Practical Strategies for Successful Leadership

Thursday, January 22, 2026

9:30 AM - 10:45 AM East Coast USA Time

Location: George Washington - Level M1

Primary Presenter(s)

Jennifer Malat

Dean
University of New Mexico Main Campus, United States

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Co-Presenter(s)

Francine Conway

Chancellor
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey–New Brunswick, United States
Andrew Daire

Provost
University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, United States
Carmenita Higginbotham

Dean
Virginia Commonwealth University, United States
Mardell Wilson

Provost
Creighton University, United States

Amid unprecedented challenges to higher education’s values and mission, academic leaders are called to act with vision, clarity, and care. To lead others effectively, leaders must also sustain themselves. This session will offer small, strategic adjustments that can strengthen a leader’s presence, resilience, and impact each day.

The session will be organized around four practical themes—reducing cognitive load, designing time, setting boundaries, and caring for our well-being. Examples may include creating a zero-inbox system, scheduling to enable true time off, using generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools, thriving during challenges, and building structures that safeguard time for strategic thinking.

The session will feature concrete strategies from academic leaders across a range of institutions and roles, from deans to provosts to presidents. Panelists will share what has worked for them and invite attendees into a facilitated conversation. Together, panelists and participants will explore how small shifts in daily practice can support sustained, impactful, values-driven leadership.