Get Ready to Experience the Art and Science of Higher Ed Leadership at experience | LIAISON
In higher education, strategy often starts at the top—but rarely do we hear directly from the leaders shaping that vision. At experience: LIAISON 2025, we’re changing that.
Table of Contents:
Key Takeaways
Hear directly from five visionary college and university presidents representing public, private, and community institutions.
Gain firsthand insights into today’s top higher ed challenges—from enrollment and retention to innovation and financial sustainability.
Walk away with leadership perspectives that connect the dots between presidential strategy and your day-to-day work in admissions, marketing, and student success.
Experience the conversation live at the Independence Ballroom during the closing keynote of experience: LIAISON 2025.
In higher education, strategy often starts at the top—but rarely do we get the opportunity to hear directly from the leaders shaping that vision in real time. At experience: LIAISON 2025, the country’s premier higher education conference, we’re changing that.
This year’s closing keynote panel, Inside the President’s Office: Navigating Challenges & Leading with Vision, invites you to pull back the curtain and join a candid conversation with five presidents from across the higher ed spectrum. Taking place on Wednesday, June 18, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., this live panel will dive deep into the biggest questions facing higher education today, and what those answers mean for the work you do every day.
Expect bold insights, honest perspectives, and practical takeaways from incredible leaders in higher education.
Meet the Presidents
Carlos Hernandez, Ed.D. – Sul Ross State University
With more than 37 years of experience across five institutions in Texas, Dr. Hernandez brings unmatched perspective on institutional growth and strategic planning. From increasing enrollment and streamlining operations to serving as a peer reviewer for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools SACS, he knows what it takes to keep universities nimble, compliant, and student-centered. His background as a CPA and university leader gives him a rare dual lens on financial stewardship and educational excellence.
Carolyn Lepre, Ph.D. – Salisbury University
A former journalist, media scholar, and provost-turned-president, Dr. Lepre combines deep academic experience with industry insight. She has launched academic success centers, revamped curricula, and developed new degree programs—all with a focus on diversity, communication, and student achievement. Recognized as one of Maryland’s Most Admired CEOs, Dr. Lepre’s leadership is both visionary and grounded in real-world results.
Stacy Young, Ph.D. – Manchester University
As a proud alumna and now the 16th president of Manchester University, Dr. Young brings both personal passion and professional insight to her role. Her background spans business, teaching, and presidential leadership in both two-year and four-year institutions. Known for her community-building approach, she once led a college-wide effort to perform over 10,000 hours of community service. “Lean in” is more than her advice to others, it’s how she leads every day.
Alison Morrison-Shetlar, Ph.D. – University of Lynchburg
A scientist-turned-president with a global perspective, Dr. Morrison-Shetlar has led transformative change at the University of Lynchburg. Under her leadership, the institution developed a mission-driven strategic plan, closed a structural deficit, improved student-faculty ratios, and amplified its role as a community anchor. A certified Gallup Strengths Coach, she’s also a frequent keynote speaker on leadership and innovation in higher ed.
President Olivier Charles – Bishop State Community College
Since taking the helm in 2022, President Charles has been laser-focused on workforce readiness and institutional growth. With experience across multiple colleges and systems in Alabama, he understands how to align community college missions with student opportunity and local impact. Outside of his presidential duties, he serves on the board for the Mobile Ballet—an apt reminder that both art and science play vital roles in shaping the stories of successful leadership.
Why This Panel Matters
Admissions, enrollment, and student success teams are often tasked with meeting presidential goals, but how often do you hear directly from the source? This panel is your chance to understand how institutional priorities are set, how presidents think about enrollment in today’s landscape, and what they expect from the teams powering student engagement and retention.
Whether you're refining your own strategy, building cross-campus partnerships, or simply looking for fresh perspectives, this session in particular—and experience | LIAISON in general—will leave you feeling aligned, informed, and inspired.
See You at the Keynote
This panel discussion is the perfect closing note to a high-impact conference—and one more reason you can’t miss us in San Antonio. If you haven’t already, register now to hear what’s shaping the future of higher ed from the leaders making it happen.
🎤 Inside the President’s Office: Navigating Challenges & Leading with Vision
📅 Wednesday, June 18, 2025
🕘 9:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
📍 Independence Ballroom 4 & 5, Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa
Ready to experience: LIAISON? Explore the full agenda to start planning!