2025 Undergraduate Deans Conference

The Annual Undergraduate Deans Conference, March 12-14, 2025

This conference is a premier colloquium for designing, developing, and even reinventing undergraduate programs. We encourage thought-provoking conversations, debates on several issues confronting business school leaders and deans, and discussions of emerging ideas to promote program success at every level, from the classroom through the dean’s suite.

Previous UG Deans Conferences

Download Proceedings

2025 UT Dallas

Proceedings (PDF)

Message from Undergraduate Dean

Dear Colleagues,

Welcome to the 2025 Undergraduate Deans Conference, hosted by the Naveen Jindal School of Management (JSOM) at The University of Texas at Dallas. We are thrilled to have you join us for our fifth year of hosting this inspiring conference!

This year, we will dive into forward-thinking strategies and critical issues shaping the future of higher education. Our discussions will cover a range of critical topics such as the impact of artificial intelligence, enrollment strategies, faculty and staff engagement, and most importantly, student success.

We are committed to fostering excellence in teaching and learning, and we believe this conference will be a platform for sharing transformative ideas and innovative approaches. It is an opportunity for business school leaders and thought leaders to exchange experiences, successes, and challenges in enhancing the educational experience for students. Additionally, it provides a chance to engage in stimulating discussions and connect with fellow innovators and leaders.

Thank you for joining us at the 2025 Undergraduate Deans Conference! Your participation and contributions make this gathering truly impactful.

Wishing you a productive and inspiring conference.

Dawn Owens, PhD
Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs

Conference Agenda

Registration fee $250 through March 6, 2025. The tentative schedule is noted below and will be updated periodically.

Schedule for Wednesday Reception, March 12, 2025 (Central Time)
Time	Program
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM	Welcome Reception Drury Plaza Hotel Richardson

Schedule for Thursday, March 13, 2025 (Central Time)
Time	Program
8:15 AM – 9:00 AM	Registration & Breakfast Networking
9:00 AM – 9:15 AM	Conference Welcome Dawn Owens, Associate Dean, Undergraduate Programs University of Texas at Dallas
9:15 AM – 10:00 AM	Keynote Address The Future of Higher Education: Challenges and Opportunities. Dr. Sukumaran Nair, Vice Provost for Research and Chief Innovation Officer and Distinguished Professor Southern Methodist University
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM	Session #1 – Bridging Education and Industry: The Power of Professional Certifications Eric Stephens, Strategic Analytics Professional
10:45 AM – 11:00 AM	Coffee Break
11:00 AM – 11:45 AM	Session #2 – Enrollment Trends and Strategies: Attracting the Modern Student Alicia Miranda, Director Academic Impressions
11:45 AM – 1:00 PM	Lunch & Networking
1:00 PM – 1:45 PM	Session #3 – The Value of a Degree: Proving ROI in the Modern Era Jessica Taverna, Associate Dean, Undergraduate Programs University of Utah
1:45 PM – 2:30 PM	Session #4 – Group Discussion: AI and Analytics: Transforming Undergraduate Education Dawn Owens, Associate Dean University of Texas at Dallas
2:30 PM – 2:45 PM	Coffee Break
2:45 PM – 3:15 PM	Session #5 – University Rankings: What They Mean for External Stakeholders Marcela Rodrigues, The Dallas Morning News
3:15 PM – 4:00 PM	Session #6 – Managing Up: Communicating with Senior Leadership for Impact Eileen Dowse, Corporate Executive Coach Rafael Martin V.P. Chief of Staff John Barden, Associate Dean, University of Texas at Dallas
4:00 PM – 4:15 PM	Wrap Up Day #1
6:00 PM	Conference Dinner Edith & Peter O’Donnell Jr. Athenaeum at The University of Texas at Dallas

Schedule for Friday, March 14, 2025 (Central Time)
Time	Program
8:15 AM – 9:00 AM	Check In and Coffee
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM	Session #7 – Reimagining Undergraduate Education: Leading the Way Forward Michelle Şeref, Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs Virginia Tech
9:30 AM – 10:15 AM	Session #8 – Panel Discussion: Driving Student Success: Effective Initiatives for Engaging a Diverse, Digital Generation Jason Caldwell, Asst. Dean of Student Success and Programming, North Carolina A&T State University Alanah Mitchell, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, Drake University Pamela Milner, Assistant Dean Undergraduate Programs, University of North Texas Scott Toney (Moderator), Associate Dean for Undergraduate Program, University of Denver
10:15 AM – 10:45 AM	Session #9 – Engaging Alumni – The Role They Play in the Future of Higher Ed Anne Pagel, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs University of Arizona
10:45 AM – 11:00 AM	Coffee Break
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM	Session #10 – Leading with Purpose: Empowering Change in Higher Education Serenity King, Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs UT System
12:00 PM	Conference Wrap Up & Lunch To Go

Travel and Hotel

Hotel Information

Drury Plaza Hotel Richardson, 165 Cityline Drive, Richardson, TX 75081
Group Name: UTD Deans Conference
Group #10125189
Group Rate: $130/night guaranteed if booked by February 26th

Complimentary hot breakfast, evening drinks and snacks, wi-fi, and on-site facilities.