Reflections On the 26th Annual Seminar

Amy Miller
Vice President
The Registry

For our 26th Annual Seminar, the entire Registry family was pleased to host nearly 200 members and guests at the beautiful Casa Monica Resort in St. Augustine, Florida. Our theme for this Seminar focused on the importance of contextual leadership, and how Registry members are uniquely positioned to respond as generalists or as specialists depending on the unique demands of the assignment and the needs of the client institution. The panels and discussions worked to address several developing and ongoing challenges facing higher education:

• Rising skepticism about the value of higher education
• Changes in new/transfer student populations and the expectations they bring
• Emerging conflicts related to political and cultural changes
• Crises management and the impact on student health and safety

Facilitating the conversations about these challenging subjects were an array of panels such as The Match and Beyond, which focused on the importance of the fit between member and client; Attracting, Managing, and Maintaining Diversity and Cohesiveness in Uncertain Times, which highlighted Frostburg State University and how diversity plays impacts recruiting and retaining faculty, students, and staff; and Working Across the Aisle, which explored the ways that institutions can increase collaboration and cut costs by tearing down interdepartmental silos. Details on these panels and others will be featured in the upcoming 2018 Seminar Report, which will be delivered to you in a few weeks electronically. Keep an eye out in your inbox!

We were fortunate to host three special guests at this year’s Seminar. The Keynote Speaker was Richard E. Lapchick, the Endowed Chair of the DeVos Sports Business Management Program at the University of Central Florida. Richard’s talk centered on the importance of diversity and inclusivity in higher education and the role that sports plays in the campaign for equality, both in and outside of higher education. His salient message to the audience was “Who do you listen to?”, and how do we as leaders ensure that minority voices are being heard?  It was an invigorating speech and was well received by the attendees and guests alike.

The Registry was also pleased to host Stephen Trachtenberg and Gerald Kauvar, contributing authors of the new book Leading Colleges and Universities: Lessons from Higher Education Leaders. Stephen and Gerry spent multiple days speaking with Registry members and made time to sign copies of their book for Seminar attendees. If you were unable to attend the Seminar and would like a complimentary copy of the book, then please contact me right away. We have a number remaining that we would be happy to send—first come –first serve!

Another highlight of the Seminar was the presence of our Founder and Chairman Tom Langevin. At 96 years young, Tom had a wonderful time seeing old friends and meeting new members. He was proud to host his own book signing for his new memoir Let’s Get Started, which focuses on stories of his life and career.  We would also like to encourage you to request a copy of his book and we will mail one to you. 

Outside of the hotel conference halls, we had the opportunity to tour several of St. Augustine’s most prominent attractions. There was a trolley sightseeing tour which took members around St. Augustine, and attendees also had the opportunity to take a private tour of Flagler College guided by President Emeritus Bill Abare.

I want to extend a special thank you to those who were able to attend the 26th Annual Seminar in St. Augustine.  We can plan a great meeting but need you, the Members, to attend and contribute as well to make it a fulfilling event! 

Looking ahead to 2019, we are excited to travel to Scottsdale, Arizona for the 27th Annual Seminar. I have been to Scottsdale already to look at different venues and am excited about this venue choice!  Further details will be forthcoming, and you can expect to receive a post card and several e-mails once dates and seminar themes are finalized.  

Stay warm this winter and I look forward to sharing more about Scottsdale soon!

Cheers-

Amy