Friday June 6, 2025

KSU Conference Center McGilvrey Ballroom 1-Track 1: Empowering Local Businesses: UNA and the City of Florence Growing Together

Abstract: The University of North Alabama and the City of Florence endeavored, as part of the Empowering Local Businesses initiative, to connect businesses owned and operated by UNA alumni within the City of Florence to resources that would help them thrive in the business community and give them networking resources with others. This highlights the impact of UNA's investment into leadership within the City of Florence business community.

Presenters: Michelle Eubanks, Director, Media and Public Relations, University of North Alabama; Racheal Koonce, Media & Sustainability, City of Florence, AL

KSU Architecture Room 124-Track 1: The Link Trail: A Connecting Force

Abstract: The City of South Bend, in partnership with the University of Notre Dame and Visit South Bend Mishawaka, has created the Link Trail, a 1.5-mile connector designed to strengthen the bond between the University and downtown. The $11.5 million project was completed in November 2024. The Link improves health and recreation opportunities, supports economic development, and contributes to a safer, more walkable city, becoming an instant treasure for students, residents, and visitors alike.

Presenters: Gwen O'Brien, Director of Community Relations, University of Notre Dame; Jeff Jarnecke, Executive Director, Visit South Bend Mishawaka; Jitin Kain, Deputy Director of Public Works, City of South Bend, IN

KSU Architecture Room 120-Track 1: Exploring Service-Learning as a Strategy for Strengthening Town-Gown Relationships and Partnerships  

Abstract: Service-learning is a high impact practice that engages students with community issues as a part of their learning experience, while also providing benefit to the community. While service-learning’s impact on student learning is well documented, this presentation will explore strategies for strengthening town-gown relationships and partnerships with examples from the University of Georgia’s service-learning initiative. 

Presenters: Shannon Brooks, Director, and Josh Podvin, Assistant Director, Office of Service-Learning, University of Georgia

Architecture Room 104-Track 3: Understanding Housing Trends and Evolving Needs: Beginning the Journey of Student Address Mapping at two Public Urban Universities

Abstract: As university populations grow and student housing prices increase, students are moving further from our campuses. In our experience at two urban institutions in Pennsylvania (University of Pittsburgh and Temple University), the impact of this spread is significant on our surrounding communities. We invite you to join us to discuss different tools for mapping student address data and the ways maps can help us adapt to the changing needs of our students.

Presenters: Leah Paulson Dunmire, Assistant Director of Off-Campus Living and Customer Service, Temple University; Anna MacKinnon, Associate Director of Off Campus Experience, University of Pittsburgh

Abstract: Bonded through the realization that we have all spent our careers as caretakers of campuses, our unlikely community of interdisciplinary professionals is attempting to use our diversity of expertise to approach campus planning, engagement, and project execution in ways that address one of higher education’s biggest challenges: timely decision-making despite funding shortages, leadership voids, aging buildings, and enrollment decline. We have extended “community” beyond the traditional to include our vendor partners as well.

Presenters: Lisa Babbs, Director Facilities, St Catherine University; Matt Streed, Architect & Principal, DLR Group; Dick Nash, Director Strategic Partnerships, Fluid Interiors; Kevin Swanson, Construction Executive & Structural Engineer, Gardner Builders

KSU Architecture Room 124-Track 1: Cultivating Community Together for 60 Years: The Symbiotic Growth of Walsh University and the City of North Canton

Abstract: This abstract explores the symbiotic relationship between Walsh University and North Canton, Ohio, since 1960. It highlights their parallel growth from humble beginnings, mutual support during economic challenges, and collaborative efforts in community development. The presentation examines key milestones, including Walsh's expansion from a small college to a university, its role in North Canton's economy, and recent formalization of their partnership through the Walsh University Partners Program. This case study offers insights into successful town-gown relationships and their impact on community and educational development.

Presenters: Sean Ferguson, Diretor of Marketing, Walsh University; Benjamin Young, Deputy Director of Administration, City of North Canton, OH

KSU Architecture Room 120-Track 3: Housing 101: Exploring Housing Instability Among University Students

Abstract: We asked students to participate in a study examining housing issues experienced by undergraduate and graduate students living off-campus at the University of Michigan’s Ann Arbor campus. Using a mixed-method approach, participants described unaffordability, lack of safe and secure housing and landlord-tenant relations as challenges. We also found longer commutes to afford housing resulted in greater isolation and lack of college experience. Findings provide insight on programs and resources needed by students.

Presenter: Mark Simmons, Program Manager for Beyond the Diag, University of Michigan

KSU Conference Center McGilvrey Ballroom 1-Lightning Round Sessions: Join this popular style of presentation that we're offering again this year! Each presenter has 20-minutes to talk about topics they are passionate about. There will be a lot of content so no time for Q&A.

Track 5: Preventing Problems Hidden in Plain Sight: Addressing Collegiate Impaired Driving

Abstract: Impaired road use continues to be the leading cause of alcohol-related deaths among college students and cannabis impaired road use is on the rise. Join the Higher Education Center team as they provide the latest data on collegiate impaired road use, including the use of bicycles and e-scooters, and discuss practical strategies to prevent impaired road use among students to improve the safety of all in town-gown communities.

Presenter: Cindy Clouner, Managing Director of HECAOD, The Ohio State University

Track 1: The Process of Connecting the Dots: Collect. Collaborate. Create.

Abstract: Student success is built upon effective collaboration between multiple stakeholders. With this mindset we have found that by listening to the community and collaborating cross-functionally we are able to develop content for meaningful educational opportunities. This session will equip attendees with strategies to critically assess their data intake, bridge insights across stakeholders, and align action steps with their departmental scope and values. Attendees will gain practical approaches that they can implement in their day-to-day work.

Presenters: Lauren Stazen, Senior Relationship Manager, Jacob Glorioso and Cecelia Albon, Off Campus Specialists, Willie J. Young, Sr. Off-Campus and Commuter Student Engagement, The Ohio State University

Track 5: Pawsitive Energy: Animals as Ambassadors for Strengthening University and Community Relations

Abstract: This lightning talk will provide a brief overview of some of the ways in which Kent State University collaborates with, or could highlight in the future, area organizations to incorporate the calming presence of animals into its programs. These efforts provide a unique outreach opportunity that boosts mental health, physical protection, and engages faculty, staff, students and community members in valuable ways, celebrating the bond of four-pawed companions and their human counterparts alike.

Presenter: Mialie T. Szymanski, Graduate Student, Kent State University