Preliminary Program
Sessions are open to all registered Annual Meeting attendees unless noted.
Sunday, February 1, 2026
Annapolis Group Advocacy Panel
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Annapolis Group Lunch Meeting
12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Registration
12:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Sponsored by
Government Relations Academy (Preconference Session)
2:00 - 5:30 p.m.
Government Relations Welcome & Overview
2:00 - 2:50 p.m.
Hear from NAICU government relations experts about the latest updates on the policy and regulatory fronts in Washington, including funding, negotiated rulemaking, graduate lending, and other emerging issues from Congress and the Administration. This session will give campus leaders an overview of the major higher education issues on the agenda of Congress and the Administration.
SPEAKERS:
Tim Powers, Vice President for Government Relations & Policy Development, NAICU
Jody Feder, J.D., Director of Accountability and Regulatory Affairs, NAICU
Stephanie T. Giesecke, Assistant Vice President for Government Relations, NAICU
Karin L. Johns, Director of Tax Policy, NAICU
Justin Monk, Director of Student and Institutional Aid Policy, NAICU
Suzanne Stokes Vieth, Director of State Relations and Outreach, NAICU
Hot Topic Concurrent Sessions
3:00 - 4:15 p.m.
Hot Topics offer attendees targeted briefings on the most pressing issues facing private, nonprofit higher education. Dive into greater detail on policies that could impact your campus by choosing two mini-sessions. Conversations will include policy or campus experts and members of the NAICU Government Relations Team.
(Choose one session in each time block)
3:00 - 3:30 p.m.
Hot Topic 1: AHEAD Committee: Negotiated Rulemaking Wrap-Up
Speaker:
Justin Monk, Director of Student and Institutional Aid Policy, NAICU
Hot Topic 2: The Latest on Federal Funding
Speakers:
Stephanie Giesecke, Assistant Vice President for Government Relations, NAICU
Sarah Abernathy, Executive Director, Committee for Education Funding (CEF)
Hot Topic 3: IPEDS/ACTS: What You Need to Know
Speakers:
Jason Ramirez, Director of Research, NAICU
Scott Barge, Associate Vice President, Institutional Data Analytics, Georgetown University (DC)
3:45 - 4:15 p.m.
Hot Topic 4: Graduate Lending: Legislative and Policy Landscape
Speakers:
Tim Powers, Vice President for Government Relations & Policy Development, NAICU
Hot Topic 5: Breaking News from the Trump Administration: Accreditation Update.
Speakers:
Jody Feder, Director of Accountability & Regulatory Affairs, NAICU
Philip Dearborn, President, Association for Biblical Higher Education
Hot Topic 6: AHEAD Committee: Negotiated Rulemaking Wrap-Up (repeat)
Speaker:
Justin Monk, Director of Student and Institutional Aid Policy, NAICU
Annapolis Group Board of Directors Meeting
4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Closed Session for Annapolis Group Board Members
The Government Relations & Lobbying View from Campus
4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
This session will provide professional development for government relations staff. Attendees will hear from a panel of institutional government relations representatives about how they navigate a variety of issues on campus and in their lobbying efforts, including state politics, the federal presence on campus, changing roles in a changing environment, and more.
Moderator:
Stephanie Giesecke, Assistant Vice President for Government Relations, NAICU
Speakers:
Renee McPhatter, Associate Vice President for Government and Community Relations,
The George Washington University, DC
Amy Gromer McDonough, Chief of Staff, University of St. Thomas, MN
Nathan Cook, Senior Director Government Relations, Rice University, TX
Government Relations Networking Reception
5:30 - 6:00 p.m.
Dedicated time for government relations professionals to network and socialize.
Sponsored Welcome Reception
6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
After a day of travel or the first afternoon of meetings, unwind and network with friends and colleagues while enjoying an array of delicious food and drink.
Monday, February 2, 2026
Registration
7:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Sponsored by
NAICUSE Breakfast
7:30 - 9:00 a.m.
Closed Sessions for State Executives and Staff Members
NAICUSE Executive Committee Meeting
8:00 - 8:45 a.m.
Closed Session for Committee Members Only
Morning Coffee Service
8:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Sponsored by:
NAICUSE Meeting
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Closed Session for State Executives and Staff Members
Plenary Session I
Institutional Perspectives on Managing Political Risks in 2026 and Beyond
9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Hear from campus leaders about their perspectives on managing political risks in 2026 and beyond and how they design government relations strategies in a complex political environment.
