We’ll officially kick off the Professional Development Day with a welcome and dynamic opening panel that explores the ever-changing higher education landscape. Panelists will discuss the evolving role of supervision in supporting employee retention, the integration of AI and other emerging technologies, and the impact of a shifting workforce—setting the tone for a day focused on practical strategies, collaboration, and growth.

Panelists include:

1. Dan Serig, Ed.D., Assistant Teaching Professor, Graduate School of Education at Northeastern University
2. Katrina Graham, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Management at Suffolk University
3. Shawna Cooper Whitehead, Ed.D, Vice President for Student Affairs at Boston College

Supervising for Success: Communication Strategies for Higher Education Leaders

Presenter: Alex Fronduto, DHS, Associate Teaching Professor and Academic Lead, M.Ed in Higher Education Administration Program at Northeastern University

Two-thirds of workers report poor communication as a significant workplace challenge, making it a critical focus for mid-level managers. This interactive session equips participants with practical strategies for navigating communication both up and down the organizational ladder, delivering critical feedback, and handling difficult conversations with confidence. Attendees will explore best practices for providing constructive feedback, advocating for team members, and managing complex workplace situations. The session will also highlight ways Generative AI can support supervision by improving efficiency, organization, and preparation for challenging conversations. Through hands-on exercises, participants will apply communication techniques in realistic scenarios, collaborate with peers, and leave with actionable tools to enhance team performance, influence across levels, and strengthen their supervisory impact.

Brand You: Building Connections and Leveraging Strengths for Career Growth

Presenter: Kat DeNardo, MBA, Human Resources Specialist at Brown University

In this interactive session, participants will explore the foundations of personal branding and the power of authentic networking. Using SWOT finder, you’ll identify your unique strengths and learn how to leverage them to tell your story, build meaningful connections through informational interviews, and position yourself for long-term career success.

From Problem to Possibility: Leveraging the Power of Collective Intelligence in Higher Ed Leadership 

Presenter: Eve Rifkin, Ed.D., Senior Lecturer and Program Director at Vanderbilt University & Jermaine Soto, Ph.D., Senior Director for Faculty Advancement at Vanderbilt University

In the fast-paced and complex world of higher education leadership, finding time and space for deep, collaborative problem-solving can be a challenge. This interactive workshop introduces participants to the Consultancy Protocol, a structured process that fosters reflective dialogue, peer consultation, and actionable insight. Designed specifically for higher education leaders, this session offers both a conceptual overview and a hands-on experience of the protocol in action.

Participants will engage in small-group rounds where they take turns presenting real leadership dilemmas and receive focused, non-evaluative feedback from peers. Through this process, leaders will learn how to frame challenges more effectively, listen with intention, and offer generative questions and perspectives. The protocol not only builds trust and collegiality but also cultivates a culture of inquiry and shared leadership.

By the end of the session, attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how to implement the Consultancy Protocol in their own contexts—whether in leadership teams, faculty development, or cross-functional initiatives. Come prepared to share, reflect, and reimagine how collaborative consultation can transform your leadership practice.

This interactive session brings everyone together to engage in small-group roundtable discussions. Participants will share experiences, exchange ideas, and explore a variety of topics in a collaborative and open setting. The session is designed to foster connection, reflection, and the generation of new insights for all attendees.

Reset the Vibe, Fuel the Vision

Presenter: Scott Shea, M.S., Director, Campus Center & Event Services at UMass Boston

When team dynamics shift, morale dips, or turnover becomes the norm, it’s easy to lose momentum—and even harder to rebuild it. Whether you’re inheriting a fractured team or launching a new staff retreat for the first time, the work of repairing culture and reestablishing trust starts with intention, vulnerability, and a strong sense of community. In this session, we’ll explore how to design impactful staff retreats that don’t just check boxes but reignite purpose and connection. Using UMass Boston’s Campus Center & Event Services’ VIBEFEST (a real-world example of a morale-boosting professional staff “retreat”) as a case study, we’ll break down the core elements that can make or break these moments of reset. We’ll also discuss strategies for new supervisors stepping into high-turnover environments, how to foster genuine buy-in, and how to balance fun with accountability. If you’re ready to rebuild the vibe and the vision, this session is for you.

Leading Through Change or Managing Chaos

Presenter: Jack Fitzpatrick, MHA, Director of Graduate Enrollment at Lasell University

Higher Ed can be slow to change, but that doesn’t mean leadership isn’t quickly evolving. In this session we will discuss how leaders can lead through change and step away from just managing the chaos. We’ll dissect the key factors that drive effective change and examine the dual role of leadership in both facilitating and hindering progress. More importantly, we’ll discuss how we, as leaders, can positively steer the course of change. Through real-world examples and group discussions, this session will cover strategies for implementing change at your institution.

Beyond the Checklist: A Human-Centered Approach to Supervision

Presenter: Cheryl M. Lawrence, M.Ed., Assistant Director, Community Standards at Babson College

Supervision is often treated as a series of compliance checks and performance reviews, but what if it could be a catalyst for meaningful growth and engagement? This presentation offers a dynamic shift from traditional, rigid supervision to a human-centered model. We will explore how to build authentic, trusting relationships with those you lead, moving supervision from a top-down process to a collaborative partnership. By focusing on individualized needs and leveraging empathy, you can unlock the full potential of both students and staff. This session will provide actionable tools and a fresh perspective for supervisors across all fields who are ready to create a more supportive, effective, and empowering work environment.