higher education government relations conference - american

Higher Education Government Relations Conference

November 28 – 30, 2012Miami, Florida

AACC • AASCU • APLU • CASE

and State Prosperity

Partneringfor Student Success

From the Chair

Higher Education Government Relations Conference 2012 / 1

Welcome to the Sunshine State and the great

city of Miami—home to a diverse array of

outstanding colleges and universities—and the

2012 Higher Education Government Relations

Conference! Joining you at this 19th annual convening are

professionals from throughout the U.S. and Canada who

have come together to strengthen their ability to deliver

positive change in postsecondary education through strong

and effective policy, advocacy, partnerships and public

engagement.

Partnering for Student Success and State Prosperity is the theme of this year’s

conference. The program’s content will focus on the nexus between these two

interconnected variables. No other entities contribute more to building the

economic capacity of states than institutions of higher education. While our

colleges and universities are economic generators, the ability of these institutions

to deliver fully on their teaching, research and service missions requires strong

partnerships and coordination with all levels of government, the non-profit

community and private enterprise. South Florida serves as an exceptional

example of this set of interrelated partnerships, in which the region’s colleges and

universities are deeply engaged in revitalizing a leading international commercial

and cultural hub.

The Task Force on Higher Education Government Relations, composed of college

and university government relations professionals, in collaboration with the

government relations staff from the conference’s four sponsoring associations—

AACC, AASCU, APLU and CASE—has put together an exemplary program that

will explore complex policy, advocacy and political challenges confronting public

higher education.

Your participation in this conference will provide you with enhanced knowledge as

well as practical tools and strategies for advancing your institution’s ability to drive

student success through effective advocacy and informed public policy. While your

stay in Miami may be brief, we hope that the value of your expanded portfolio of

knowledge and increased professional network will be enduring.

Enjoy the conference!

Brian K. Jammer

Associate Vice Chancellor for Governmental Relations

University of Texas System and 2012 Chair,

Task Force on Higher Education Government Relations

2012 task force on HigHer education government relations

2 / 2012 Higher Education Government Relations Conference

Brian K. JammerChairAssociate Vice Chancellor for Governmental RelationsUniversity of Texas System

Lisbet SunshineVice-Chair and Chairof Awards CommitteeDirector, Government and Community Relations and Executiver Director, Willie L. Brown, Jr. Leadership CenterSan Francisco State University

Members

Regina D. Biddings-MuroInterim Vice Presidentfor AdvancementPurdue University Calumet (Ind.)

Kathleen DalyAssistant Vice Presidentfor Governmental RelationsFlorida State University

Danny JensenVice Presidentfor Governmental AffairsUniversity of North Texas Health Science Center

Nick KallierisDirector, Resource Developmentand Legislative AffairsCollege of Lake County (Ill.)

Mark KindersVice Presidentfor Government RelationsUniversity of Central Oklahoma

Justin H. LononVice Chancellor, Publicand Governmental AffairsDallas County Community College District

Mica StarkSpecial Assistant to the Presidentfor Government RelationsUniversity of New Hampshire

Don NelsonDirector of State Relations University of Wisconsin-Madison

Janet D. OwenVice President, Governmental AffairsUniversity of North Florida

Claire Rosacco Vice President, Government Relations and Community Outreach Cuyahoga Community College (Ohio)

Janelle TomanDirector of CommunicationsSouth Dakota Board of Regents

Robin WaltonDirector of Communityand Government AffairsThomas Edison State College (N.J.)

thank you to our sponsors


Platinum Sponsor• College Board Advocacy and Policy Center

Gold Sponsors• Maricopa Community Colleges—in support of The Democracy Commitment

• The Productivity Strategy Labs/HCM Strategists

• Thomas Edison State College (N.J.)

