Wednesday June 4, 2025

• The City of Kent & Kent State’s journey through adversities;
• Collaboration with the Esplanade and other joint projects; and
• Regularly including each other when feasible in strategic planning, safety coordination, and dynamic partnerships.

KSC Room 317-Track 1: Building Together: City & University Planning & Development Partnerships

Abstract: The City of Kent and Kent State University has a rich history of working together to plan, build and develop several projects. Communication, relationship-building, common approaches to the work and clear project goals are key elements to this success. This panel discussion will share tips, strategies and lessons learned. These successes have included the revitalization of Downtown Kent, a major roadway that runs through campus, the University’s Gateway Master Plan and discussion of future projects.

Presenters: Dana Lawless-Andric, Senior Associate Vice President, University Outreach & Engagement; Doug Pearson, Associate Vice President, Facilities & Planning; and Jay Graham, Architect, Kent State University; Melanie Baker, Service Director, City of Kent, OH

KSC Room 315-Track 1: Fostering Impactful Community-University Service Collaborations Enhanced by Technology

Abstract: Community engagement through service is crucial for student development and lifelong civic engagement. This session explores best practices for building effective university-community partnerships with local governments and nonprofits. Representatives from the University of Georgia, Athens-Clarke County Government, and GivePulse will share case studies, demonstrating how a shared technology platform can streamline engagement, improve data collection, and benefit all stakeholders. Attendees will learn how GivePulse addresses the distinct needs of each partner and facilitates long-term collaboration.

Presenters: Josh Podvin, Assistant Director for Community Partnerships, Office of Service-Learning, University of Georgia; Cecile Riker, Community Engagement Coordinator - Athens-Clarke County Unified Government; Quinn Reimer, Community Succes and Support Coordinator, GivePulse, Inc.

KSC Room 310-Track 3: Brick by Brick: Strengthening Neighborhoods Through Housing Access

Abstract: In this panel, the College Park City-University Partnership will share insights and lessons learned through implementation of multiple coordinated housing programs in College Park, MD. The Partnership has developed a “toolkit” of complementary housing programs to address housing concerns: 1) affordable homeownership and graduate student rentals; 2) downpayment assistance to support local workforce; and 3) neighborhood stabilization and investor pressure. Panelists discuss how to address complex housing needs, lessons learned and new programs under development.

Presenters: Susan Slingluff Hartmann, Executive Director; David Varnado, Senior Program and Operations, Manager, College Park City-University Partnership, MD

KSC Room 306 C-Track 4: Grinnell ALLiance: Building a More Welcoming Grinnell for All

Abstract: This session will give an insider’s view into the creation of the GrinnellALLiance, a community-wide coalition formed in the wake of race-based harassment on and around the Grinnell College campus in 2022. Hear directly from ALLiance volunteers who will describe those incidents, how college and community responded, how the ALLiance came together, as well as successes and challenges in the first two years of work, and a preview of what lies ahead.

Presenters: Monica Chavez-Silva, VP for Community Engagement and Strategic Planning, Grinnell College; Nicole Brua-Behrens, Executive Director of the Greater Poweshiek Community Foundation and fellow ALLiance steering committee member

KSC Room 313-Track 4: Building Inclusive Futures: Advancing Belonging, Leadership, and Impact

Abstract: As higher education institutions continue to navigate complex and shifting landscapes, this session will highlight how partnership, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to belonging remain essential to long-term community impact.

Presenters: Moderator Michael Akin, President, LINK Strategic Partners; Colette Pierce Burnette, President Emeritus, Huston-Tillotson University, Thought Leader

KSC Room 306 A-Track 5: 21st Birthdays, Hydration Stations, and Other Fun with Substance Use Prevention at WVU

Abstract: Substance use among college students is a concern for all campus and community stakeholders, students included. As a flagship university burdened with a “party school” reputation, prevention, harm reduction, intervention, and education are key priorities at WVU for optimal student outcomes and to prevent tragedies. With over a decade of alcohol and other drug (AOD) prevention and education efforts, this presentation details a campus health educator’s challenges, successes, and lessons learned along the way.

Presenters: Wes Thomas, Senior Health Educator, WellWVU, Wellness & Health Promotion, West Virginia University

KSC Room 306 A-Track 1: Educating for Independence, Connecting with Community, Sustaining for the Future

Abstract: Texas A&M University (TAMU) transformed its approach to off-campus student support, evolving from online education to a fully dedicated staff with robust, collaborative initiatives that benefit both students and the surrounding community. This session will showcase how TAMU identified student needs, collaborated with city officials and housing providers, and implemented sustainable programs that bridged campus and community resources. Attendees will leave with strategies for creating impactful, long-term initiatives regardless of their institution’s size or existing resources.

