DAHLONEGA - University of North Georgia President Bonita Jacobs has been invited to address leaders, teachers and policymakers in education from across the United States as a presenter at two upcoming national conferences.<br />
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During the College Board Forum, an annual gathering of K-12 and higher education professionals and policymakers, held Oct. 27-29 in Las Vegas, Nevada, Jacobs will address "The First Year and Beyond: Strategies for Improving First-Year Success, Retention, and Outcomes."<br />
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The panel session features college leaders who have transformed their institutions' approach to retention and completion, who will discuss their vision, strategies and programs, with a special focus on the first year. Panelists will share information and insights on how they have organized their campuses to support and propel students.<br />
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"Over the past 18 months, UNG has created a new model in higher education and I'm pleased for the opportunity to share with a national audience the hard work by our administration, faculty and staff that made that happen. Through the scope of our degree programs, leadership development opportunities, and multiple campuses, UNG offers a rare educational experience that builds on our tradition of excellence while preparing for future opportunities," Jacobs said.<br />
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Jacobs is the co-author of "Starting from Scratch: Strategies for the Successful College Experience," a first-year experience textbook published in 1993. She also currently serves on the College Board's Community College Advisory Panel.<br />
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Administrators from two New York schools join Jacobs on the panel: Scott Evenbeck, president of Stella and Charles Guttman Community College, and Rodney Morrison, associate provost for enrollment and retention management of Stony Brook University.<br />
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The panel will be moderated by James Montoya, vice president of higher education and international for The College Board, a not-for-profit organization that helps students prepare for college through programs and services such as the SAT and Advanced Placement.<br />
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In November, Jacobs will speak at the invitation-only TIAA-CREF Institute Higher Education Leadership Conference, the Institute's signature event. The conference will be held in New York City and provides opportunities for key decision makers to explore drivers of change and strategic innovation at U.S. colleges and universities. Through research presentations, networking sessions and informal dialogue, attendees gain insights into the critical trends reshaping higher education and uncover new ideas central to their institution's success.<br />
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The theme of this year's conference is Building Bridges to the Future, with a focus on the latest academic and business model innovations on campuses across the nation. Featured speakers include past TIAA-CREF Hesburgh Award winners; association leaders with a keen awareness of higher education trends and issues; campus decision makers implementing innovative strategies; scholars conducting cutting-edge research; and corporate executives, including TIAA-CREF President and CEO Roger W. Ferguson, Jr.<br />
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The TIAA-CREF Institute produces original research and insights on issues pertaining to financial security and organizational effectiveness for the educational, nonprofit and public sectors.
