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Featured Speakers


Sunday Opening Plenary - Dara Starr Tucker

Join our opening plenary speaker, Dara Starr Tucker, on Sunday, November 3 at AACRAO’s 2024 SEM Conference. Acclaimed for her powerful fusion of jazz, roots, and social commentary, Tucker uses her music as a platform for reflection and healing. With a growing audience of over a million followers, her evocative compositions and insightful social media presence uniquely connect with both jazz aficionados and new listeners. Her latest project blends original songs and innovative arrangements, showcasing her exceptional artistry and commitment to cultural equity. Join us to explore how Tucker's vibrant sound and compelling storytelling make a profound impact in today’s world.

Monday Plenary Panel - Presidential Perspectives on the Challenges Facing Higher Education and Opportunities for Enrollment Managers

A panel of university presidents with a strong history of higher education leadership from a diverse set of colleges and universities will be joining SEM to talk about the current challenges facing higher education including budget challenges, the enrollment cliff, the perceived value of a college education, as well as local and national obstacles to fulfilling access and diversity missions.  The panel will reflect on their experiences and the future of higher education and on the critical role that enrollment managers will play in navigating these issues.

Dr. Linda C. Martin is the President of the University of Tennessee Southern. She previously served as the Interim Senior Vice Chancellor and Senior Vice President of the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, overseeing various academic programs. With a rich background in higher education, Martin held key roles at The Ohio State University, Oklahoma State University, and Kansas State University, focusing on academic affairs and student success.

President Dr. Laura L. Douglas, the fourth president of Bristol Community College, is committed to fostering a college-going culture in southeastern Massachusetts. Under her leadership, the college has become a key resource for higher education and workforce development, emphasizing diversity, equity, and inclusion through strategic initiatives.

Dr. Kevin Pollock is President of Central Carolina Technical College, a position he began in January 2021. He has more than 40 years of education experience at four-year private and public colleges and community colleges. His diverse roles include college administration, strategic planning, leadership, and enrollment management. He is a national expert on student success models and a frequent national speaker who has spoken more than 130 times at conferences and colleges. 

Tuesday Plenary Speaker - Dr. Anthony Abraham Jack

Discussion Topic: Class Dismissed: When Colleges Ignore Inequality and Students Pay the Price

Join author, faculty director, and associate professor, Dr. Anthony Abraham Jack on Tuesday for a discussion on his book Class Dismissed: When Colleges Ignore Inequality and Students Pay the Price. His book explores why colleges were so unprepared to support their most vulnerable students when racial unrest and a global health crisis gripped the world, and more importantly, how we can move forward. He offers practical frameworks that colleges and workplaces alike can use to foster belonging, success, and opportunity for all students and employees.

Wednesday Closing Speaker - Doug Lederman

Fireside Chat: What a New Presidency Could Mean for Higher Ed

 Join Doug Lederman, Editor and Co-founder at Inside Higher Ed, for a fireside chat as he discusses the implications of the recent election results and what they mean for higher education. With the presidency, Congress, and state governments all in play, this discussion will explore how shifts in political power could impact key areas like student aid, loan policies, regulatory oversight, and state funding.