Presenters: Nickie McDaniel, Community Liaison Texas A&M University; Jolissa Yonker, Strategic University Partnership Manager, Off Campus Partners

KSC Room 315-Track 1: Retail Success in Town-Gown Communities: Strategies for Data-Driven Growth

Abstract: College communities offer unique retail opportunities with stable institutions, strong purchasing power, and a built-in customer base. However, success requires understanding demographic trends, seasonal fluctuations, and real estate challenges. This session provides a data-driven approach to retail growth in town-gown markets, featuring a case study of Maryville, Missouri. Attendees will learn to analyze market viability, package real estate opportunities, and attract retailers while addressing common challenges like seasonal sales swings and parking constraints.

Presenters: Elliot Cook, Director of Real Estate, Retail Strategies, LLC; Greg McDanel, City Manager, Seaside, CA; Ryan Heiland, Interim City Manager, Maryville, MO

KSC Room 313-Track 1: Civic Engagement In Policy and Practice: A Transatlantic Perspective

Abstract: This session will explore how civic university pledges can build sustainable, responsive partnerships that enhance social cohesion and economic resilience. Through a transatlantic lens, it will compare Virginia Tech’s multi-layered approach—where university leadership, local government, and community stakeholders collaborate to align institutional and regional priorities—with the National Civic Impact Accelerator’s (NCIA) focus on developing skills, capacity and civic values within universities across England, to equip academics and professionals to embed place-responsive working across their institutions. Insights from Technological University Dublin will examine how embedding engaged research principles can strengthen these efforts, ensuring universities act as true engines of innovation, inclusion, and social transformation.

Presenters: Moderator Poppy Humphrey, Director of Standards and Accountability, LINK Strategic Partners; Emily Gibson, Director of Local Government and Community Relations, Office of Government and Community Relations, Virginia Tech; Adam Leach, NCIA Programme Director and Head of Civic Strategy & National Initiatives, Place & Civic Engagement (PACE) Directorate, Sheffield Hallam University; Professor Tom Cooney, Professor of Entrepreneurship, Technological University Dublin, and Director, Centre for Entrepreneurial Behaviour, Inclusion and Innovation

KSC Room 310-Track 1: Campus and Community: Bridging Divides Through a Dignity-Based Partnership

Abstract: In today’s climate, ideological tensions create stress on campuses and communities. Effective strategies to de-escalate conflicts and foster meaningful dialogue are crucial. State College Borough and Penn State University have successfully implemented the Dignity Model, developed by conflict resolution expert Dr. Donna Hicks. This evidence-based framework transforms contempt into dignity-based relationships, reducing polarization. Entering our fourth year of success, we offer practical strategies and tools to foster student and community partnerships, creating a culture of mutual understanding.

Presenters: Chiluvya Zulu, Director, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, Borough of State College; Karen Armstrong, Director, Inclusion, Equity & Diversity, Pennsylvanis State University

KSC Room 306 C-Track 2: Weathering Storms: The Impact of Climate Events on Postsecondary and Workforce Programs

Abstract: Join the National League of Cities and CAEL for a panel discussion on how one community rose to the challenge of supporting adult students in preparation for and in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. This panel will feature speakers from the City of LaBelle, Florida Gulf Coast University, and the FutureMakers Coalition (a collective impact initiative creating a skilled and sustainable workforce pipeline) who will share different perspectives on meeting the needs of adult students.

Presenters: Moderator Tashfia Hasan, Senior Program Specialist, Postsecondary and Workforce Success, National League of Cities (NLC); Mayor Julie Wilkins, City of LaBelle, FL; Keitha Daniels, Director, Hendry County Economic Development Council; Amanda Lehrian, Regional Partnerships Coordinator for Hendry and Glades County, Florida Gulf Coast University; Alex Breault, Partnership Manager, FutureMakers Coalition, Collaboratory; Darrah Mugrauer, Council for Adult and Experiential Learning, Director of Initiatives

KSC Room 317-Track 4: Building Bridges During Campus-Based Conflicts: Preparing for Community Crises

Abstract: This session explores the use of campus-based conflict simulations to prepare university leaders, students, and community members to navigate complex, real-world challenges. Grounded in experiential learning and informed by actual campus disputes, these simulations create opportunities for participants to practice conflict resolution, empathy-building, and collaboration. We’ll discuss the development of simulations, lessons learned, and their broader applicability to town-gown relationships, including proactive conflict prevention strategies.

