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84th Annual ACHE Conference Summary (2022)

The 84th Annual ACHE Conference, themed "Equity, Access, & Belonging," took place from October 24-26, 2022, in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Snapshot of Attendance

The conference proudly hosted over 150 attendees from across the nation, representing a wide range of institutions and organizations dedicated to the advancement of continuing higher education.

Location Snapshot

The conference was held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, located at 300 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130. Situated just 10 minutes from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, the hotel ensures seamless travel with its 24-hour complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport. Convenient access to Interstate 10 (I-10) allows visitors to explore iconic New Orleans destinations, from the vibrant French Quarter to the scenic Lake Pontchartrain.

Ignite Session Speakers

The 84th Annual ACHE Conference opened with high energy and enthusiasm in a session that left a lasting impression on attendees throughout the year. Led by emcees Tina Marie Coolidge and “The” Clayton Mack, the Ignite Session featured rapid learning from a diverse group of presenters, who shared insights from the past two years and their visions for the industry's future. Attendees grabbed their coffee, enjoyed lively music, and enthusiastically cheered on the presenters. The session culminated in the crowning of the Ignite Session winner in a traditional New Orleans fashion, bringing an exciting close to an unforgettable event.

The event was expertly hosted by Emcees Tina Marie Coolidge and “The” Clayton Mack, who brought energy and excitement to the session. The Ignite Session at the 84th Annual ACHE Conference featured a distinguished lineup of presenters, each bringing unique expertise and insights into the evolving landscape of higher education.

Dr. Brian Van Horn
President, Mayville State University

Dr. Brian Van Horn has served as President of Mayville State University since 2018, bringing over 20 years of leadership experience in higher education. Previously, he was associate provost and dean at Murray State University. Committed to student success, he prioritizes access to education, program growth, and strong community partnerships. A native of Benton, Illinois, he holds degrees from Murray State University and a doctorate in leadership and policy studies from the University of Memphis.

Dr. Amy Johnson
Associate Vice Provost for Faculty and Director of the Center for Teaching Excellence, East Tennessee State University

Dr. Amy Johnson has over 20 years of experience in continuing higher education, faculty development, and student learning. She currently serves as Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs in the Quillen College of Medicine at East Tennessee State University and is the Past-President of the Association of Continuing Higher Education. Her research focuses on interprofessional education, faculty development, and non-traditional student success. She holds degrees from the College of William and Mary and East Tennessee State University.  

Ben Kennedy
Founder & CEO, Kennedy & Company

Ben Kennedy is the Founder and Managing Partner of Kennedy & Company, a national higher education consulting firm. With experience advising over 100 colleges and universities, his expertise spans online strategy, student retention, enrollment management, and university budgeting. He has held leadership roles at Duke University, the University of South Carolina, Bain & Company, and Huron Education. A frequent speaker at major education conferences, he holds degrees in Public Policy and Business from Duke University and resides in Charlottesville, Virginia, with his family.

Conference Schedule

Comprehensive details on sessions, workshops, and events were made available to attendees through the 2022 Conference Program, ensuring participants had access to a full overview of the conference's offerings.

Networking Opportunities

The conference offered a variety of networking opportunities to connect with peers, including:

  • Welcome Reception: Attendees met and mingled with fellow participants on the first evening.

  • Evening Socials: Participants enjoyed New Orleans' vibrant culture during a Bike Tour of Downtown New Orleans.

  • Collaborative Workshops: The Certificate Workshop featured two specialized tracks: the Transformational Leadership Track and the DEIB Certification Track: Inclusive Leadership—The Competitive Edge in Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging. These sessions equipped participants with essential leadership skills and strategies to drive meaningful change in their organizations.