Moderator:
Tania Tetlow, President, Fordham University (NY)
Speakers:
John Kroger, President & CEO, Rodel Institute (OR)
Joseph Chillo, President, Thomas More University (KY)
Daniel Pullin, Chancellor, Texas Christian University (TX)
Sponsored Plenary Session II
Reclaiming Value in Education: Validating Readiness in the Age of AI
10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
In an era of artificial intelligence, grade inflation, and shifting measures of student achievement, higher education is confronting a growing authenticity crisis. Admissions officers, faculty, and employers alike are grappling with new questions: What represents a student’s own work? What demonstrates true readiness for college and career? What new approaches are emerging to authentically measure readiness, mastery, and durable skills? And how can institutions preserve trust in the value of their credentials?
This panel will explore how educators and employers can redefine authenticity and validation of learning in the era of AI. From college applications and course placement to classroom integrity and hiring practices, panelists will discuss emerging challenges and innovations that can ensure fairness and help restore confidence in student outcomes and institutional credibility.
Moderator:
Jeremy Singer, President, CollegeBoard
Speaker:
Kedra Ishop, Senior Vice President, Higher Education, Membership, and Access of CollegeBoard
Alexa Alice Joubin, Director, Digital Humanities Institute, The George Washington University (DC)
Maura Watson Executive Vice President, Risk/Infosec/Talent PenFed Credit Union
Sponsored By:
Plenary III
Federal Student Lending: Making Sense of the New Landscape
11:00 - 11:45 a.m.
Congress has passed into law substantial changes to the federal student lending programs beginning on July 1, 2026. This session will feature perspectives from the nonprofit and private student lending community.
Moderator
Amy Novak, President, St. Ambrose University (IA)
Speakers:
Alex Ricci, President, National Council of Higher Education Resources (NCHER)
Scott Buchanan, Executive Director, Student Loan Servicing Alliance (SLSA)
Gail daMota, President, Education Finance Council (EFC)
Luncheon & Lecture: 24/7 AI Agents Transforming University Operations
12:00 - 1:30 p.m.
Join CollegeVine for a highly interactive, immersive session exploring how AI agents can power university operations across departments - streamlining workflows, increasing efficiency, and elevating the entire student journey. Because the best conversations happen over a meal, share lunch with Emily Smith, VP of Partner Success at CollegeVine, as she leads a candid conversation on where AI delivers the greatest leverage for campus leaders. The session will spotlight real university use cases, key transformation points, and the practical strategies and considerations shaping real-world AI deployments across campus operations.
Speaker:
Emily Smith, Vice President of Partner Success, College Vine
Sponsored By:
NAICUSE Luncheon
12:00 - 1:30 p.m.
Closed Session for State Executives and Staff Members
Sfoglina Downtown
1099 New York Ave NW
Washington, DC 20001
NAICU Board of Directors Meeting
12:00 - 1:30 p.m.
Closed Session for Board Members (lunch will be served)
Afternoon Coffee Break
1:30 - 1:45 p.m.
Sponsored by:
Opening Plenary IV
Welcome & Opening Remarks
1:45 - 2:00 p.m.
Plenary V
Civil Rights Enforcement in the Trump Administration
2:00 - 2:45 p.m.
During the first year of the Trump Administration, institutions of higher education have confronted a civil rights landscape that has shifted in dramatic ways. From new priorities like DEI and antisemitism to more agressive efforts to terminate federal funding for alleged violations, the Department of Education is charting a new path. Please join us as Farnaz Thompson, partner at McGuire Woods law firm, shares the latest developments in civil rights enforcement.
Speaker:
Farnaz Farkish Thompson, Partner, McGuire Woods
Plenary VI
Outlook from Capitol Hill Staff
2:45 - 3:30 p.m.
Join us for a discussion with a bipartisan panel of key Capitol Hill staff from both the House of Representatives and Senate. Get the inside scoop on their policy priorities, the bills they are writing, and their current perspectives on higher education.
