Conference promotes women’s professional development in higher education

Arizona Women in Higher Education is hosting its inaugural conference May 29-30 at the High Country Conference Center at Flagstaff.

The theme is “Leading our Way: Taking Higher Education in Arizona to the Next Level,” and is being presented as part of the American Council on Education Office of Women in Higher Education.

“As women, we need to be intentional and proactive in our professional growth and career planning to overcome those invisible barriers that still exist,” said conference coordinator Erin Grisham, director of NAU’s Educational Support Services.

The speakers and their topics are:

  • NAU President John Haeger, “Current Issues and Trends in the National Dialogue on Higher Education”
  • Darcy Renfro, policy adviser to Gov. Janet Napolitano for Higher Education, the Economy and Innovation, “The State of the State: Issues for Higher Education in Arizona”
  • Keynote speaker Lisa Love, vice president for Athletics at Arizona State University, “Herstory: Unique Leadership in Division I Athletics”
  • A women’s executive leadership panel facilitated by Leah Bornstein, president of Coconino Community College, and featuring women leaders from across the state, including the presidents of Mohave Community College, Rio Salado Community College, Cochise Community College and Pima Community College

Workshops include a session for women aspiring to the presidency and other top administrative roles, and sessions on women’s leadership styles, career planning and goal setting, legal issues in higher education, organizational change and work/life balance.

The $175 fee includes all meals and conference materials. The deadline to register is May 22.

For information or to register, go to www.nau.edu/awhe.