Growing Knowledge Series: Black Medical Students Matriculate Through Holistic Admissions
2026-01-21 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom
Growing Knowledge Series: black medical Student matriculate through holistic admissions
presented in partnership by the communities of practice

wednesday, 21 january 2026 | 1:00-2:00pm ET

The Growing Knowledge Series (GKS) creates a pathway for those who have completed their dissertation, but never published, to share their scholarship with the profession through a hosted webinar. This collaborative effort of our three Communities of Practice is positioned to benefit practitioners and scholars alike, creating a space to share new knowledge frequently left on the shelf.
Join Andrea Simmons for this Growing Knowledge Series (GKS) webinar titled: “Diversifying the Physician Workforce: Black Medical Students Matriculate Through Holistic Admissions.” This webinar is presented in partnership by ACPA’s Communities of Practice. This webinar examines evidence-based strategies for diversifying the physician workforce. Drawing from qualitative research on the successful matriculation of Black medical students, the session centers strengths, achievement, and resilience within mission-aligned admissions processes.
This webinar is presented in partnership by ACPA’s Communities of Practice.

Registration information:

Complimentary for ACPA Individual Members
$10 for ACPA Chapter Only Members
$10 for Non-Members
$5 for International Non-Members (must currently reside outside the continental United States and Hawaii)

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Doctoral Study & Writing Space
2026-01-25 11:00 - 13:00 (America/Halifax)
Doctoral study & writing space
presented by Graduate Students & New Professionals Community of Practice
Are you a current doctoral student or doctoral candidate looking for a dedicated study/writing space or looking for accountability buddies? Join GSNP’s Doctoral Study & Writing Space. This is a biweekly space to study/write and form a community of fellow doctoral students & candidates!
Dates & Times:

Every other Sunday starting January 25th (Jan 25, Feb 8, Feb 22, Mar 8, Mar 22, Apr 5, Apr 19, May 3)
11:00am-1:00pm ET (8am-10am PT)

Participants must register in advance for this series. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

REGISTER TODAY

"From My Father's Eyes": A Conversation with Father Professionals
2026-01-27 14:00 - 15:00 UTC | Online
“FROM MY FATHER’S EYES”: A CONVERSATION WITH FATHER PROFESSIONALS

TUESDAY, January 27th, 2026
2 – 3PM EST / 1 – 2PM CST / 12 – 1PM MST / 11AM – 12PM PST

DESCRIPTION
Fatherhood remains an underexamined topic within higher education, particularly when viewed through the experiences of fathers themselves. As faculty and staff welcome new additions to their families, they navigate evolving personal roles as spouses and parents while simultaneously managing shifting expectations in their professional responsibilities and their engagement with students. These dynamics are even more complex for fathers of color, whose experiences are shaped by intersecting racial and gender identities that influence both their personal lives and their professional trajectories. To better provide voice to this topic, we are hosting a panel of fathers of color working in higher education, facilitated by Dr. Adrian H. Huerta, Associate Professor of Education at USC Rossier School of Education.
This webinar is presented by the Coalition on Men & Masculinities (CMM), in collaboration with the Asian Pacific American Network (APAN), the Indigenous Student Affairs Network (ISAN), the Native American Indigenous Coalition (NAIC), the Multiracial and Transracial Adoptee Network (MTAN), the Pan African Network (PAN), the Latinx Network (LN), and the Coalition on Multicultural Affairs (CMA).
**This webinar is free for all ACPA members**

FACILITATOR

CMM Scholar-in-Residence: Adrián H. Huerta
Adrián H. Huerta is a tenured Associate Professor of Education and Population & Public Health Sciences at the University of Southern California. He is an expert on boys and men of color, gang-involved populations in the educational pipeline, the high school-to-college transition, and student parents in higher education. Dr. Huerta was awarded the Early Career Award from the Association for the Study of Higher Education in 2022. He was a 2024 co-winner of the Anna Julia Cooper Early Career Award from the American Sociological Association’s section on Sociology of Education. He has secured more than $2.8 million in research grants, fellowships, and other funding to support his research. Dr. Huerta’s research appears in the Journal of College Student Development, Innovative Higher Education, Journal of Diversity in Higher Education, and other scholarly/practitioner outlets. He earned his PhD in education from UCLA.