Moderator:
Megan Arleth, Associate Vice President, Federal Relations, Stanford University (CA)
Speakers:
Cyrus Artz, Senior Policy Advisor, Office of the Speaker of the House
Amanda Beaumont, Professional Staff Member, Committee on Appropriations, U.S. Senate
Solomon Chen, Professional Staff Member, Committee on Education & Workforce, U.S. House of Representatives
Julianna “Jules” Collado, Education Legislative Aide, Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, U.S. Senate
Plenary Session VII
Capitol Conversations: Rep. Pete Aguilar
3:30 - 4:00 p.m.
Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-CA), chair of the House Democratic Caucus, will share his views on the higher education policy landscape, his policy priorities, and discuss his personal connection to independent higher education.
Moderator: Krista Newkirk, President, University of Redlands (CA)
Speaker:
Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33), Chair, House Democratic Caucus
Afternoon Break
4:00 - 4:15 p.m.
Plenary Session VIII
Program-Level Accountability Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act
4:15 – 5:15 p.m.
This session examines the new federal program-level accountability framework established by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Speakers will outline the earnings-based metrics for undergraduate and graduate programs, implementation timelines, and how the Department of Education is preparing to apply these standards following the AHEAD negotiated rulemaking.
Moderator:
Justin Monk, Director of Student and Institutional Aid Policy, NAICU
Speaker:
Aaron Lacey, Partner, Thompson Coburn
Plenary Session IX
The University’s Voice: Advocacy and Mission Alignment
5:15 - 6:00 p.m.
Speaker:
Steven G. Poskanzer, President Emeritus, Carleton College (MN)
Gala Reception & Presentation of the Advocacy Award
6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
After a full day of meetings, join your friends and colleagues while enjoying a delicious array of food and drink.
Sponsored by:
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Registration
7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Sponsored by
Continental Breakfast
7:30 - 9:00 a.m.
Short Course I
Seeing the Whole Student: How Maryville Uses Visual Intelligence to Strengthen Safety, Wellness & Retention
8:00 - 8:45 a.m.
Small and midsize institutions often have extensive cameras networks, yet meaningful insight rarely arrives early enough to prevent harm or support students before a situation escalates. In this session, Maryville University’s Vice President for Student Life, Raphaella Prange, shares how a midsize urban campus uses visual intelligence to focus on the everyday incidents that matter most--alcohol and drug use, mental health, athletic injuries, and perimeter safety.
SPEAKERS:
Raphaella Prange, Vice President of Student Life, Maryville University (MO)
John Booth, CMO, Volt AI
Sponsored by:
Short Course II
Facilities That Support Your Unique Independent College Or University Mission & Embrace Your Brand
8:00 - 8:45 a.m.
What images come to mind when prospective students and their parents hear the name of your school? What do they imagine your Campus looks like? What type of educational approach do they imagine you provide? What was the original Mission and Vision of your Founders and is it still relevant today? How well does your “Institutional Mission” translate to prospective students? These are what sets you apart and are part of your “Brand”. This session explores how embracing your Mission and Brand as a key focus of your physical Campus Improvements; its grounds, facilities and buildings, helps to tell your story and to drive the attraction and retention of your students.
SPEAKERS:
Martin Kimmel, AIA, NCARB, President, Kimmel Architecture
Sponsored by:
Short Course III
Driving Outcomes Through Meaningful Engagement and Experiential Education: The New Currency of Higher Ed
8:00 - 8:45 a.m.
In 2026, a diploma alone is no longer sufficient currency in the labor market. Graduates are now evaluated on their demonstrated skills, professional experiences, and the networks they can leverage. As a result, institutions face an urgent mandate: close the “experience gap” before students graduate by creating sustained, meaningful connections that lead directly to opportunity.
SPEAKERS:
Aaron Mahl, Ph.D., Senior Vice President, PeopleGrove
Sarah Myksin, Associate Vice President, PeopleGrove
Sponsored by:
Short Course IV
Navigating the Federal Policy Landscape: Insights for Private Higher Education
8:00 - 8:45 a.m.
This panel will feature an engaging conversation with two leading experts in Washington, D.C.’s policies and legislative affairs. The discussion will examine the current political landscape, and its impact on the retirement industry, as well as provide a preview of the upcoming midterm elections and their potential implications for the higher education community.
