Imagining the Path Forward: History, Mentorship, and Critical Hope in Higher Education

The 2025 ACPA-ASHE Presidential Symposium offers a space to reflect on the complexities of the current moment in higher education while envisioning new possibilities for the future. Grounded in historical context, the event invites participants to interrogate long-standing norms and practices, explore alternative approaches to engaging with the academy, and elevate creativity, innovation, mentorship, community, and Critical Hope as essential foundations for self-care and the future of higher education. Rather than offering quick fixes or one-size-fits-all solutions, this gathering encourages deep questioning and collective imagination to address systemic challenges through courageous leadership and transformative action. 

Organized and facilitated by ACPA President Jonathan A. McElderry and ASHE President Eboni Zamani-Gallaher, the 8th Annual Presidential Symposium brings together scholars and practitioners to reflect on the moment. 

How to engage with the Presidential Symposium:

• We invite higher education/student affairs graduate programs, student affairs divisions, and other campus departments to gather to watch the session together. Discounted group registration is available.
• Individuals are also able to watch the session on their own.
• Between each panel will be time for individual reflection through a PDF workbook provided to attendees.

Origins of the Presidential Symposium

The first ACPA-ASHE Presidential Symposium was held in 2018 under the leadership of Dr. Stephen John Quaye, Dr. Lori Patton Davis, and Dr. Shaun R. Harper. The symposium was held both virtually and in-person at the University of Southern California campus and was titled, ‘Presidential Symposium on Racism, Recovery, and Racial Justice in Higher Education.’ We are grateful for their ideas, labor, and leadership in establishing this event.

Schedule overview

• Welcome and Opening Remarks from ACPA President Jonathan McElderry and ASHE President Eboni Zamani-Gallaher
• Higher Education Context Panel Discussion
• Individual or Group Work Time
• Coloring Outside the Lines Panel
• Individual or Group Work Time
• Mentoring & Community-Driven Solutions Panel Discussion
• Individual or Group Work Time
• Critical Hope in this Moment Panel
• Symposium Closing

Registration Rates

Registrations can be paid by check, VISA, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express. All fees must be prepaid. Purchase orders are not accepted. Refunds will be given for cancellations, received in writing at ACPA by 22 August 2025. Registrations can also be withdrawn by registrants using the event registration system through 22 August 2025. After 22 August 2025, there are no refunds. ACPA & ASHE reserve the right to charge a service fee of US$50 for returned checks. Registrations are non-transferable. The symposium may be canceled or postponed due to insufficient enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances. In this case, the fees will be fully refunded; however, ACPA will not be responsible for other additional costs incurred by registrants.

In order to qualify for member rates for the ACPA/ASHE Presidential Symposium, membership with ACPA or ASHE must be valid through 26 September 2025. You must have your own individual membership. ACPA or ASHE Members who purchase a Presidential Symposium Registration understand their membership needs to be active through 26 September 2025. If it is not active prior to the start of the Presidential Symposium you will not be provided with your Presidential Symposium access link unless you renew your membership or pay the difference between the non-member and member registration cost.