PANELISTS

Dr. Alan Acosta

Dr. Alan Acosta is a passionate higher education professional whose work has focused on supporting college students in their psychosocial development and helping them become ethical global leaders. He currently serves as the associate vice provost for student life at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, where he collaborates with students, faculty, and staff on cultivating and nurturing holistic student support, engagement, and wellness.
Prior to his current role, Alan worked at Clark University and Florida State University in a variety of roles and managing numerous campus offices, including student conduct, housing, new student orientation, and accessibility services. In these roles, Alan also coordinated institutional diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, managed campus-wide student crises, and supported campus offices through transition and change.
In addition to his campus-based work, Alan has been actively involved in ACPA – College Student Educators International (ACPA) and the Association for Student Conduct Administration (ASCA) throughout his career, and he has served each organization in numerous roles. Alan has also authored numerous articles and chapters for academic publications, and he was a co-editor of a book focused on student conduct in college residence halls.

Dr. Bernie Liang

Dr. Bernie Liang is a dedicated and people-centric leader with deep expertise in program management, continuous improvement, and strategic development. As the Program Manager for the Office of IDEAS (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access & Sovereignty) at the UW Information School, he oversees initiatives that foster belonging, equity, and community across the school.
Bernie’s work is grounded in intentional systems-change: he designs and implements programs that increase access and participation for students, alumni, and staff, and he brings a collaborative approach to any campus community. With experience at various institutional types and sizes, he’s worked in functional areas such as residence life, student activities, leadership development, and inclusion and belonging. On top of his institutional impact, he’s been recognized externally, including being selected as a 2020 Diamond Honoree by the ACPA Foundation and serving as ACPA 2021 Convention Chair for the Virtual Experience.
Based in Seattle, Bernie is a dedicated husband, father, and dog-owner who loves to cook, explore new cities, and practices yoga and meditation.

Melvin Monette-Barajas

Melvin Monette-Barajas is an enrolled citizen of The Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians but they call themselves Anishinaabe, also known as Ojibwe. Ten years ago, Melvin founded Indigenous Education, Inc. expressly to administer the prestigious Cobell Scholarship Programs. As the founding CEO, Melvin has led his team from scholarship provision to fellowship supports to ground-breaking research. Melvin and his husband, John have 2 grown daughters, 4 teenage grandchildren, and are active foster parents primarily to local teenagers in Grand Forks, ND although the Cobell offices are in Albuquerque, NM. Melvin attended Ojibwa Indian School on his home reservation then attended high school at Four Winds High School on the Spirit Lake Nation. He holds both a BS and MS in Education and Leadership from the University of North Dakota. As CEO, he is also a Past-President of the National Indian Education Association and current Treasurer for AISES – Advancing Indigenous People in STEM.

Dr. Benjamin Rieth

Dr. Benjamin “Benny” Rieth serves as the Vice President of Student Affairs, Enrollment, and Belonging at Bellin College. In his role, he leads efforts that center student belonging, admissions, wellness, and engagement, ensuring every student feels seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.
An enrolled member of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and a descendant of the Menominee Nation, Dr. Rieth grounds his work in Indigenous values of relationality, storytelling, and community care. He researches student belonging, Indigenous paradigms, and equity-centered leadership in higher education. He also is the founder and principal consultant for BelongingU: Rieth Strategy Solutions, supporting colleges, high schools, and small businesses with programming, strategic planning, and initiatives focused on engagement, belonging, culture, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Beyond his professional work, he enjoys cycling, spending time with his husband Ryan and their family, and exploring the beauty of Wisconsin.

Dr. Travis C. Smith

Dr. Travis C. Smith is a proud native of LaFayette, AL, and an alumnus of The Alabama State University. In 2020, he earned a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership in Higher Education at Clemson University. As a critical educator, he focuses on inquiry, practice, and pedagogy that help disrupt oppressive systems to support racially minoritized students. His research agenda sits at the intersection of race, gender, and class at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), the experiences of Black graduate students at PWIs, and post-secondary access for rural Black students.

Brendon M. Soltis

Brendon M. Soltis is a PhD candidate in the Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education program at Michigan State University. He is a research assistant with the Undergraduate Education, supporting college access and student success programs. His research focuses on multiraciality in higher education, multiracial identity and categorization, and student success. Before joining Michigan State University, he served as the Assistant Director for Residential Education at Tufts University. Brendon earned a BS in Computer Science from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, and an MA in Student Development Administration from Seattle University.

