STARS LEADERSHIP & UNIVERSITY ADVOCATES CONFERENCE
Hosted by the Higher Education Partnership, the 2026 STARS Leadership & University Advocates Conference will be held in August at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa in Destin, Florida from August 5th - 7th, 2026. The conference features specialty breakout sessions as well as general sessions, panel discussions and lunch with a featured speaker. HEP Board members should make plans to attend the board meeting scheduled for the end of the conference. The STARS Leadership and University Advocates Conference offers a learning experience and an opportunity to network with peers. Conference participants will enjoy the opportunity to enhance their skills of leadership and advocacy while gaining insight about issues facing Alabama. We invite student leaders, educators, alumni and statewide advocates to take part in this engaging meeting, where we'll build collaboration across all 14 of our campuses and refine the knowledge and skills necessary to lead not only on campus but across the state.
SLUAC Participant Tracks
We're excited to welcome a wide variety of university leaders to SLUAC - from students to faculty to alumni to administrators - each participant brings a unique perspective. the 2026 SLUAC agenda provides opportunities for networking with peers from across the state to lay a rich groundwork for the exciting year ahead. Additionally, this year, we'll have six unique tracks for student participants allowing for deeper relationship building across the state. Read more about each available track below or on our STARS Team Page here.
Programming is available to share information on public policy and funding relative to higher education. Training about future events supporting universities is included and updates on the future session are also offered. During the conference, individuals are encouraged to engage wih colleagues from across all 14 campuses and multiple constituency groups. Legislators and public officials are also available to stregthen the learning experience.
STUDENT LEADERS
ADVOCATES AND ALUMNI
FACULTY AND STAFF
Student Leaders Participation
STARS stands for Student Teams Advocating Realistic Solutions. SLUAC provides an opportunity not only to work with your campus team, but also to coordinate with others in your role across the state. Visit our STARS page to learn more about who should be on your team!
As a student leader. please know that SLUAC provides a phenomenal opportunity for learning advocacy skills, building a statewide network, and growing outward awareness concering critical Alabama issues. Additionally, opportunities for engaging in long term Partnership activities are desired. Planning for statewide advocacy activities also happens during the conference. Strong advocacy skills can benefit a good community, interpersonal relations, a-- awareness and engaged support. Each of these trends are informed by students that chose to participate in the menu of advocacy events.
Lead at SLUAC
The conference will feature multiple interactive sessions and hands-on learning opportunities. One opportunity for students to lead is by presenting a "University Feature" Session highlighting an area of excellence from their campus or SGA.
Topics are intentionally broad and open to your interpretation! We're excited to hear your ideas!
We're looking for student leaders passionate about leadership to host educational sessions during SLUAC. There will be both breakout session and main session presentation opportunities for students to lead discussion and share about what their campus is doing well. We're looking for presentations in the following areas:
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Engagement on Your Campus
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Utilizing Your Networks
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Universities Turn Dreams Into Reality
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Serving Campus and Beyond
To apply to lead a presentation, please fill out the form below, sharing a brief overview of your topic, key points, and any other background information, no late than June 30th. Selected presentations will be notified by July 7th.
Awards Luncheon
In 2024, the Higher Education Partnership introduced the Jabo Waggoner Award for Public Service. The Waggoner Award honors an individual who has made a significant positive impact on Alabama's universities over the course of their life.
This year, our awards luncheon will also honor a student who has demonstrated significant acheivement in service and advocacy during their collegiate career with the STAR Award. This student should have strong contributions to leadership on their campus, as well as a passion for higher education.
Tentative SLUAC Agenda*
*Agenda Subject to Change;
For Affiliate Group Agendas Please Contact the Partnership at partners@higheredpartners.org
Wednesday, August 5th
2:30 p.m. Student Leaders’ – Sharing Solutions, Sparking Inspiration
3:15 p.m. Conference Overview
3:30 p.m. Welcome and Comments from Leaders
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Dr. Don Killingsworth, Jacksonville State University
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Dr. Nick Lawkis, University of South Alabama
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Secretary Greg Reed, Alabama Department of Workforce
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Distinguished Legislative and Community Leaders
4:15 p.m. Leadership Breakouts
i. Be a Presidential Leader and Advocate
ii. Hosting Higher Ed Day & Dreams to Reality
iii. Communicating the Message
iv. Make a Difference for Freshmen
v. Impact Across Multiple Platforms
vi. Make a Difference for Future Leaders
5:00 p.m. Recap + Your SLUAC Strategy
7:00 p.m. Dinner on the Beach Deck
Thursday, August 6th
6:30 a.m. Breakfast Buffet
7:30 a.m. Who, Why, How?
8:30 a.m. Education Policy Briefing
Representative Danny Garrett, Chairman, Ways and Means Education Committee
9:00 a.m. Key Issues Breakout Groups
Healthcare Dr. Scott Harris, ADPH
Education’s Impact – Graduate Deans Dr. Matt Ragland, Graduate Deans’ Council
Elections and Staying Informed Ms. Trish Crain, Alabama Daily News
Essentials of Leadership Dr. Dee Bennett, Leadership Instructor
10:30 a.m. Resource Guide
11:15 a.m. Developing Talking Points
12:00 p.m. Waggoner Public Service Award Luncheon
1:15 p.m. Small Group Conversation With Legislators
2:15 p.m. Leadership Breakout Sessions
Friday, August 7th
6:30 a.m. Breakfast Buffet
7:30 a.m. Leadership Breakout Groups
8:30 a.m. University Strategy Session
9:00 a.m. Bring It All Together – Your Plan For the Year
Student Led Presentations on Unique Advocacy Agenda
9:30 a.m. Legislative Leaders Discussion
10:30 a.m. Board Meeting of the Higher Education Partnership