Transformative Conversations:
Revitalizing and Supporting
Students and Institutions
Transformative Conversations was started to address the challenges faced by Higher Education due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Hosted by Dr. Monica Flippin Wynn, over 7000 faculty, staff, and administrators from over 700 institutions, non-profits, and higher education organizations joined us for the first three series of transformative conversations about higher educations responses to COVID-19, to the social unrest, and changing higher education environment.
This series explores how Higher Education is both impacted by and responding to these challenges. The series focuses on college teaching, learning, student success, and all aspects of higher education. We include frank conversations about equity, social justice, and the current climate in higher education. Through this forum, we will engage with colleagues across the country to dissect issues in higher education in real-time.
All opinions and views expressed as part of the forum belong solely to the individual participants and do not represent those of the people, institutions, or organizations that the individual may, or may not be associated with in a professional, educational, or other personal capacities unless explicitly stated. They are not a reflection of the opinions of the institutions at which they work or attend.
The series is hosted by Dr. Monica Flippin Wynn,
Dr. Monica Flippin Wynn is a Senior Assistant Vice President at the John N. Gardner Institute for Excellence in Undergraduate Education. Prior to joining the Institute staff in October 2019, Monica was Associate Professor and Director of undergraduate and Interim Director of graduate communication programs at Lindenwood University and she served as Associate Professor of Mass Communications at Jackson State University.
Dr. Flippin Wynn earned her Ph.D. in Communications from the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Oklahoma, a Master of Science from the University of Wisconsin- Whitewater, and her undergraduate degree from Southern University.
2022-2023 Transformative Conversations
Previous Conversations
ChatGPT and AI Writing: “The What, The Why, and the Oh My!"
Watch the Recording
May 3, 2023
Craig A. Meyer, Associate Professor of English & Director of the Writing Program, Jackson State University
A Mental Health Check-up and Check-in
Watch the Recording
April 26, 2023
Dr. Sonya Clyburn, Director of the Counseling Center, Morgan State University
Andrew “AJ“ Jabour, Student Advisory Board President, Purdue Global
The Future of DEIJ in Post-Secondary Institutions
Watch the Recording
April 19, 2023 (Note this session will be 1 hour and 30 minutes) 2- 3.30 p.m. ET
Tomarra Adams, Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer, Bellarmine University
Najja K. Baptist, Assistant Professor of Political Science, University of Arkansas Fayetteville
Ellie Cooper, Student Navigator, Bridgewater State University
Shelia Lloyd, Senior Vice President for Justice, Equity and Antiracism, Hampshire College
Sabrina Gentlewarrior, Vice President of Student Success, Equity and Diversity, Bridgewater State University
Reema Zeineldin, Associate Vice President, Academic, Framingham State University
Nakeshia Williams, Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Hollins University
Diverse Representation in the Academy - HERC
Watch the Recording
April 12, 2023
Jessica Wise, Co-Executive Director, Director of Programs, Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (HERC)
Jennifer O'Neill, Program Manager, Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (HERC)
Retention Practices
Watch the Recording
March 29, 2023
Mitchell Shears, Executive Director, Title III Programs, Jackson State University
Kate Gold, Director of Advising Resources, Northern Vermont University
Jeff Tunney, Associate Director, Instructional Development and Assessment, Vermont State University
HBCU Update
Watch the Recording
March 1, 2023
Alisa Mosley, Provost & Vice President of Academic Affairs, Jackson State University, Jackson State University
Donald Palm, Provost/ Senior Vice President of Academic and Student Success and Engagement, Virginia State University
Innovations and Retention
Watch the Recording