MODERATOR:
Chris Spence, Managing Director, TIAA
SPEAKERS:
Chris Gaston, Principal, Director of Government Relations, Davis & Harman LLP
Chris Maneval, Vice President at Porterfield, Fettig & Sears LLC
Sponsored by:
Plenary Session X
50th Anniversary Video / Advocacy Training & Overview
9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Prepare for your Advocacy Day visits to Capitol Hill with this briefing on the most pressing issues facing independent higher education and how to effectively convey your messages to your Members of Congress.
Speakers:
Tim Powers, Vice President for Government Relations & Policy Development, NAICU
Suzanne Stokes Vieth, Director of State Relations and Outreach, NAICU
Jeff Doggett, President, Wagner College (NY)
Advocacy Day Visits to Capitol Hill
9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Attendees are invited to spend the day meeting with members of their congressional delegation. Check with your state executive regarding scheduling for group visits.
Advocacy Day Debrief Center
11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Do you have key takeaways from your Capitol Hill conversations to pass onto NAICU staff? Can NAICU help with any follow-up you need to do with your Members of Congress? Or, do you just want to put up your feet between meetings? NAICU’s Government Relations Team is ready to listen and help. Refreshments will be available.
Top of the Hill Banquet & Conference Center
Fourth Floor Symposium Room
Reserve Officers Association of the United States Building
First Street and Constitution Avenue, NE
Washington, DC
Tenth Annual Reception for the Congressional Independent Colleges Caucus (CICC)
5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
You are cordially invited to attend a reception for the Congressional Independent Colleges Caucus (CICC). CICC is focused on celebrating the contributions independent colleges and universities make to the educational, intellectual, economic, social, and cultural life of our nation. Refreshments will be available.
Russell Senate Office Building
Kennedy Caucus Room
325 Russell Senate Office Building;
2 Constitution Avenue, NE
Washington, DC
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Registration
7:30 - 11:00 a.m.
Sponsored by
Sponsored Breakfast Buffet
7:30 - 9:00 a.m.
Sponsored By:
Plenary XII
A Conversation with Leadership from the Department of Education
8:00 - 8:30 a.m.
MODERATOR:
Barbara K. Mistick, D.B.A., President, NAICU
SPEAKER:
The Honorable Nicholas Kent, Under Secretary of Education, US Department of Education
Plenary XII
Paths to Leadership: Why We Serve
8:30 - 9:15 a.m.
What is your "northstar" during challenging times? Where do you find the passion and purpose in the often lonely role of the presidency?
MODERATOR:
Tamara Gieselman, Director, General Board of Higher Education and Ministry
SPEAKER:
Christon Arthur, President, La Sierra University (CA)
Plenary XIII
The Changing Landscape of College Athletics
9:15 - 10:00 a.m.
In the narrow span of half a dozen years, college athletics have undergone a rapid transformation. A proliferation of state laws on NIL, shifting federal policies on whether athletes are employees, judicial rulings and settlements, and more have caused confusion and uncertainty on college campuses. Join us for a panel discussion to examine these changes, hear about the prospect for federal legislation, and get advice on navigating this changing landscape.
MODERATOR:
Brent Wilder, President, Oregon Alliance of Independent Colleges & Universities
SPEAKERS:
Dawn Buth, Managing Director, NCAA Office of Government Relations (DC)
Chris Pietruszkiewicz, President, University of Evansville (IN)
Larry Stimpert, President, Hampden-Sydney College (VA)
Plenary Session XIV
Off the Record
10:15 - 11:15 a.m.
In this session, you will hear from leading reporters who cover federal higher education policy about the key issues, themes, and trends they see emerging from Congress and the White House for the coming year. Panelists will also discuss what drives their coverage focus and the stories and issues they are working on or plan to cover.
Moderator
Ellen Granberg, President, The George Washington University (DC)
Speakers:
Jessica Blake, Federal Policy Reporter, Inside Higher Ed
Rebecca Carballo, Higher Education Reporter, POLITICO
NAICU Annual Business Meeting
11:15 - 11:45 a.m.
SPEAKERS:
Robert L. Manuel, Ph.D., President, DePaul University (IL), and 2025-26 Chair of the NAICU Board of Directors
Tania Tetlow, J.D., President, Fordham University (NY), and 2025-26 Vice Chair of the NAICU Board of Directors
Barbara K. Mistick, D.B.A., President, NAICU
Adjournment
11:45 a.m.