*This agenda is subject to change.
Vice Presidents Track (Invitation Only)
March 9, 2025
Sponsored by 
8:00 - 8:15 AM
Opening Comments
(Joint Session With Presidents Track Participants and ELI Alumni)
Rufus Glasper, President and CEO, League for Innovation in the Community College
8:15 - 9:30 AM
Reckoning With Relevance: EAB’s 2025 State of the Sector
(Joint Session With Presidents Track Participants and ELI Alumni)
Higher Education’s Future: Four Scenarios for the Next Decade
Six key forces are shaping the future of student success. Some have emerged as a direct or indirect result of the pandemic, while others are the continuation of trends that began long before 2020. Together, they reflect the multifaceted challenges student success leaders and their institutions face. We will explore, through the lens of strategic foresight, how current trends, issues, and events in higher education and beyond will shape the success of future students. By understanding the forces shaping our world, we can anticipate the scenarios that lie ahead and take steps to guide ourselves to the future we want. You will come away with a better understanding of where student success is heading and how you can shape your institutions to best support the students of tomorrow.
Ed Venit, Managing Director, EAB
9:30 - 9:45 AM
Break
9:45 - 11:15 AM
Navigating the Future: AI Leadership Strategies for Community College Success
(Joint Session With Presidents Track Participants and ELI Alumni)
In a world defined by rapid technological disruption, artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the landscape of education, workforce development, and organizational strategy. This session will explore the transformative power of AI and other disruptive technologies, focusing on their implications for community colleges and the students they serve. We will outline five essential strategies every leader must adopt to prepare their institutions and learners for success amidst constant change. Learn how to align organizational goals with AI-driven innovations and leverage data to enhance decision-making and student outcomes. This session will inspire you to think boldly and act strategically to position your college as a leader in navigating the future of education and work.
Judith Cadenas, CEO, Strategies By Design
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
The Board-CEO Relationship
(Joint Session With Presidents Track Participants and ELI Alumni)
In these complex and uncertain times, the relationship between trustees and the CEO is more critical than ever. Two seasoned and effective trustees and the President of Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) will share appropriate trustee governing roles, where the trustees provide governance and oversight while the CEO manages the daily operations of the college. They will highlight the importance of a partnership mindset; understanding and abiding by accreditation standards; and acting together to fulfill the mission, protect the college, and faithfully serve the students and the community.
Jee Hang Lee, President, ACCT; Robert Zarate, Chair, ACCT, and Board Member/Trustee, Alamo Colleges District; Rosa Benevidez, Past Chair, ACCT, and Board Member/Trustee, South Texas College
12:15 - 1:00 PM
Lunch (Provided)
1:00 - 1:50 PM
Higher Ed Success Staff Weigh in on AI's Role in Student Success
The use of new AI tools has become commonplace, and student success professionals are no exception. As higher education moves from caution to curiosity, EAB sought to understand how student success professionals are using AI now, and what future opportunities they envision to improve their work and the student experience. This session will unveil how student success teams are already using AI, what they need from their leadership to feel more confident in their AI usage, and in what ways they think AI can make their jobs easier.
Tara Zirkel, Director, Strategic Research, EAB
1:50 - 2:00 PM
Break
2:00 - 3:00 PM
Thriving Together: Transforming Workplace Culture in Community Colleges
As community colleges navigate evolving workplace dynamics, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment is critical to success. This session explores strategies to address key personnel matters, including remote work, employee retention, mental health, and diversity. Participants will gain insights into crafting equitable remote work policies, enhancing employee well-being, and building a culture of belonging. Learn how to implement effective recognition programs, mentorship opportunities, and flexible scheduling to support work-life balance. Discover actionable steps to create transparent communication channels and professional growth pathways that empower teams to thrive while advancing institutional goals. Transform your workplace culture with innovation and purpose.
Calvin Gantt, Vice President, Diversity, Equity and Belonging, and Executive Director, Downtown Campus, Monroe Community College; Karen Miller, Provost and Chief Academic Officer, Cuyahoga Community College; Nate Southerland, Provost and Vice President, Academic Affairs, Santa Fe College
3:00 - 3:15 PM
Closing Comments
Cynthia Wilson, Vice President, Learning, and Chief Impact Officer, League for Innovation in the Community College
The Innovations Conference Sunday General Session begins at 3:30 PM. Refer to the event schedule for more information.