February 22, 2023
Art Recesso , Vice Chancellor for Academic Innovation, Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia
Every Learner Everywhere
Watch the Recording
February 15, 2023
Jessica Williams, Director, Every Learner Everywhere
Black Male Initiatives and Retention and Completion Outcomes
February 8, 2023
Watch the Recording
Wanda Gross, Director, African-American Male Initiative, University System of Georgia
Kenneth Daniels, Georgia Southwestern, majoring in Chemistry and minoring in Computer Science
Intercultural Competence and Identity in the Classroom
February 1, 2023
Watch the Recording
Dr. Leeva Chung, Professor of Communication Studies, University of San Diego
Dr. Lizhi Shi, Instructor in Educational Administration(higher learning), Jackson State University
A Conversation on Transformation and Student Success
January 18, 2023
Watch the Recording
Yolonda Watson Spiva, Ph. D., President, Complete College America
A Student Perspective
December 7, 2022
Watch the Recording
Lucy Emerho, Undergraduate Student, Oklahoma State University
Monica Harris, Undergraduate Student, Jackson State University (to be conferred in December)
Lindsay M. Vandyke, Graduate Student, Western Michigan
Clinecia “CeCe” White, Undergraduate Student, Tuskegee University
Democratizing Data & Equitable Assessment = Equitable student success
November 30, 2022
Watch the Recording
Jeff Gold, Associate Vice Chancellor, California State University
LaTonya Robinson-Kanonu, Assessment, Jackson State University
Equity and Employability: Securing post degree success for all of our students
November 9, 2022
Watch the Recording
Stephen Cox, Associate Professor Organizational Communication and Leadership, Murray State University
Michele Deasy, Vice President, The QA Commons
Victoria McGillin, Associate Vice President, Gardner Institute
Sonny Ramaswamy, President, Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Supporting our Students: Creating Post-Secondary Access for Emerging Adults in Foster Care
October 26, 2022
Watch the Recording
Nathaniel Brown, Lecturer of clinical mental health counseling, John Hopkins University
Ronicka Hamilton, Director of Seita Scholars program, Western Michigan University
Jarrett Pratt, Director of Student Success, The Pratt Center and Sullivan-Deckard Scholars Opportunity program, Cleveland State University
Analisa Perez, Student from Seita Scholars program, Western Michigan University
Deborah Williams, Student from Seita Scholars program, Western Michigan University
Trends in Online Education: Reviewing the 7th Chloe Report
(Changing Landscape of Online Education (CHLOE) report)
October 12, 2022
Watch the recording
Bethany Simunich, Director of Research & Innovation, Quality Matters
Arletha McSwain, Chief Online Officer, Central State University
Mental Health at our institutions - Resilience
September 28, 2022
Watch the recording
As institutions have begun to transition into the 2022-2023 academic year, we continue our need to create space to discuss the status of mental health and wellness for our students, faculty, and staff. Please join us on September 28 as Candy McCorkle and Megan Kennedy offer insight and resources for keeping mental health and wellness centered at our institutions.
Candy McCorkle, Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion and Professor of Counselor Education, Western Michigan University
Megan Kennedy, Director of the UW Resilience Lab, University of Washington
Thyme Turner, student, Grambling State University
Resources:
Bring Be REAL to Your Campus
U.S. Health Promoting Campuses Network
Center for Child and Family Well-Being
Well-being for Life and Learning Initiative
Equity in Mental Health Framework
Transformative Conversation Kick-off- Status of the Academy
September 14, 2022 2pm et
Freeman Hrabowski III, former President, University of Maryland Baltimore Campus.
We are excited for the 2022-2023 Transformative Conversations to begin in September. We are honored to kick-off the Transformative Conversations on September 14, with Dr. Freeman A. Hrabowski, the former President of University of Maryland Baltimore Campus.
We are grateful and excited to have Dr. Hrabowski for kicking off this session of the Transformative Conversations focusing on transitions and transformations.
