8–8:45 a.m. — Registration and Breakfast Refreshments

9:00 a.m. — Welcome

9:15 a.m. — Morning Motivation: Erin and Ben Napier, stars of HGTV’s Home Town and owners of Laurel Mercantile Co.
10:00 a.m. — Networking Break and Door Prizes

10:15 a.m. — Opening Keynote Address: Dr. Lemia Jenkins, strategic public affairs and communications executive

11:00 a.m. — Networking Break, Door Prizes and Announcements

11:15 a.m. — Travel time to designated locations for Track 1 or Track 2

 

Track 1: Empowered Leadership in Higher Education (Inn at Ole Miss)
11:30 a.m. — Networking Luncheon, Leading with Purpose Table Discussions

12:45 p.m. — Panel Discussion: Navigating Workplace Politics with Confidence
This panel discussion will explore strategies to understand and maneuver through workplace dynamics. Participants will learn to identify key players, build alliances, and advocate for themselves while maintaining authenticity.

• Andrea Jekabsons, Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer, The University of Mississippi — Moderator
• Loretta Jackson-Williams, Vice Dean for Medical Education, School of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center
• April Stampley, Vice President for External Affairs, Academic Affairs, Rust College
• Laura Hill, Associate General Counsel, The University of Mississippi
• Leia Agnew Hill, Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Executive Director of the MCC Foundation, Meridian Community College

1:45 p.m. — Workshop: Using Data and Analytics to Drive Decision-Making

Participants will learn how to harness data and analytics to make informed decisions in their roles. This workshop will cover data interpretation, practical examples, and how to advocate for data-driven initiatives within their institutions.

• Almesha Campbell, Vice President for Research and Economic Development, Jackson State University — Moderator
• Susan Seal, Dean of the College of Professional and Continuing Studies, Mississippi State University
• Viola Acoff, Dean of the School of Engineering, The University of Mississippi
• Mary Graham, President, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College

2:45 p.m. — Refreshments, Door Prizes and Announcements

3:15 p.m. — Panel Discussion, Leadership, Mentorship, and Sponsorship: Empowering Women in Higher Ed

This panel will illuminate the powerful roles that mentorship and sponsorship play in advancing women in higher education. Participants will hear from seasoned leaders who have successfully navigated these dynamics and discover practical strategies for cultivating supportive relationships.

• Natalia Norwood, ADA Specialist/EORC Investigator, The University of Mississippi — Moderator
• Tina Martin, Dean of the School of Nursing, The University of Mississippi
• Kristin Richards, Associate Professor and Program Chair for Social Work, Jackson State University
• Ethel Scurlock, Dean of the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College and Associate Professor of English and African American Studies, The University of Mississippi
• Coranette “Chris” Square, Dean of eLearning and Computer Science Adjunct Instructor, East Mississippi Community College
• Kelly Lester, Associate Provost for Faculty Success, USM (ACE Representative)

4:15 p.m. — Door Prizes and Announcements

 

Track 2: Innovative Change-Makers (Student Union Ballroom)
11:30 a.m. — Networking Luncheon, Leading with Purpose Table Discussions

12:45 p.m. — Panel Discussion: Strategies for Career Advancement in Higher Education

This panel discussion will focus on practical steps for career growth, including mentorship, professional development opportunities, and effective self-promotion.

• Tonyalle Rush, Vice President For Student And Enrollment Management, Northwest Community College — Moderator
• Natalie W. Gaughf, Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, University of Mississippi Medical Center
• Christy Riddle, Chief Marketing Officer, Delta State University
• Tanya Kelly-Kirk, Associate Vice President for Physical Plant Director & Special Projects, Rust College
• Bethany Mills, Executive Director of the Career Center, Mississippi State University
• Jess Turuc, Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life, The University of Mississippi

1:45 p.m. — Workshop, Mastering Productivity: Time Management and Administrative Tools for Success

This interactive workshop aims to equip participants with essential skills for effective time management and administrative efficiency. Attendees will learn to optimize their daily workflows using modern tools and techniques, ultimately enhancing their productivity in higher education settings.

• Facilitator: Dr. Mary Jane Collins, Nurse Anesthesia Assistant Program Coordinator, University of Southern Mississippi

2:45 p.m. — Refreshments, Door Prizes and Announcements

3:15 p.m. — Workshop: Leveraging AI and Technology for Education and Transformation

Dive into how AI and technology are reshaping higher education. This workshop will cover practical applications, ethical considerations, and strategies for integrating new tools into existing frameworks for enhanced teaching and learning.

• Facilitator: Erin Garrett, Director of Strategic Communications, The University of Mississippi)

4:15–4:30 p.m. — Door Prizes and Announcements

4:30–6:30 p.m. — Free time to travel to hotel to get ready for the game. Attendees are also welcome to discover the sights and sounds of Oxford.

7:00 p.m. — Pre-game reception, All American Club, SJB Pavilion

8:00 p.m. — Women’s Basketball Game, Ole Miss vs. South Carolina, SJB Pavilion