Presenters: Benjamin Wilson, Staff Attorney, Moritz Cillege of Law, and William Froehlich, Director, Divided Communities Project, Langdon Fellow in Dispute Resolution, The Ohio State University; Johanna A. Solomon, Assistant Professor, Kent State Uniuversity

KSC Room 306 C-Track 1: Mitigating Move Out Madness in College Towns

Abstract: Each June, thousands of students leave college towns, causing hazardous conditions and generating an overwhelming amount of waste—thousands of pounds of furniture, clothing, and food often end up in landfills. But what if Move Out could be transformed into a community-driven sustainability effort? Through services, events, and education the Isla Vista Community Services District has made Move Out into a community effort which allows residents to feel united behind a meaningful and impactful cause.

Presenter: Jenna Norton, Public Works and Sustainability Director, Isla Vista, Community Services District

KSC Room 315-Track 1: Leveraging Assessments to Tell the Story of Campus-Community Relationships

Abstract: Often we know how to describe our town-gown relationship based on history, experiences, and interactions. But what does it look like to actually measure the relationship? Illinois State University conducted the Optimal College Town Assessment and a Community Impact Assessment with multiple stakeholders to determine the experiences, perceptions, and needs of the campus-community relationship. Learn more about those assessments, what they discovered, and how you can design something similar to tell your campus-community story.

Presenters: Harriett Steinbach, Director, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships, Office of Research,  Illinois State University

KSC Room 310-Track 1: Inauguration Build 2024: A Blueprint for Town-Gown Collaboration

Abstract: In honor of the inauguration of the University of Notre Dame’s 18th president, Rev. Robert A Dowd, C.S.C., Notre Dame partnered with Habitat for Humanity of St. Joseph County on an ambitious community service project: InaugurationBuild 2024. This was a collaborative project involving 750+ faculty and staff volunteers who helped build five affordable homes that were designed by Notre Dame architecture students. This presentation will provide insights into the strategies, challenges, and outcomes of our community engagement efforts.

Presenters: Gwen O'Brien, Director of Community Relations, University of Notre Dame; Jim Williams, CEO and President, Habitat for Humanity of St. Joseph County, IN, Missy Little, Director of Office of Budget and Financial Planning, University of Notre Dame, and Chair of the Board, Habitat for Humanity of St. Joseph County, IN

KSC Room 317-Title 1: Collaborating Across Campus to Address Student Basic Needs

Abstract: We are more than just a food pantry. “An excellent university addresses its students’ basic needs, empowering them to pursue their academic journeys and achieve their highest goals,” Conway said. “With the Rutgers–New Brunswick Academic Master Plan we are implementing real-world strategies that matter to students.” (Francine Conway, Chancellor of Rutgers University – New Brunswick). The expanded services offered through our newly opened Basic Needs Center is a true collaboration between community and University resources – a space built on compassion, dignity and support.

Presenters: Kerri Willson, Associate Dean of Students/Director, Off-Campus Living and Community Initiatives, and Caryn Washington, Assistant Director, Off-Campus Living; Sgt. Marlise Correa, Community Police Officer, Rutgers University Police Department, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

KSC Room 306 A-Track 2: University and City Joint Emergency Operations Planning: A Collaborative Approach to Community Resilience

Abstract: This panel session will explore the significance of university and city collaboration in emergency operations planning, focusing on how joint preparedness efforts strengthen the resilience of communities. The session will highlight the importance of integrated planning for a range of events, including natural disasters, large public gatherings such as athletic events, and other emergency scenarios. The panel will include key leaders from Michigan State University and the City of East Lansing and aims to foster a deeper understanding of how partnerships between universities and local governments can improve community safety, coordination, and response capabilities.

Presenters: Moderator Janet Lillie, Assistant Vice President for Community Relations, Suchitra Webster, Director, Office of Community & Student Relations, and Natisha Foster, Director of Emergency Manager, Michigan State University; Robert Belleman, City Manager, and Jen Brown, Interim Chief of Police, City of East Lansing, MI

KSC Room 313-Track 5: The Certified Mental Health Assistant: Creating a University-based Solution for a Community-based Problem

Abstract: Northeast Ohio Medical University is working with state legislators to create a novel approach for helping individuals with mental illness and substance use disorders, the Certified Mental Health Assistant (CMHA). Creating the CMHA program involves an active collaboration with university, community, legislative, and health care partners. This presentation will take attendees through the process of identifying the problem, reviewing existing solutions, creating new solutions, and negotiating the steps to bring the solution to fruition.