Recordings Spring 2022
Enriching the Student Experience through the Development and Support of Faculty
Watch Here
April 20, 2022 2 pm et
● Chris Lavan, Executive Director of Teaching & Learning, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
● Candis Pizzetta, Associate Professor of English – Jackson State University
● Larry Acker, Professor, Healthcare Management, Plaster College of Business and Entrepreneurship, Lindenwood University
● Stephanie Foote, Senior Associate Vice President for Teaching, Learning, and Evidence-Based Practices, Gardner Institute
● Kevin McGreal, student, Community College of Vermont
The First-Year Experience: Revisited to Look to the Future
Watch the Recording here
Participants
Betsy Barefoot, Senior Scholar, Gardner Institute
John N. Gardner, Founder, and Executive Chair, Gardner Institute
The Student Voice in Postsecondary Education
Watch the Recording
Participants:
Rashida Welbeck, Co-Lead, Equity Collaborative Senior Associate, Postsecondary Education, MDRC
Amanda Martin-Lawerence, Research Assistant, MDRC
Thyme Turner, student, Grambling State University
Kevin McGreal, student, Community College of Vermont,
University of California Irvine- The Value of College
Mount Tamalpais College: Navigating educational opportunities within our prison systems
Watch the Recording Here
Participants:
Jody Lewen, Executive Director of the Prison University Project, Mount Tamalpais College
Bonaru Richardson, TC Development Associate, Mount Tamalpais College
Higher Education Policy Transformations: Real and Transparent Access for all of our student populations
Watch the Recording Here
Participants:
Mamie Voight, President & CEO of the Institute for Higher Education Policy
Kevin McGreal, student Community College of Vermont
Alethia Russell, student Indiana University – Bloomington
Resources shared during the conversation
http://www.degreeswhendue.com/
https://www.ihep.org/publication/arcc-case-study/
https://www.ihep.org/publication/bgsu-case-study/
https://www.ihep.org/publication/shasta-college-dwd/
https://www.ihep.org/publication/developing-a-data-informed-campus-culture/
https://equity.postsecondaryvalue.org/
https://www.postsecondaryvalue.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/PVC-Final-Report-FINAL-7.2.pdf
https://www.postsecondaryvalue.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/PVC-IHEP-Employers-FINAL-7.2.pdf
https://www.ihep.org/publication/opening-the-promise/
Postsecondary Value Commission: https://www.postsecondaryvalue.org/
https://www.ihep.org/publication/degree-reclamation-playbook/
Supporting all of our student populations: Keeping our Student Parents in the Pipeline
Watch the Recording Here
Participants
Gabrielle Caverl-McNeal, Assistant Director of Workforce Development, New Moms, Chicago ILKatherine Pohlidal, Director, Ruth Matthews Bourger Women with Children Program, Misericordia University
Stacy McCarter, A senior education student and a participant in the Ruth Matthews Bourger Women with Children Program, Misericordia University
Adaisah Walker, Participant in the New Moms program, studying Business Administration; Harold Washington College
Links and resources shared during the conversation:
New Moms Chicago https://newmoms.org/
Misericordia University Women with Children Programhttps://www.misericordia.edu/admissions-aid/ruth-matthews-bourger-women-with-children-programs
Single Mom Success Education Design Lab - Community Colleges https://eddesignlab.org/project/singlemomssuccess/
Cash Aid to Poor Mothers Increases Brain Activity in Babies, Study Finds https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/24/us/politics/child-tax-credit-brain-function.html
The impact of a poverty reduction intervention on infant brain activity https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2115649119
Graduate Students and the Pandemic
Watch the Recording here
Suzanne Ortega, President at Council of Graduate Schools
Leslie Ekpe, Doctoral Candidate in Higher Education Leadership, Texas Christian University
Alethia Russell, Doctoral Student, Indiana University Bloomington, Gardner Insititute Intern
Student Success and Persistence during the Pandemic
Watch the Recording Here
Elaine Harvey, Title III Project Director, Director of Student Engagement and Persistence, Northern Vermont University, Johnson, Vermont
Alethea Stovall, Dean of Students at Bryan College of Health Sciences, Lincoln, Nebraska
Jammie Wilbanks, Associate Vice President for Student Success and Enrollment Services, Wiregrass Georgia Technical College, Valdosta, Georgia
Student Voices in the Pandemic
Watch the Recording Here
Jenna Goldsmith, Assistant Director of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at Illinois State University
Kharynton Allen, Journalism, and Media Studies, Jackson State University