REGISTER HERE

From Grad School to the Workplace: Advocating for Your Needs with Confidence
2026-01-29 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom
From Grad School to the Workplace: Advocating for Your Needs with Confidence
presented in partnership by the graduate students & new professionals community of practice (GSNPCOP) & coalition for disability (CD)

thursday, 29 january 2026 | 12:00-1:00pm ET

Starting your career is exciting, but it can also bring big questions about how to advocate for your needs, especially if you’re navigating a disability, exploring whether to disclose one, or learning how to speak up for yourself. This webinar offers practical guidance for graduate students and emerging professionals who want to enter the job market with clarity, confidence, and a strong sense of self.
Join GSNPCOP and CD for a session facilitated by the Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD). We will break down what self‑advocacy during graduate school and the transition to the workforce can look like across the job search, interview process, onboarding, and early career roles. We’ll explore strategies for communicating your needs, understanding your rights, requesting accommodations, and building supportive relationships in both academic and professional environments. Whether you have a disability, are newly exploring your needs, or simply want to be better prepared for your professional journey, this session will equip you with tools to thrive from day one.

This webinar is presented in partnership by ACPA’s Graduate Students & New Community of Practice (GSNPCOP) and Coalition for Disaibility (CD).
Registration information:

Complimentary for ACPA Individual Members
$10 for ACPA Chapter Only Members
$10 for Non-Members
$5 for International Non-Members (must currently reside outside the continental United States and Hawaii)

REGISTER TODAY

Belonging, Diversity's Bold New Frontier: A Conversation with Senior Scholar and Administrators
2026-01-29 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom
Belonging, Diversity’s Bold New Frontier: A Conversation with Senior Scholar and Administrators
presented in partnership by the senior-level community of practice (SLCOP) and florida college personnel association (FCPA)
thursday, 29 january 2026 | 1:00-2:00pm ET

The contemporary national and higher education contexts have experienced a wave of backlash, pushback, and retrenchment in the efforts to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). These terms that once invoked discourse that offered hope and promise as it related to how they would be operationalized in colleges, schools, universities, and workforce settings has now been deemed at best divisive and at worst counter productive to uniting the States of America. Thus, this session will shed light on how seasoned higher education scholars and administrators have navigated and continue to negotiate the terrain as it relates to advancing their administrative and scholarly engagements in environments. And, how they have ultimately shifted their foci to foreground Belonging when the focus on DEI left them at a crossroads.

Registration information:

Complimentary for ACPA Individual Members
Complimentary for ACPA Chapter Only Members
$10 for Non-Members
$5 for International Non-Members (must currently reside outside the continental United States and Hawaii)

presenter information:

Fred A. Bonner II, Ed.D., Professor and Endowed Chair, Department of Educational Leadership and Counseling, Texas A&M System (TAMU)

Fred A. Bonner II, Ed.D. is Professor and Endowed Chair in Educational Leadership and Counseling at Prairie View A&M University and Founding Executive Director and Chief Scientist of the Achievement, Research, Creativity and High-Ability (ARCH-III) Center at Prairie View A&M University. In 2020, Dr. Bonner was selected for the prestigious Regents Professor Award by the Texas A&M University System. As a thought-leader in the field of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, his work has consistently centered microcultural populations developing attitudes, motivations, and strategies to survive in macrocultural settings. He has published numerous articles, books and book chapters that foreground: Academically gifted African American male college students in an array of contexts (Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Predominantly White Institutions, and Community Colleges); teaching in the diverse classroom; belonging in student affairs; diverse millennial students in college; success factors influencing students of color in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM); and faculty of color in Predominantly White institutions (PWIs).

He is formerly the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Endowed Chair in Education in the Graduate School of Education at Rutgers University. Prior to joining Rutgers, he was Professor of Higher Education Administration and Dean of Faculties at Texas A&M University-College Station. He earned a B.A. in Chemistry from the University of North Texas, an M.S. Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from Baylor University, and an Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration & College Teaching from the University of Arkansas. Bonner has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the American Association for Higher Education Black Caucus Dissertation Award and the Educational Leadership, Counseling and Foundation’s Dissertation of the Year Award from the University of Arkansas College of Education. He is the author of the books, Square Pegs and Round Holes: Alternative Approaches to Diverse College Student Development Theory (2021), Belonging in Higher Education: Perspectives and Lessons from Diverse Faculty (2025), and the recently released op-ed, We Are Not Like Them (2025).

