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.


Panelists:

  • Jonathan A. McElderry, Ph.D.

  • Eboni M. Zamani-Gallaher, Ph.D.

  • Johnnie Allen, Jr.

  • Sonja Ardoin, Ph.D.

  • Cameron C. Beatty, Ph.D.

  • Gloria Crisp, Ed.D.

  • Denise Henning, Ph.D.

  • Aja C. Holmes, Ph.D.

  • Judy Marquez Kiyama, Ph.D.

  • Z Nicolazzo, Ph.D.

  • Andre M. Perry

  • Christa J. Porter, Ph.D.

  • Stephanie Hernandez Rivera, Ph.D.

  • Stephen Santa-Ramirez, PhD

  • Heather D. Shea, Ph.D.

 
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 15 August 2025 - $250
  • Regular Registration beginning 16 August 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 15 August 2025/$75 beginning 16 August 2025

  • ACPA or ASHE Student Member - $25 

  • Non-member Faculty or Professional - $100 through 15 August 2025/$125 beginning 16 August 2025

  • Non-member Student - $40

REGISTRATION POLICIES

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.

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