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.


Origins of the ACPA-ASHE 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.

 
Registration Rates

The 2025 ACPA/ASHE Presidential Symposium will be offered as a virtual experience facilitated by ACPA President, Dr. Jonathan McElderry, and ASHE President, Dr. Eboni Zamani-Gallaher. Both individual registration and group registration rates are available:

GRADUATE PROGRAMS, STUDENT AFFAIRS DIVISIONS, OTHER CAMPUS DIVISIONS, & ORGANIZATIONS - Early Registration through 31 July 2025 - $250/Regular Registration after 31 July 2025 - $300

Graduate degree programs and student affairs divisions are encouraged to gather students and/or colleagues to participate in the live stream. A special group rate is available for up to 20 attendees. If you wish to have more people attend as part of your program or division, select the “Group Registration Additional Attendee” at an additional fee of $10 per registrant. We will contact the registered group representative by email in mid-September with more information for finalizing their group registration.

INDIVIDUAL RATES

ACPA or ASHE Faculty or Professional Member - $50 through July 2025/$75 after 31 July 2025

ACPA or ASHE Student Member - $25 

Non-member Faculty or Professional - $100 through 31 July 2025/$125 after 31 July 2025

Non-member Student - $40

2025 ACPA-ASHE Presidential Symposium

Register Now

  • Friday Sep 26 2025, 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
  • Virtual
    12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. ET/9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. PT