Kentucky Student Success Summit 2027
Higher Education Leadership is Change Leadership
March 1-2, 2027 Ι Paroquet Springs Conference Centre, Shepherdsville
We are thrilled to announce the 16th Annual Kentucky Student Success Summit! For over a decade and a half, this premier gathering has brought together dedicated educators, leaders, and postsecondary innovators from across the Commonwealth to collaborate, share insights, and elevate student outcomes.
This year’s theme, Higher Education Leadership is Change Leadership, emphasizes that true progress requires continuous innovation—experimenting with bold ideas, measuring real-world impact, and turning hard-earned lessons into sustainable strategies. Together, we will explore how collaborative approaches and strong change leadership turn transformative ideas into lasting outcomes for all Kentucky students.
What to Expect
- Actionable Strategies & Tests of Change: Discover evidence-based campus improvement practices organized around the Summit’s five core focus areas: Connect, Chart, Continue, Complete, and Climb. Presenters share the exact challenges they addressed, the changes they tested, what they learned, and what’s next.
- Centered Student Voices: Hear directly from student panelists about the experiences, supports, and institutional practices that shape their ability to navigate college, persist, and achieve their goals.
- Featured Keynotes & State Leadership: Gain inspiration and actionable frameworks from state leaders and national experts, including Dr. Aaron Thompson (President, CPE), Dr. Jamal Watson, and Dr. Paul Markham (Sova).
- Meaningful Networking & Recognition: Connect with fellow higher education leaders, faculty, staff, and student advocates during the evening reception, LX Network gathering, and the Student Success Awards lunch.
While the full agenda is in development, we are pleased to share the following highlights:
- Schedule: March 1 (1:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. ET) & March 2 (8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. ET)
- Keynote Addresses & Plenary Sessions:
- State of Kentucky Student Success Address -- Dr. Aaron Thompson, President, Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education
- "When Students Fall Through the Cracks, They Don’t Just Lose a Degree, They Lose Everything" -- Dr. Jamal Watson, Higher Education Consultant, Professor, and Associate Dean of Graduate Studies at Trinity Washington University
- "Building the Engine for Change in Kentucky" -- Dr. Paul Markham, Senior Partner at Sova
- Student Panel: Centering Student Voices - Highlighting direct student experiences, supports, and institutional practices that shape persistence and degree completion.
- Tests of Change Sessions: Twelve dynamic concurrent sessions selected through our Call for Proposals, showcasing real campus improvement efforts—the challenges addressed, changes tested, lessons learned, and next steps across our five focus areas (Connect, Chart, Continue, Complete, Climb).
- Networking Reception: Opportunities to connect with colleagues from across Kentucky, exchange ideas, and build lasting professional connections.
- Student Success Awards: Celebrating honorees for their outstanding impact on student experiences and institutional outcomes.
Call for Proposals
The Council is now accepting proposals to present at this year’s event. Successful submissions will highlight innovative practices, lessons learned, and collaborative approaches that are helping institutions respond to changing student needs. Proposals are encouraged to highlight data, evidence, and measurable outcomes that demonstrate the impact of these efforts and provide insights that can inform student success across institutions.
- Deadline for submissions: Nov. 30, 2026
- Submit your proposal here.
Registration Opens December 1
Don't miss your chance to save $50 on your registration! The early bird rate of $150 is capped at the first 100 attendees, after which general registration will increase to $200. Your summit registration includes full access to all keynote sessions, breakout workshops, networking events, and conference meals across both days. We encourage institutions planning to send team members to submit registrations promptly once the window opens on December 1.
Event Location & Lodging
The 16th Annual Kentucky Student Success Summit will take place at the Paroquet Springs Conference Centre, conveniently located directly off I-65 and just 15 miles south of Louisville.
- Address: 395 Paroquet Springs Dr, Shepherdsville, KY 40165
- Parking: Complimentary onsite parking is available for all attendees.
- Accommodations: Hotel block details and special summit rates will be announced soon.
Stay Involved
Are you on our mailing list for the annual Student Success Summit? If not, add your email to the CPE Newsletters - Student Access and Success Unit. We'll include you on future announcements.
Last Updated: 10/23/2026