insights from a comprehensive study on 18-35-year-olds examining their experiences, questions, and concerns.

• An overview of the study including methodology
• How research can lead to more effective holistic well-being initiatives
• How to apply research to reach the next generation

9:30 – 10: 15         
Refreshment Break – Regency Foyer

10:15 – 11:45 – Session #2
The Emotional, Relational, and Faith Life of Gen Z and Millennials

Overview: 18-35-year-olds think and care a lot about their emotional, social, and spiritual wellbeing. We will explore research insights for each category. Explore the…

• Emotional wellbeing of 18-35-year-olds
• Social and relational wellbeing of 18-35-year-olds
• Spiritual wellbeing of 18-35-year-olds
• Applying the research to spiritual transformation and educational strategies

11:45 – 12:00       
A word from our sponsor – Our Daily Bread Ministries

12:00 – 1:00          
Buffet Lunch – Regency Foyer

1:00 – 2:15 – Session #3
Meaning, Purpose, and Life Skills of Gen Z and Millennials

Overview: A primary reason for college is to discover meaning and purpose, and to develop life-skills for future success. What are the questions, concerns, and desires of 18-35-year-olds?

• How does the next generation describe their sense of meaning and purpose?
• What are the tensions they feel as it relates to finances, life-skills, and vocation?
• How can you apply the research to prepare the next generation for future success?

2:15 – 3:00             
Refreshment Break – Regency Foyer

3:00 – 4:15 – Session #4
College Life and Tech Struggles of Gen Z and Millennials

Overview: There are differences between why Gen Z and Millennials want to go to college. There are also unique struggles and distractions for modern generations.

• How does the next generation describe college life and learning?
• How is access to technology and devices impacting their lives?
• What does higher education look like in a device-saturated world?
• How to help students navigate distractions for the benefits of healthy life and learning?

4: 15 – 4:30            
Wrap Up

6:00 – 8:30             
Connections Dinner – Ballroom B/C/D