Catlin Bradford, Political Science, Illinois State University
Recordings: Fall 2021
Board of Trustees and Student Success
Watch the Recording Here
Henry Stoever, Association of Governing Boards
John Gardner, Founder and Executive Chair Gardner Institute
Vicki McGillin, Associate Vice President, Gardner Institute
Teaching Race in the Classroom: Higher Education and Critical Race Theory
Watch the Recording Here
Lori Patton Davis, The Ohio State University
Melanye Price, Prairie View A & M University
Tiece Ruffin, University of North Carolina- Asheville
Socially Just Design
Watch Here
Dr. Drew Koch, Chief Executive Officer, Gardner Institute
Dr. Megan Underhill, University of North Carolina - Asheville
Aryelle Jacobsen, University of North Carolina – Asheville
Historically Black Colleges and Universities Fall 2021 Update
Watch Here
Alisa Mosley, Jackson State University
Lawrence Potter Jr., University of The District of Columbia
Donald Palm, Virginia State University
LGBTQA on Campus
Watch Here
Rico Self, Southwestern University
Chase Catalano, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Jeffrey Livingston, Stony Brook University
Through the Eyes of Students
Watch Here
Vincent Tinto, Syracuse University
Tribal Colleges and Universities Fall 2021 Update
Watch Here
Cheryl Crazy Bull, American Indian College Fund
Cynthia Lindquist, Cankdeska Cikana Community College
Sedelta Oosahwee, National Education Association
Jasmine Neosh, Menominee Nation
Back to the classroom: Face-to-Face and online teaching
Watch Here
Catherine Adams, Claflin University
Joshua Daniel, Oklahoma State University
Jill Alexander, University of Missouri-St. Louis
Student Narratives and Observations
Watch Here
Denise Lee, Western Michigan University
Bryson Rodier, Western Carolina University
Thyme Turner, Grambling State University
Kerry Wilson, May 2021 graduate University of North Carolina - Asheville
Spring 2021
How can institutions answer the call for equitable and inclusive transformative change? A Transformative Conversation with D-L Stewart
Watch Here
D-L Stewart, Ph.D.; Professor, Colorado State University
It’s a Wrap: Student Narratives and Observations
We regret to share that due to a technical glitch the recording of this forum is unavailable.
Denise Lee – Western Michigan University
Bryson Rodier – Western Carolina University
Thyme Turner – Grambling State University
Kerry Wilson – University of North Carolina - Asheville
The First-Generation Student Experience - What We Know from Research, Practice, and Popular Culture
Amy Baldwin, Director, Student Transitions, University of Central Arkansas
La'Tonya Rease Miles, Dean of Student Affairs, Menlo College
Stephanie Foote, Associate Vice President for Teaching, Learning, and Evidence-Based Practices, Gardner Institute
Pandemic (Pedagogic)Takeaway
Watch Here
Michelle Hite, Associate Professor of English, Honors Program Director, International Fellowships Director, UNCF Mellon Mays Campus Coordinator at Spelman College,
Carol Hernandez, Senior Instructional Designer and Faculty Developer, Stony Brook University and Doctoral Candidate, Northeastern University,
Laura Lynch, Assistant Vice President for Faculty Affairs and Associate Professor of Mathematics, College of Coastal Georgia
Student Persistence and Retention Today
Watch Here
Brian Barlow, Academic Intervention Specialist, Native American Support Center Northeastern State University, Tahlequah, Oklahoma
Desiree Polk-Bland, Vice President of Student Affairs at Columbus State Community College, Delaware, Ohio
Ginny Shepard, Academic Advocate, University of South Florida, Tampa Florida
Restoring and Rebuilding Faculty/Staff Resilience
Watch Here
Margaret Adams, Assistant Professor of Mathematics, South Georgia State College
Mays Imad, Professor Department of Life & Physical Science, Pima Community College - East Campus
Elizabeth Lehfeldt, Dean of the Mandel Honors College and Mandel Professor of History, Cleveland State University
Digital Inequity Revealed
Watch Here
D’andre Hardy, M.Ed., Director of Retention, Greensboro College, Greensboro, North Carolina
Melissa Irvin, Ph.D., Assistant Dean, Advising and Analytics, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
Sara Peters, Ph.D., Assistant Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences and Associate Professor of English, East Central University, Ada, Oklahoma
Race in Academia-Challenges and Possibilities
Watch Here
Rico Chapman, Assistant Dean, Clark Atlanta University
Carol Henderson, Vice Provost for Diversity and Inclusion, Emory University
Andrea Hunter, Chancellor’s Fellow for Campus Climate, University of North Carolina Greensboro
Melayne Price, Endowed Professor of Political Science, Prairie View A&M University
Jervette Ward Associate Professor of English, Mississippi State University
Gender Equity in the Academy - Yes, call me Dr.