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Sawubona in Action: Mentorship, Scholarship, & Paying It Forward
2026-01-30 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom
Sawubona in Action: Mentorship, Scholarship, & Paying It Forward
presented by the pan african network (PAN), a network of the coalition for multicultural affairs (CMA)
friday, 30 january 2026 | 1:00-2:00pm ET

Join the Coalition for Multicultural Affairs (CMA) in community with our Networks to pause, breathe, reset, and reconnect toward collective power. CMA’s Networks include the Asian Pacific American Network, Latinx Network, Multiracial & Transracial Adoptee Network , and Pan African Network.

Registration information:

Complimentary for ACPA Individual Members
$10 for ACPA Chapter Only Members
$10 for Non-Members
$5 for International Non-Members (must currently reside outside the continental United States and Hawaii)

REGISTER TODAY

Spotlight on Academic Support: ACPA26 Preview
2026-03-02 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Halifax)
Spotlight on Academic Support: ACPA26 Preview
2 March • 12:00-1:00pm ET
presented by ACPA’s Commission for Academic Support in Higher Education (CASHE)
Join us for an engaging virtual event spotlighting upcoming ACPA26 Annual Convention sessions endorsed by the Commission for Academic Support in Higher Education (CASHE), which are focused on academic support and student success. Presenters will offer brief previews of their sessions, share key takeaways, and engage with the academic support community. This is a great opportunity to explore innovative practices, connect with presenters ahead of the Convention, and identify sessions aligned with your work.

session Information

Learning Outcomes:
As a result of participating in this virtual event, attendees will:

Apply insights from session previews to plan a targeted conference experience aligned with their academic support areas and professional goals
Apply strategies highlighted in session previews to identify potential enhancements to academic support programs or practices at their home institutions

Professional Competencies:
Webinar participants will develop their professional competencies in the areas of: Advising and Supporting. For more information about the ACPA/NASPA Professional Competency Areas for Student Affairs Practitioners, visit our website.

Registration Information
Participants must register in advance for this webinar. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Complimentary for ACPA Individual Members
$10 for Chapter Only Members
$10 for Non-Members Based in U.S.
$5 for International Non-Members

REGISTER TODAY

CMA General Membership Meeting
2026-03-06 14:00 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | Zoom
CMA General Membership Meeting
presented by the coalition for multicultural affairs (cma) and its networks

Friday, 6 March 2026 | 2:00-3:30 pm ET

Join the Coalition for Multicultural Affairs (CMA) in community with our Networks to gather for a general membership meeting. CMA’s Networks include the Asian Pacific American Network, Latinx Network, Multiracial & Transracial Adoptee Network , and Pan African Network.

Registration information:

Complimentary for all ACPA Members

REGISTER TODAY

Bridging the Gap Between National Entertainment and Higher Ed
2026-03-09 15:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Online
Bridging the Gap Between National Entertainment and Higher Ed

Presented by the Commission for Student Involvement

Monday, March 9 2026 | 3:00PM EST

Planning a large event can be overwhelming, especially when you combine it with campus hurdles and red tape. Everyone is short on resources, time, and staff, and sometimes it feels as though high level artist agents are speaking a different language. Having a clear strategy, some background context, and a realistic timeline and plan helps. Let’s dive into the details of how the music industry works, and how your campus event fits into the larger picture. Participants will leave this workshop with not only a plan and some resources to achieve their goals, but also some background knowledge of how live events on college campuses fit into the overall scheme of an artist’s touring plans.
This event is complementary for members.

Register Now

Anchored at Convention: Coalitions & Networks ACPA26 Virtual Preview
2026-03-13 15:00 - 16:00 UTC
Anchored at Convention: Coalitions & networks ACPA26 Virtual Preview
presented by Olajiwon McCadney, ACPA leadership council coordinator of coalitions and networks and coalition & Network chairs

friday, 13 March 2026 | 3:00pm ET
Join us for a pre-convention virtual social with ACPA’s Coalitions and Networks, which foster mentoring, advance scholarship, and build community across roles and identities. This session offers a preview of what to expect from the Coalitions and Networks at the ACPA26 Annual Convention in Baltimore, Maryland. Participants will connect directly with Coalition and Network leaders to learn about upcoming socials, sponsored programs, and open business meetings. Attendees will also be entered into a giveaway raffle for a chance to win books during the session.
Registration information:

Complimentary for all, but advance registration is required.