• University of Texas System

Silver Sponsors• San Francisco State University

• University of Central Oklahoma

• University of North Texas System

Awards Program Sponsorship• Capitol Impact, LLC

Be a part of the conference Twitterconversation using hashtag #hegrc12

wednesday, november 28


1 p.m. – 5 p.m. * Metropolis Pre-Function Foyer (14th Floor)

Registration

3 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. * Metropolis Ballroom

Conference OpeningPresenter: Brian Jammer, Associate Vice Chancellor for Governmental Relations,

University of Texas System and Chair, Task Force on Higher Education

Government Relations

3:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. * Metropolis Ballroom

Opening General SessionSponsored by San Francisco State University

Institutional Leadership and Collaboration in Driving Regional Economic Development Colleges and universities are widely recognized as engines of economic development.

But how these institutions foster regional economic stewardship is as critical as the

activity itself. A collaborative approach involving stakeholders from all sectors and which

utilizes the full slate of an institution’s physical, fiscal and knowledge resources can

make a transformational economic and quality of life impact. This opening session will

feature a discussion of the coordinated, concerted and successful approach to regional

advancement utilized by Miami’s two most prominent public postsecondary institutions.

Moderator: Janet Owen, Vice President of Governmental Affairs, University of North

Florida

Presenters: Mark B. Rosenberg, President, Florida International University

Rolando Montoya, Provost, Miami Dade College

4:15 p.m. – 5 p.m. * Metropolis Ballroom

Plenary SessionSponsored by Thomas Edison State College

The College Advantage: The Real StoryRecession-induced labor market turbulence, escalating tuition prices and growing

student debt levels have elevated the dialogue regarding the value of obtaining a

college degree or other postsecondary credential. Questions in the public domain

include: Do we really need more citizens with college degrees? Is obtaining a college

degree or postsecondary credential really worth it? In this session, learn the latest

data from one of the nation’s most respected centers on labor market economics and

join in a discussion on how to convey an informed narrative to policymakers and the

public regarding the individual and collective economic advantages of postsecondary

education.

Moderator: Brian Jammer, Associate Vice Chancellor for Governmental Relations,

University of Texas System

Presenter: Tamara Jayasundera, Research Professor and Senior Economist,

Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce

wednesday, november 28


5 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. * South Pool Deck (16th Floor)

Advocacy Showcase and Opening Reception Sponsored by The College Board Advocacy and Policy Center

Join your government relations and public affairs colleagues in this exceptional networking

and information-sharing venue. Learn about advocacy programs and resources that can be

used to advance higher education policy priorities.

Featured Presenters

State Legislator Report Card

California State University (CSU)

An assessment of state lawmakers’ votes on CSU legislative priorities in the 2011-2012

legislative session.

Karen Zamarripa, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Advocacy and State Relations, California

State University

The Oregon Idea

A coalition of small business owners, CEOs, community leaders and alumni of Oregon’s

colleges and universities aimed at boosting higher education policy and funding as a

state priority.

Bridget Burns, Chief of Staff, Oregon University System

Public Higher Education Legislative Advocacy Professionals

A volunteer organization of advocacy professionals dedicated to advancing the

understanding and support of legislative advocacy within the realm of public higher

education and to promoting the professional development of its members and the

advocacy profession.

Amy Eichhorst, Vice President, Illinois Connection, University of Illinois

ITGA Certificate Program in Town-Gown Relations

International Town and Gown Association

A comprehensive six-week online program designed to help college and municipal

officials better understand and address complex challenges and processes associated

with city and university relationships.

Kim Griffo, Executive Director, International Town and Gown Association

Advocacy Technology for College and University Government Affairs

Capitol Impact, LLC

Learn about the following advocacy resources: online software to track, review and

comment on state and federal legislation; software tools to build a powerful network of

advocates and improve your voice in the state capitol; a database of state officials and

the ability to communicate with them electronically; and programs to help government

affairs staff excel in communicating legislation and keeping all key stakeholders

informed.

