Higher education professionals from across the United States convened in Atlanta from November 17 to 19 for the Inside Higher Ed Student Success US 2025 conference. The event was co-hosted by the University of Georgia (UGA) and received support from the National Higher Education Teaching Conference. The agenda included topics such as data-driven academic support, community building, and post-graduation preparation.
President Jere W. Morehead opened the conference by highlighting UGA’s efforts to improve student outcomes. “Student success is a top priority at UGA, and we have made consistent investments in initiatives and infrastructure to enrich the student experience,” Morehead said. “We spend our days, weeks, months and years ensuring students leave our campus prepared to embrace their calling as the next generation of leaders, and we work tirelessly to equip graduates with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate a rapidly changing job market.”
Fourteen UGA speakers led sessions during the two-day event, including thirteen presenters from the Office of Instruction and Dean of the Graduate School Ron Walcott. Several students participated alongside recent alumna Jessica Tardy, who discussed mentorship’s role in student development.
UGA’s Vice President for Instruction Marisa Pagnattaro commented on faculty participation: “It was energizing to have so many of my colleagues share their extensive knowledge and break down the effective tactics and initiatives they’ve been developing here at UGA. I hope the conference participants were able to carry some of that excitement back to campus.”
Topics presented by UGA faculty included experiential learning methods and assessment strategies. Andy Borst, vice provost for enrollment management, and Associate Vice President Tom Mote spoke about leveraging data-driven enrollment strategies to enhance access, retention, and financial stability.
Leah Carmichael, director of active learning at UGA, collaborated with Megan Mittelstadt from the Center for Teaching and Learning and Cara Winston-Simmons from the Office for Student Success and Achievement on a session about fostering culture change through active learning initiatives. They highlighted UGA’s new Creative Engagement Wing as an example of modern educational space.
Senior IT Director Shefali Dhar joined Associate Vice President and Registrar Fiona Liken in demonstrating UGA’s Comprehensive Learner Record during a panel focused on supporting student achievement.
The university’s involvement underscored its commitment to excellence in teaching—a core theme of the conference—and highlighted ongoing programs aimed at supporting faculty development and improving outcomes for students.
In her closing remarks, Pagnattaro emphasized adapting approaches to meet students’ needs, fostering community engagement, encouraging faculty involvement, and integrating technology responsibly.
Through participation in national discussions on student success, UGA reiterated its focus on inclusive pedagogy, evidence-based instruction practices, and comprehensive support systems for students.