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Baltimore Bound: GSNP Connection & Involvement Chat
2026-03-19 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom
Baltimore Bound: GSNP Connection & Involvement Chat
presented by the GRADUATE STUDENTS & NEW PROFESSIONALS COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE

Thursday, 19 March 2026 | 12:00-1:00pm ET
GSNPCOP is hosting an info session for graduate students and new professionals preparing for ACPA’s Annual Convention in Baltimore. This conversation offers a welcoming space to learn how to get involved, understand engagement opportunities, and build early connections before arriving at Convention. Participants can meet peers, ask questions about navigating the experience, and explore ways to plug into ACPA’s communities and leadership pathways.

Registration information:
Complimentary for ACPA Members and Non-Members

ACPA/NASPA Professional competencies:
Webinar participants will develop their professional competencies in the areas of: Personal and Ethical Foundations; and Values, Philosophy, and History. For more information about the ACPA/NASPA Professional Competency Areas for Student Affairs Practitioners, visit our website.

REGISTER TODAY

CFI Business Meeting and Social
2026-03-31 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Halifax) | Baltimore Convention Center
Please join CFI for our Convention Business Meeting and Social on Tuesday, 3/31 from 5:30pm-7:30pm in Convention Center Room 305! We’ll be celebrating our Award Winners, sharing updates, and taking your questions about joining the CFI Directorate Board for the next term. This is also our Convention Social, so there will be time for community-building and connections with other fat people at ACPA! Light snacks will be provided. We hope to see you there.

Demystifying the Awards Process: Empowering HESA Faculty to Pursue Professional Recognition with Confidence
2026-04-22 13:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York) | Zoom
Demystifying the Awards Process: Empowering HESA Faculty to Pursue Professional Recognition with Confidence
presented by the commission for Faculty & Graduate Programs (CFGP)
Thursday, 22 April 2026 | 1:00-2:30pm ET

Faculty awards can feel mysterious, exclusive, or reserved for “certain people”—but they don’t have to be. This interactive session is designed to equip HESA faculty across all career stages with the clarity, confidence, and practical strategies needed to pursue professional recognition that reflects the impact of their teaching, scholarship, and service. Together, we will unpack why awards matter, how visibility shapes nomination opportunities, and what it takes to craft compelling, award‑ready materials. Participants will explore the landscape of major awards and learn how nomination committees think, and begin building a personalized plan for pursuing recognition that aligns with their goals and values. Whether you’ve never been nominated, are preparing your first dossier, or want to pay it forward by uplifting colleagues, this session offers tools and insights to help you navigate the awards ecosystem with intention and authenticity.
This webinar is presented by ACPA’s Commission for Faculty & Graduate Programs (CFGP).
Learning Outcomes:
As a result of participating in this webinar, attendees will:

Understand why awards and recognition matter for academic careers, teaching impact, and professional visibility
Learn strategies to increase professional visibility so they are nominated, noticed, and considered for awards
Begin developing or refining award‑ready application materials (narratives, CV sections, evidence of impact)
Leave with a concrete 6‑month action plan to pursue at least one award opportunity

ACPA/NASPA Professional Competencies:
Webinar participants will develop their professional competencies in the areas of: Leadership; and Personal and Ethical Foundations. For more information about the ACPA/NASPA Professional Competency Areas for Student Affairs Practitioners, visit our website.
Presenters:
Tonisha Lane, Ph.D., Virginia Tech UniversityMichael Daniels, Ph.D., Kent State University

Registration information:

Complimentary for ACPA Individual Members
$10 for ACPA Chapter Only Members
$10 for Non-Members
$5 for International Non-Members (must currently reside outside the continental United States and Hawaii)

REGISTER TODAY

FINANCIAL WELLNESS WEBINAR
2026-06-26 12:00 - 14:00 UTC | Online
What issues are bothering you about Financial Wellness? Join the Commission for Graduate and Professional Student Affairs on Friday, June 26, 2026 from 12-2pm (MTN). Dr. Gabrielle McAllaster, an Accredited Financial Counsellor, and Director of the Financial Wellness Centre at the University of Utah will be breaking down the topic and you will also have the opportunity to ask your questions