Watch Here
Dr. Whitnee Boyd, Coordinator of Special Projects, Office of the Chancellor, Texas Christian University
Dr. Lyndi Hewit, Associate Professor of Sociology and Acting Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning, University of North Carolina- Asheville
Dr. Michelle A. Massé, Professor of English & Women's & Gender Studies, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge
Dr. Dana Williams, Interim Dean of the Howard University Graduate School, Howard University
Finding Certainty in Uncertain Times
Watch Here
Dr. Betsy Barefoot, Senior Scholar, Gardner Institute
Dr. John Gardner, Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Gardner Institute
Dr. Kimberly Koledoye, Professor and Program Coordinator of Academic Student Success for the Houston Community College System
(Fall 2020)
Student Update-
This recording is not available at this time.
Allison Clark – Western Michigan University
Denise Lee – Western Michigan University
Thyme Turner – Grambling State University
Graduate Studies and Recruitment
Watch the recording here
Christopher Bryan, M.Ed., Associate Director of Graduate Admissions, University of North Georgia
Mark Garrison, PhD Dean, School of Graduate Studies and Professor of Psychology, Morgan State University
Preselfannie E. Whitfield McDaniels, Ph.D., Professor of English, Dean, Division of Graduate Studies, Jackson State University,
Darrell Robinson, Incoming Graduate Student: The George Washington University, Digital Director / Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus
Mental and physical wellness in the time of Covid-19
Watch the recording here
Andrea K. Henderson, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, University of South Carolina. Co-chair: Faculty Welfare Committee and Mental Health
Michael Hayes UMOJA Health Wellness & Justice Collective
Ann DuPre Rogers, LCSW Executive Director, Resources for Resilience
Transformative Conversations: A Brave New World in Academic Advising
Presented with our NACADA: The Global Community for Academic Advising partner in Excellence in Academic Advising.
Watch the recording here
Dr. Chrissy Davis Jones; Dean of Student Support Services, Spokane Falls Community College, EAA Fellow, Member, NACADA Administrators' Institute Advisory Board
Dr. Cynthia Pascal; Interim Associate Vice-President for Student Support and Title IX Coordinator; Director of Student Services, Northern Virginia Community College, NOVA Online, EEA Fellow, Chair, NACADA Summer Institute
Dr Kimberly S. Smith; Associate Vice-President, Student Success Initiatives, Virginia Tech University, EAA Fellow, Chair, NACADA Career Advising Community
Mr. Gavin Farber ; Academic Advisor II , Fox School of Business and Management, Temple University , Chair, NACADA Advisor Training and Development Advising Community , Member, NACADA Professional Development Committee
Ms. Teri Farr; Associate Director for Academic Advising and Student Success, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Board Member, NACADA: The Global Community for Academic Advising (incoming), Past Chair, Administrative Division, NACADA: The Global Community for Academic Advising
Dr. Vicki McGillin; Resident Fellow, Gardner Institute, EAA Fellow, EAA Co-Project Manager, Excellence in Academic Advising
Dr. Susan M. Campbell; EAA Fellow, Co-Project Manager, Excellence in Academic Advising, NACADA: The Global Community for Academic Advising, NACADA Past President
International students during the time of Covid
The recording can be viewed here
Natalie Cruz, Doctoral candidate in higher education and Production Editor, Journal of International Students at Old Dominion University
