League for Innovation in the Community College

"You have to give yourself to other people. Teaching is a way of giving." – Frank McCourt Before he became a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Frank McCourt spent decades as an educator, sharing the power of storytelling with his students. As we wind down a hectic week (post-Innovations Conference for the League staff!) and head into the weekend (with St. Patrick’s Day just around the corner), it’s the perfect time to celebrate the enduring influence of Irish writers. Whether revisiting the lyrical prose of James Joyce, Oscar Wilde's wit, or McCourt's poignant memoirs, literature invites us to see the world through new eyes. The League wishes you a relaxing weekend and a moment to enjoy a cup of tea and a good book.

At #25INNTX, Joe Abraham, Managing Partner Beyond Academics delivered a thought-provoking keynote on the quantum shifts ahead for higher education. With AI and blockchain transforming how students learn and progress, he challenged attendees to take a blank-slate approach to reimagining academic excellence, student experience, and financial sustainability. Thank you to Cengage Higher Education for their generous support of this presentation. The next 18 months will define the future—will we lead or play catch-up? ?? #HigherEdInnovation #AIinEducation #Blockchain #CommunityColleges

? Thank You, #INNTX25 Attendees! ? As the Innovations Conference 2025 comes to a close, we extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who made this event a success: ?? Our keynote speakers and session presenters for sharing their insights and expertise. ?? Our attendees for engaging in meaningful discussions and bringing innovation to life. ?? Our sponsors, including Alamo Colleges District as our host college, for their generous support. ?? The Grand Hyatt San Antonio for hosting us in this incredible city. Safe travels home, and we hope to see you next year for the Innovations Conference in Indianapolis, March 15-18, 2026! ?? Until next time, keep innovating to advance education, empower students, and strengthen our community colleges. ?? #INNTX25

At the close of day three of the Innovations Conference, we gathered to celebrate the outstanding recipients of the 2023-2024 Innovation of the Year Awards and the 2024-2025 Excellence Awards. This exclusive event recognized exemplary work in community colleges and honored those who push the boundaries of innovation and excellence. Congratulations to all awardees! ?? Thank you for your dedication to transforming education and student success. #25INNTX #InnovationAndExcellence #CommunityCollegeLeadership

Congratulations to Dhruv Sethi, Middlesex College recipient of the 2024 Terry O’Banion Student Technology Award for Developer Champion! ?? Recognized for his outstanding achievements in technology, Dhruv was honored today at the Innovations Conference 2025. Read more about his accomplishments: tinyurl.com/3bcdhbnb #25INNTX #CommunityCollege #StudentInnovation

A huge thank you to our incredible sponsors for making the Innovations Conference possible! Your support helps us lead groundbreaking ideas, connections, and collaborations that shape the future of community colleges. We appreciate all you do to help make this event a success! #25INNTX Cengage Higher Education EAB FortuneTimes Group (FTG) Innovative Educators #EdReady NROC #AmattaITSolutions FranklinCovey #GrayDI BibliU CircleRAM Ferris State University Fulbright Association Handshake Inframappa, Inc. Mentor Collective Pathify The Hardy Group Workforce Connect

Day 2 at #25INNTX was packed with learning, discussion, and collaboration! We kicked off the morning with an insightful moderated panel led by Dr. Rufus Glasper, League CEO, featuring Dr. Judith Cardenas, CEO Strategies By Design and Kelsey Behringer, CEO Packback, who explored the practical applications of AI in education. Their session, AI Unveiled: Transforming Learning, Leadership, and the Future of Community Colleges, sparked a dynamic Q&A, with educators engaging in thoughtful discussions on AI's role in the future of learning. The afternoon was just as impactful, with a full schedule of sessions covering community college education, workforce readiness, and innovative practices. Attendees connected shared knowledge and explored solutions for the evolving educational landscape. What were your key takeaways or thoughts on AI and its evolving application as a tool to educate and enhance teaching efficiencies? Share your insights in the comments! #HigherEd #CommunityColleges #AIinEducation

?? Innovations Conference 2025: Day 2 Recap Another one outta the park! Day 2 of #25INNTX was filled with thought-provoking discussions on AI, leadership, student success, and the evolving role of community colleges. ?? The morning began with a powerful General Session keynote, AI Unveiled: Transforming Learning, Leadership, and the Future of Community Colleges, featuring Judith Cardenas, CEO of Strategies By Design, and Kelsey Behringer, CEO of Packback, Inc. Their insights explored how AI is reshaping learning experiences, enhancing institutional effectiveness, and preparing students for the future. ?? Breakout sessions, roundtables, and forums throughout the day addressed faculty-driven innovations, student-centered support strategies, and workforce development initiatives. ?? Conversations centered on harnessing AI responsibly, fostering inclusive teaching practices, and developing leadership models that drive institutional change. ?? What stood out to you today? Share your reflections and key takeaways using #25INNTX! Thank you to all attendees for making Day 2 a success. See you tomorrow for another inspiring day! #HigherEd #CommunityColleges #InnovationInEducation

Engage in Thought-Provoking Roundtable Discussions at 2:00 PM Join today’s interactive discussions covering leadership, innovation, and student engagement. ? Driving Institutional Change During Leadership Transitions: Challenges for Women Leaders (Leadership & Organization) Explore strategies for navigating change, overcoming resistance, and building strong teams during leadership transitions. ? Transmuted DEI Three Six Four: Divergency, Engagement, Innovation, and More (Learning & Teaching) Rethink DEI through a new lens—fostering divergent thinking, engagement, and innovation across disciplines. ? Fun Science Outreach Supporting Equity and Recruitment (IOY Award Winner) (Student Support & Development) Learn how Foothill College’s Physics Show brings science to life for thousands while supporting equity and student recruitment. Check the conference schedule for details and room locations. #25INNTX

Day 1 of #25INNTX kicked off with an energizing Opening Reception! Attendees and sponsors mixed, mingled, and made meaningful connections while celebrating the start of an exciting conference. Here’s to sharing, innovation, collaboration, and inspiration! ??Cheers!