Please you can use the QR code below to register or this link:https://myacpa.member365.org/public/event/details/e227e65284a90ac77dcb80615de4d447a1e49485/1

For questions, reach out to us at:cgpsa@acpa.nche.edu

Managing Up: Navigating the Middle in Student Affairs
2026-06-30 13:00 - 14:00 UTC | Online
Managing up: navigating the middle in student affairs
presented by Mid-level community of practice mlcop

REGISTER NOW

TUESDAY, 30 june 2026 | 1:00-2:00pm ET
Looking to build a better relationship with your supervisor, have more influence within your organization, or equip your direct reports to better manage you? Join us for a conversation on how to effectively “manage up” and facilitate a culture of managing up on your team. This webinar is presented by ACPA’s Mid-Level Community of Practice (MLCOP).
Registration information:

Complimentary for ACPA Individual Members
$10 for ACPA Chapter Only Members
$10 for Non-Members Based in U.S.
$5 for International Non-Members (must currently reside outside the continental United States and Hawaii)

Professional Competencies:
Webinar participants will develop their professional competencies in the areas of: Advising and Supporting; Leadership; Organizational and Human Resource; and Personal and Ethical Foundations. For more information about the ACPA/NASPA Professional Competency Areas for Student Affairs Practitioners, visit our website.
General Access & Accommodations:
The ACPA General Access and Accommodations Form is for requesting assistance in accessing member benefits associated with ACPA resources and services. Please complete this form at least one week in advance of needing the requested support and a member of the ACPA International Office will work with you to meet the request. For questions, comments or concerns about the General Access and Accommodations Process, email info@acpa.nche.edu.

2026 NINLHE Summer Institute
2026-07-21 - 2026-07-23 | University of Utah Guest House & Conference Center, 110 South Fort Douglas Boulevard, Salt Lake City, UT, 84113-5036, United States
NINLHE SUMMER INSTITUTESTRONGER TOGETHER: COLLECTIVE POWER AND COLLABORATION FOR NATIVE HIGHER EDUCATION
21-23 JULY 2026 • UNIVERSITY OF UTAH • SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
registration is open

The National Institute for Native Leadership in Higher Education (NINLHE) Summer Institute, in partnership with ACPA’s Native, Aboriginal, and Indigenous Coalition (NAIC) and Indigenous Student Affairs Network (ISAN), is a time for professional development, networking with other educators, and personal renewal. Through this Summer Institute, educators with expertise in policies and practices vital to Native student success develop through our training sessions.

AN INTENSIVE EXPERIENCE

Summer Institute attendance is purposely limited to provide participants with an intensive experience that focuses equally on knowledge and skill building, information sharing, and the opportunity to draw upon the accumulated wisdom and experiences of the presenters as well as colleagues.
In an atmosphere of collaboration, friendship, and fun, the Summer Institute offers opportunities for spiritual renewal and personal empowerment. The Elder-In-Residence fulfills an important role within the Summer Institute. The Elder will begin and end each day with a prayer and reflection. The Elder-In-Residence will offer valuable context in which to consider our shared experiences throughout the Summer Institute.

Learn more about Ninlhe

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

Native and non-Native administrators, professional staff, and faculty committed to supporting and increasing recruitment, retention and graduation of American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian and Aboriginal students at public, private, and tribal colleges and universities in the U.S. and Canada.

Keynote Speaker: Robert Maxim
Robert Maxim (Mashpee Wampanoag) leads Brookings Metro’s work on Tribal economies, including research focused on an array of different research and policy issues in Indian
Country. He has written about the impact of federal investments and federal funding cuts on Tribal communities; the need to reform federal funding for Tribal nations; Native workers; the ability to access to remote work; the role of Native American community development financial institutions in Tribal economic development; the exclusion of Native Americans from economic data; and how state and regional policy can improve data about Tribal nations, citizens, and communities.
Maxim has also researched and written on Native American education, including policy responses to remedy the lingering impacts of federal Indian boarding schools on Tribal communities, ideas for improving federal higher education data about Native American students, and policy proposals to support Native students and Native American-serving higher educational institutions. His work on identity in Indian Country has explored how federal data misrepresents Native American identity.
Within Brookings, he has led efforts to resurface the Institution’s historic engagement in Tribal communities, including the Meriam Report, and to engage with Native-led organizations on enabling future research centering Native American people. Maxim’s research and commentary on Native communities has appeared in numerous national, regional, and Native-led media outlets, including the New York Times, Washington Post, National Public Radio, Marketplace, Time, Federal News Network, Indian Country Today, Native News Online, Native America Calling, and others.

