Immaculata University Brings Higher Education Leaders Together for Innovative Conference

Immaculata University recently brought together higher education leaders from across the region for a day of collaboration, research sharing and professional development designed to address the rapidly evolving needs of today’s colleges and universities. The event marked the launch of the new Immaculata-led conference series with plans to make it an annual event, continuing the University’s commitment to supporting innovation in higher education.

The conference, “Innovation Unbound: Shaping the Future of Higher Education,” sponsored by Immaculata University’s doctorate and master’s programs in higher education, was born from a shared vision between Sister Ann Heath, IHM, director of Immaculata’s higher education programs, and Angela Tekely, Ed.D., professor of education at Immaculata. The keynote speaker for the inaugural event was John Cavanaugh, Ph.D., whose address helped set the tone for a day centered on forward-thinking leadership and collaboration.

Immaculata faculty played a central role in the conference’s discussions. In one session, Virginia Lindak, Ed.D., assistant professor in the Arts, Languages and Letters department, shared findings from a qualitative research study offering recommendations and best practices for strengthening diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in undergraduate curricula.

In another session, Heidi Harrison, the director of IU’s career and professional development department, Kate Kearney, associate dean for undergraduate advising, Kathy Memmo, director for undergraduate advising and Lynn Rothenhoefer, Immaculata’s director of DEI, shared insights into the First@IU program, an Immaculata University initiative that connects first-generation students with peers and mentors to help them access campus resources, build academic and career skills, and stay supported as they work toward their degrees.

The session explored how the program was developed, the successes and challenges encountered along the way, and plans for its continued growth. These plans include strengthening and expanding the First@IU student group, increasing the visibility of both First@IU and Tri-Alpha ( a national honor society for first-generation students) and broadening career preparation opportunities to support first-generation students beyond graduation.

First@IU underscores a broader, institution-wide commitment towards student success from Immaculata, which resonated strongly with attendees. “I’m grateful to Immaculata for offering events like these,” said Sandra Nolan, Ph.D., undergraduate program director for nursing at the University of Delaware. “When you’re involved so heavily in a program, you get into this bubble, and it’s important to step out of that and get to events like these to learn what other schools are doing for their students and network. Immaculata has a reputation for how much they truly value their students and their students’ success.”

Other sessions throughout the day featured faculty and administrators from other institutions including West Chester University, George Mason University, Notre Dame of Maryland University, Widener University and Montgomery County Community College.

“The presentations showcased excellence, innovation and creativity in practice, qualities that enhance the collegiate experience and reflect Immaculata’s mission to serve our educational community. The day offered opportunities to connect with thought leaders, engage in meaningful dialogue and see how their academic preparation contributes to the broader higher education community,” said Tekely.

As higher education continues to evolve, these events serve as a catalyst for innovative thinking, dialogue and student-centered progress. Tekely and Heath’s commitment to hosting conferences of this nature — with another already scheduled for Nov. 5, 2026 — reflects Immaculata University’s dedication to creating spaces where higher education professionals can collaborate and collectively shape the future of the field.

That commitment to excellence and innovation also extends to the University’s graduate programs in higher education, which focus on preparing current and future leaders in the field. Individuals interested in these programs may view them here or contact Heath for more information at aheath@immaculata.edu.