Dr. Jessika K. Jones, International Student Counselor II and Production Editor, Journal of International Students, University of Houston
Sarah Jackson, International Student, University of Northern Colorado
Tribal Colleges and Universities- Transformation and Change in the COVID-19 Era
The recording can be viewed here
Cheryl Crazy Bull, President and CEO of the American Indian College Fund
Dr. Cynthia Lindquist, President of Cankdeska Cikana Community College
Grace Mukupa, Sr. Associate of Student Success Initiatives AIHEC
Sedelta Oosahwee, Senior Program/Policy Analyst/Specialist, National Education Association
Jasmine Neosh, student, College of Menominee Nation
HBCU’s – Adjusting to the New Normal
The recording can be viewed here
Dr. Alisa Mosley, Interim Provost, Jackson State University
Dr. Charlie Nelms, Senior Scholar at the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, Senior advisor at the United Negro College Fund and Gardner Institute Board Member
Dr. Donald E. Palm, Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs, Virginia State University
Dr. Lawrence Potter , Chief Academic Officer/Provost, University Of The District of Columbia
Institutional Commitments to Inclusivity and Equity
The recording can be viewed here
Dr. Shane Williamson, Vice President of Institutional Diversity at Lindenwood University
Dr. Robert Luckett, Director of the Margaret Walker Center - Associate Professor at Jackson State University
Fall 2020: Teaching in online and socially distanced classrooms
The recording can be viewed here
(Note: This session recording began about five minutes after the start.)
Dr.Stephanie Foote; Associate Vice President for Teaching, Learning, and Evidence-Based Practices; Gardner Institute
Jill Alexander, APR; Fellow (PRSA), Associate Teaching Professor and Public Relations Certificate Coordinator; University of Missouri- St. Louis
Carol Hernandez, MA; was previously scheduled to present but unable to attend.
Resources mentioned during this forum:
Active Learning while Physically Distancing
https://docs.google.com/document/d/15ZtTu2pmQRU_eC3gMccVhVwDR57PDs4uxlMB7Bs1os8/edit
Active Learning in Hybrid and Physical Distanced Classroom
https://cft.vanderbilt.edu/2020/06/active-learning-in-hybrid-and-socially-distanced-classrooms/
Resources for Online and Blended Courses- Wakelet
Adobe Education Exchange
Fall 2020: Supporting College Athletes
The recording can be viewed here
Derek Cowherd Senior Associate Athletic Director / Executive Director of SASSO, The Ohio State University
Myles Marshall – Track and Field https://ohiostatebuckeyes.com/roster/myles-marshall/ (RAS)
Emily Nothnagle – Pistol https://ohiostatebuckeyes.com/roster/emily-nothnagle/ (Peer Educators)
Alex Wright – W. Golf https://ohiostatebuckeyes.com/roster/alex-wright/
Student Musings: College during Covid-19
The Recording can be accessed here.
The guests for this session include the following:
Allison Clark, Senior at Western Michigan University , Major: Mathematics - Secondary Education, Hometown: Clarkston, Michigan
Denise Lee ,Junior at Western Michigan University ,Major: Interior Design, Hometown: Warren, Michigan
Thyme Turner Freshman at Grambling State University ,Major: Child Development and Early Literacy with a concentration in teacher certification, Hometown: Raymond, Mississippi
Covid-19 Lessons Learned: Transitioning to Fall 2020
The recording can be accessed here
The guests for this session:
Dr. Laura Lynch, Assistant Vice President for Faculty Affairs at College of Coastal Georgia
Dr. Natalie Tindall, Department chair and associate professor in the Department of Communication and Media at Lamar University
Kerry Wilson, Student, University of North Carolina-Asheville
The series is hosted by Dr. Monica Flippin Wynn,