Elder-in-Residence: Joy Grant-Bullethead
Screenshot
Joy (Ute) serves as the Elder-in-Residence for the University of Utah Center for Native Excellence and Tribal Education, which is a partner for the 2026 NINLHE Summer Institute. As a community elder, she offers cultural guidance, mentorship, interfaith and spiritually grounded support, and connection to community for students. This role helps affirm the experiences of American Indian/Alaska Native students, strengthens relationships between the University of Utah and Tribal Nations, and creates opportunities for the broader campus community to learn with respect about Indigenous presence, values, and cultural knowledge.
Joy was born in Murray and grew up and attended school in West Jordan, Utah. Joy and her husband, Jonas Grant-Bullethead, have made their home in Fort Duchesne, where they raised their five children in Hilltop. Joy shares teachings of the Ute people, with a focus on language, history, and community responsibility. In her role, she strengthens connections between the University of Utah and Native communities throughout the state, and creates respectful opportunities for all students, faculty, and staff to learn from Indigenous knowledge and living traditions. Joy describes her work in this way: her goal is not to stand above anyone or below anyone, but to walk together among people.

Presidential Leadership Panel
Elmer Guy (Navajo)President, Navajo Technical University (NTU)
Since 2006, Dr. Elmer J. Guy has served as the President of the Navajo Technical University (NTU), a member of the American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC), a community of 36 tribally and federally chartered institutions of higher education. Prior, Dr. Guy served as vice president of academic and student services and its dean of instruction at NTU. Under Dr. Guy’s leadership, NTU was named one of the top 120 community colleges in the United States by the Aspen Institute College of Excellence Program (2011, 2012). NTU was also listed as one of the top three best higher education institutions in New Mexico according to BestColleges.Com (2018).
Before joining NTU, Dr. Guy was appointed by the Navajo Nation president to serve as both executive director and deputy director of the Navajo Nation’s Department of Education. During his tenure, he developed and implemented two trusts for the handicapped ($7 million) and vocational education ($6 million), as well as a comprehensive teacher education program, all of which remain in full operation. Dr. Guy also directed the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services for the Navajo Nation. Today, Dr. Guy serves as Chair of AIHEC, Co-Chair of the Education Subcommittee for the National Congress of American Indians, and a Trustee of the Higher Learning Commission. He has co-chaired the World Indigenous Higher Education Consortium for three years, was appointed by the President of the United States to serve on the National Board of Education Sciences for four years, and is a former Trustee of the College Board. Dr. Guy earned his undergraduate and doctorate degrees from the University of Arizona, and in between, a graduate degree from the University of San Francisco.

Shelley C. Lowe (Navajo)President, Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA), the University for Indigenous Creative Excellence
In 2025, Dr. Shelley C. Lowe was appointed as President of the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA), succeeding longtime President Dr. Robert Martin (Cherokee Nation). Dr. Lowe brings extensive leadership experience in higher education and deep dedication to Indigenous student success. Most recently, she served as Chair of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), managing a federal agency with a $207 million annual budget and spearheading initiatives that significantly advanced Indigenous education and representation at the national level.
With over two decades in senior administrative roles, Dr. Lowe has a distinguished history of enhancing Native and Indigenous student development, curriculum innovation, faculty and staff advancement, and building robust coalitions among educational institutions, Indigenous communities, and national organizations. Prior to leading NEH, Dr. Lowe served as Executive Director of the Harvard University Native American Program and held administrative and teaching positions at Yale University and the University of Arizona, where she earned her PhD in Educational Policy Studies and Practice.
Heather Shotton (Wichita & Affiliated Tribes, Kiowa, Cheyenne)President, Fort Lewis College
Dr. Heather J. Shotton is the 11th President of Fort Lewis College and the first Native American to lead the institution. A nationally recognized scholar and advocate for Indigenous education, Dr. Shotton brings over 20 years of experience in academic leadership, student success, and institutional transformation.
An enrolled citizen of the Wichita & Affiliated Tribes and descendant of the Kiowa and Cheyenne Tribes, she has dedicated her career to advancing equity, reconciliation, and access in higher education. Her leadership at FLC centers on belonging, academic excellence, and honoring the institution’s unique history. A first-generation college graduate, Dr. Shotton previously served as Chair of Educational Leadership & Policy Studies at the University of Oklahoma and as Board President of the National Indian Education.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Summer Institute participants are expected to arrive on 21 July 2026

