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85th Annual International Conference (2023) Summary

The 85th Annual International ACHE Conference, themed "Leaders, Innovators, Change Agents: Continuing Higher Education’s Role in Improving Access and Success," took place from October 16-18, 2023, in Charleston, South Carolina.
Snapshot of Attendance

The conference proudly hosted over 200 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 Francis Marion Hotel, located at 387 King Street, Charleston, SC 29403. This venue provided a comfortable and convenient setting for attendees. Charleston International Airport (CHS) was conveniently located approximately 12 miles from the Francis Marion Hotel. 

Keynote Speakers

The conference featured distinguished keynote speakers:

Sarah Ancel, M.A.
Founder and CEO, Student Ready Strategies

Sarah Ancel founded Student Ready Strategies to advance equity in postsecondary education. With extensive experience in higher education policy at local, state, and national levels, she is a leading voice in serving non-traditional students effectively. Previously, she served as Senior Vice President at Complete College America and as Associate Commissioner for the Indiana Commission for Higher Education.

Yolanda Watson Spiva, Ph.D.
President, Complete College America
Dr. Spiva leads Complete College America, advocating for increased college completion rates and equity. With over 25 years in higher education leadership, she has driven structural reforms and student success initiatives. Formerly, she served as President & CEO of College Success Foundation and has held roles in the U.S. Department of Education.

Mike Krause
Senior Leader, John M. Belk Endowment
Mike Krause brings 15 years of public policy and higher education leadership experience, including as a state higher education executive and founding director of Tennessee Promise. A proud adult learner and U.S. Army veteran, he holds degrees from Austin Peay State University and Vanderbilt University.

Conference Schedule

Comprehensive details on sessions, workshops, and events were made available to attendees through the 2023 Conference Program, ensuring participants had access to a full overview of the conference's offerings.

The conference featured a Leadership Certification Track titled "The Value of Differences: From Transactional to Transformational Leadership." This program focused on enhancing leadership skills by encouraging participants to embrace diversity and cultivate a transformational approach to leadership. Through this track, attendees explored strategies to move beyond transactional leadership styles, fostering inclusive and impactful practices that drive meaningful change within their organizations.

Conference Proceedings

Detailed information on sessions, workshops, and events was provided to attendees through the 2023 Conference Proceedings page. Comprehensive conference proceedings were made available to participants.

Favorite Sessions

ACHE members voted, and the top concurrent sessions from the previous conference were included in this year's webinar series:

  • "Transferable Communication Skills" by Marie Mallory and Hannah Naylor Regitz from Liberty University.

  • "Employee Pathways for Growth: A focus on Employee Retention and Development" by Kiel Norris from the University of Georgia. 

  • "From Rigidity to Flexibility: The Evolution of Admissions Processes in Expanding Access for Adult Students at Morgan State University" by Nicholas Vaught and Emma Minnis from Morgan State University. 
  • "Digital Badging/Credentialing, ChatGPT embedded into curriculum" by Dr. Sharon Kerrick from University of Louisville. 
  • "A Successful Postsecondary Mix: Credit for Prior Learning, Completion Concierges, and Corporate Partnerships" by Tracy Robinson from the University of Memphis. 

These sessions were highly acclaimed for their impactful content and relevance to current challenges in continuing higher education.

Networking Opportunities

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

  • Welcome Reception (Ball Beach Bash): Attendees met and mingled with fellow participants on the first evening.
  • Evening Socials: Participants enjoyed Charleston's vibrant culture during planned evening events. A highlight was the historic walking tour, limited to 20 participants. Starting at the US Custom House on East Bay Street, the 1.5-hour tour covered less than a mile and ended at Waterfront Park near the open-air Market. Led by a knowledgeable guide, attendees explored Charleston’s rich history and charm in an intimate setting.