2026 Undergraduate Deans Conference

The Annual Undergraduate Deans Conference, March 5-6, 2026

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 Sponsorship Opportunities

Download Proceedings

2025 UT Dallas

Proceedings (PDF)

Message from Undergraduate Dean

Dear Colleagues,

Welcome to the 2026 Undergraduate Deans Conference, hosted by the Naveen Jindal School of Management (JSOM) at The University of Texas at Dallas! We are honored to host this dynamic and engaging gathering for the sixth year in a row.
This year’s conference will provide space for thoughtful dialogue around the evolving landscape of undergraduate business education. We’ll explore emerging trends, share innovative approaches, and reflect on both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for our programs and institutions.

At JSOM, we are deeply committed to excellence in teaching, learning, and leadership. We believe this conference serves as a powerful platform for sharing bold ideas, collaborative solutions, and emerging best practices. It’s also a unique opportunity to connect with fellow deans and thought leaders who are driving progress and reimagining undergraduate education.
Thank you for being part of the 2026 Undergraduate Deans Conference. Your presence and insights make this event both impactful and inspiring.

Wishing you a meaningful and energizing conference experience.

Warm Regards,

Dawn Owens, PhD
Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs

Conference Agenda

Registration fee $250 through February 26, 2026. The tentative schedule is noted below and will be updated periodically.

Schedule for Wednesday Reception, March 4, 2026 (Central Time)
Time	Program
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM	Welcome Reception Drury Plaza Hotel, Richardson

Schedule for Thursday, March 5, 2026 (Central Time)
Time	Program
8:15 AM – 9:00 AM	Registration and Coffee/Light Breakfast
9:00 AM – 9:15 AM	Conference Welcome Dawn Owens, PhD (Conference Chair)
9:15 AM – 9:45 AM	Keynote Address
9:45 AM —10:15 AM	Session #1: From Data to Direction: Undergraduate Data Tracking That Informs Action
10:15 AM – 11:00 AM	Session #2: AI Panel Discussion
11:00 AM – 11:15 AM	Break
11:15 AM – 11:45 AM	Special Guest Speaker
11:45 AM – 12:30 PM	Session #3: Student Perspectives: What They Wish Deans Knew
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM	Lunch & Networking
1:30 PM – 2:15 PM	Session #4: Student Success: FYE and Sophomore Success
2:15 PM – 3:00 PM	Session #5: What Went Wrong? Lessons from Failure That Made Us Better
3:00 PM – 3:45 PM	Session #6: Tools That Rock: Tech Platforms Worth Your Time and Budget
3:45 PM – 4:00 PM	Wrap-Up & Reflection
6:00 PM	Conference Dinner Location TBD

Schedule for Friday, March 6, 2026 (Central Time)
Time	Program
8:15 AM – 9:00 AM	Check In and Coffee
9:00 AM– 9:45 AM	Session #7: The New Dean’s Toolbox: Onboarding, Administration, and Survival Tips
9:45 AM – 10:30 AM	Session #8: Team Dynamics: How to Build and Keep a Cohesive Leadership Team
10:30 AM – 11:15 AM	Session #9: Curriculum Innovation: What’s New, What’s Working, What’s Next
11:15 AM – 12:00 PM	Session #10: Work/Life Balance Isn’t a Myth: Strategies for Sustainable Leadership
12:00 PM	Conference Wrap Up & Lunch To Go

Travel and Hotel

Hotel Information

Drury Plaza Hotel Richardson

1165 Cityline Drive
Richardson, Texas 75082

Group Name: UTD Deans Conference
Group Number: 10151545
Group Rate: $120/night guaranteed if booked by January 31st!

Book Online or call 1-800-325-0720

Become a Sponsor

Support the 6th Annual Undergraduate Deans Conference and connect with academic leaders from 40+ universities nationwide. Our sponsorship tiers offer high-visibility branding, meaningful engagement with decision-makers, and exclusive opportunities to showcase your organization. Explore sponsorship benefits and levels in our detailed sponsorship packet.