Before 21 June 2026 – $550
After 21 June 2026 – $650

Included with Registration

Daily parking at University of Utah Conference Center, where the Summer Institute will take place
All meals (Tuesday lunch through Thursday dinner)

Not Included with Registration
Lodging is not included in your Summer Institute registration rate, but registrants can take advantage of our special room block and group rates at the University of Utah Guest House, which is connected to the Conference Center. Summer Institute registrants who book directly with the Guest House by 20 April 2026 will receive a discounted rate of $190.00+tax/night. To make your reservation, call the Guest House Front Desk at 801-587-1000 and mention our group name: “NINLHE Summer Institute.” You can also make a reservation online and use offer code: “BKG1201” to access our room block.
Registrants may choose to stay at another hotel or commute from home if local; daily parking at the Conference Center is included regardless of where you stay.

REGISTER NOW

LODGING INFORMATION
Lodging is not included in your Summer Institute registration rate, but registrants can take advantage of our special room block and group rates at the University of Utah Guest House, which is connected to the Conference Center.
Summer Institute registrants who book directly with the Guest House by 20 April 2026 will receive a discounted rate of $190.00+tax/night.
To make your reservation, call the Guest House Front Desk at 801-587-1000 and mention our group name: “NINLHE Summer Institute.” You can also make a reservation online and use offer code: “BKG1201” to access our room block.
Registrants may choose to stay at another hotel or commute from home if local; daily parking at the Conference Center is included regardless of where you stay.

BOOK YOUR ROOM

PAYMENT & CANCELLATION POLICY
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 to ACPA at info@acpa.nche.edu by 21 June 2026. Registrations can also be withdrawn by registrants using the event registration system through 21 June 2026. After 21 June 2026, there are no refunds. ACPA reserves the right to charge a service fee of US$50 for returned checks. Registrations are non-transferable. The Summer Institute 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, charges or expenses, including cancellation/change charges assessed by airlines, hotels, and/or travel agencies.

INSTITUTE SCHEDULe

DAY 1 • Tuesday, 21 July

10:00am – 1:00pm NINLHE Summer Institute Registration/Check-in
1:00 – 1:45pm Welcome & Blessing, NINLHE Overview & Summer Institute Orientation
1:45 – 3:15pm Summer Institute Participant Introductions
3:15 – 3:30pm Break
3:30 – 5:00pm Summer Institute Participant Introductions (Cont.)
5:15 – 5:30pm Reflection on the Day led by Elder-in-Residence
5:30pm Dinner (Provided)
7:00pm Evening Activity

Day 2 • Wednesday, 22 July

8:00 – 8:45am Breakfast (Provided)
9:00 – 9:15am Blessing
9:15 – 10:15am Keynote Speaker
10:15 – 10:30am Break
10:30 – 11:15am Q&A with Keynote Speaker
11:15am– 12:15pm Common Ground Walk
12:30 – 1:30pm Lunch (Provided)
1:45 – 3:00pm Thematic Breakout Sessions
3:00 – 3:15pm Break
3:15 – 4:30pm Participant Roundtable Discussions
4:45 – 5:00pm Reflection on the Day
5:30pm Dinner (Provided)
7:00pm Evening Activity

Day 3 • Thursday, 23 July

8:00 – 8:45am Breakfast (Provided)
9:00 – 9:15am Blessing
9:15 – 10:45am Leadership Panel and Q&A
12:00 – 1:00pm Lunch
1:15 – 2:30pm Thematic Breakout Sessions
2:45 – 4:00pm Participant Roundtable Discussions
4:15 – 4:30pm Closing Reflections
4:30 – 5:00pm Summer Institute Evaluations
5:30pm Dinner (Provided)

Day 4 (Optional) • Friday, 24 July

12:00 – 9:00pm Native American Celebration in the Park Pow Wow (Liberty Park, Salt Lake City, Utah)