Presenters: Randon Welton, Professor of Psychiatry, and Perry Alexandrides, Associate Director of Government Relations, Northeast Ohio Medical University

KSC Room 306 C-Track 1: Your Invited! ITGA Strategic Plan Review Session

Abstract: During this session, ITGA Preseident Cooper Healey and other leadership will present the key components of the plan, and gather your feedback to help refine our direction. Your insights and perspectives are vital to ensuring the plan reflects the needs and aspirations of our membership.

Presenters: Cooper Healey, ITGA President; Greg McDanel, ITGA President Elect

KSC Room 315-Track 1: Leveraging Business Intelligence for Enhanced Community Insights

Abstract: The need to leverage data increases as organizations grow. Near West Side Partners (NWSP) examined a business intelligence solution to unify community data sources in collaboration with two university partners – Marquette University and MCW. As a result, NWSP's capacity to address complex challenges, refine its strategies, and disseminate information with community stakeholders has improved. This session will allow others to evaluate potential adoptions while identifying areas where technology may not yet improve efficiency.

Presenters: Brittney Saenz, Data Snapshot Project Coordinator, Erin Horkavi, Data Research Assistant, Walter Bialkowski, Data Working Team Co-Chair, Marquette University

KSC Room 317-Track 1: Working Restoratively to Build More Stable, Resilient, and Healthy Neighborhoods

Abstract: OSCR’s Street Strategy and restorative approach demonstrate how street improvements can be the catalyst for community development by improving student-neighbor communications, increasing positive interactions, decreasing negative behaviors, and developing mutual aid. OSCR’s Neighborhood Grants Program provides the funding and people power to residents for initiatives they choose to improve the health and safety of their neighborhood. Projects include community gardens, clean-ups, block parties, and park improvements. Successes, challenges, and lessons learned will be shared.

Presenters: Gail Shampnois, Director, John Mejia, Associate Director, Ofice of Student and Community Relations, University of Vermont

KSC Room 313-Track 1: Georgetown In Partnership- Building A New Campus in Downtown DC. AligningInitiatives for Regional Impact and Global Growth for the Common Good

Abstract: Georgetown University is deepening its commitment to Washington, DC, through strategic partnerships that align university initiatives with local priorities. This session will explore how Georgetown’s Capitol Campus collaborative efforts are driving regional transformation, workforce development, and public space activation. By leveraging higher education as a force for community engagement and economic mobility, Georgetown is fostering inclusive growth and strengthening its role as an anchor institution in the nation’s capital.

Presenters: Cory Peterson, Associate Vice President, Community Engagement and Local Government Affairs, Georgetown University; Jamal Holtz, Chief of Staff, LINK Strategic Partners

KSC Room 310-Track 2: Enhancing Public Safety Through Collaboration: The OSUPD Joint Patrol Model

Abstract: This session explores The Ohio State University Police Department (OSUPD) Joint Patrol, a partnership between OSUPD and Columbus Police Department (CPD) that enhances off-campus safety, strengthens community ties and promotes well-being. Officers collaborate closely with Off-Campus and Commuter Student Engagement (OCCSE) and community partners to support off-campus students. Through case studies, we’ll showcase the program’s impact and discuss how the university and city’s interconnectedness led to its creation and continued success.

Presenters: Rochelle Toth, Community Outreach and Engagement Manger, Doug Welker and Tom Schneider Police Officers, and Dilnavaz Cama, Director, Office of Student Life Willie J. Young, Sr. Off-Campus and Commuter Student Engagement, The Ohio State University

KSC Room 306 A-Track 4: Politics, Pizza and Paul Rudd: Civic Engagement and the 2024 Election at Villanova University

Abstract: In the 2024 general election, Villanova University demonstrated a robust commitment to civic engagement by establishing an on-campus polling location and implementing comprehensive voter education and mobilization strategies. This presentation will explore the collaborative efforts that led to the successful integration of the Mullen Center for the Performing Arts as a polling place, the challenges encountered—including extended wait times—and the proactive measures taken to address them. Additionally, it will highlight the university's initiatives to foster a culture of active citizenship among students, contributing to increased voter turnout and political participation.

Presenter: Hally Ammons, Assistant Director for Government & Community Relations, Villanova University