Andy Paul, Chief Executive Officer

Dinner on Your Own

thursday, november 29


8 a.m. – 4 p.m. * Metropolis Pre-Function Foyer (14th Floor)

Registration

7:15 a.m. – 8 a.m. * Metropolis Pre-Function Foyer / Gotham / Sanctum

Continental Breakfast

8 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. * Metropolis Ballroom

Plenary SessionSponsored by the University of Central Oklahoma

Turbulence in the Higher Education Marketplace: New Models, New Players and New Implications for State Relations Officers It’s not just the state of public funding that is challenging public colleges’ and

universities’ capacity to fully deliver on their missions. Rapidly developing technology

and edupreneurial zeal are combining to challenge every aspect of the traditional model

of higher education: organization, structure and delivery. The disruption in today’s

higher education marketplace is affecting student-consumer behavior, policymakers’

perceptions, the perceived value of a liberal education, and even the “public purpose”

missions of these institutions. This session will synthesize these changing dynamics and

will help generate considerations for guiding the efforts of public affairs professionals

to accurately describe and frame their institutions in an era of dynamic and dramatic

change.

Moderator: Mark Kinders, Vice President for Governmental Relations, University of

Central Oklahoma

Presenter: George L. Mehaffy, Vice President, Academic Leadership and Change,

American Association of State Colleges and Universities

9:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. * Metropolis Ballroom

Plenary SessionSponsored by the University of Texas System

Partnering with Business to Advance Higher Education as a State PriorityThe united voice of higher education and business and industry is essential to conveying

to policymakers and the public the need for sufficient state support of colleges and

universities. Hear commentary from officials from both sectors on collaborative public

affairs and legislative relations strategies that can be harnessed to elevate higher

education as a state policy priority.

Moderator: Regina Biddings-Muro, Interim Vice Chancellor for Advancement, Purdue

University Calumet (Ind.)

Presenters: Steven T. Halverson, Chief Executive Officer, The Haskell Company and

Chair, Florida Council of 100

Michael A. Boulus, Executive Director, Presidents Council of the State

Universities of Michigan

Bridget Burns, Chief of Staff, Oregon University System



10:45 a.m – Noon

Concurrent Sessions

10:45 a.m – Noon * Gotham

The Credential Differential: The Public Return to Increasing Postsecondary Credential Attainment In an era of strained competition for state resources, college and university officials need

to utilize meaningful, high-impact data to educate lawmakers on the financial return

of public investment in boosting degree production and educational attainment rates.

Learn about the Return on Investment Dashboard, a free and interactive tool developed

by the Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP) and the National Center for Higher

Education Management Systems (NCHEMS) that uses key data sources to project the

short- and long-term fiscal effects of increasing the number of credentialed adults in

your state’s economy.

Moderator: Janelle Toman, Director of Communications, South Dakota Board of

Regents

Presenters: Vickie Choitz, Senior Policy Analyst, Workforce Development, Center for

Law and Social Policy (CLASP)

Patrick Kelly, Senior Associate, National Center for Higher Education

Management Systems (NCHEMS)

10:45 a.m – Noon * Sanctum

Accounting for and Conveying Student and Institutional Success To help public institutions better demonstrate and communicate key outcomes, the

national presidential associations representing public colleges and universities have

implemented consumer-friendly tools for conveying critical measures of student and

institutional success. Learn the latest advancements involving the Voluntary System of

Accountability, available to public four-year universities, and the Voluntary Framework of

Accountability, specially built for the nation’s community colleges. Hear about a multi-

association effort to devise a new measure of student success that more accurately

reflects institutional performance. Finally, learn how state government relations officers

utilize their institution’s involvement in these national accountability systems in their

public advocacy efforts.

Moderator: Claire Rosacco, Vice President of Government Relations and Community

Outreach, Cuyahoga Community College

Presenters: Christine Keller, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, Association

of Public and Land-grant Universities and Executive Director, Voluntary

System of Accountability

Robert Moran, Director of Federal Relations and Policy Analysis, American

Association of State Colleges and Universities

Jim Hermes, Associate Vice President for Government Relations,

American Association of Community Colleges



Noon – 1:30 p.m. * Metropolis Ballroom

State Relations Awards Program—Honoring Achievement, Leadership and Innovation in State Relations Sponsored by Capitol Impact, LLC

Program recognition of the Edward Crawford Award for Innovation in State Relations and

the Marvin D. “Swede” Johnson Achievement Award.

Host: Lisbet Sunshine, Director, Government Relations and Community Relations and

Executive Director, Willie L. Brown, Jr. Leadership Center, San Francisco State

University and Chair, State Relations Awards Committee

Presentation of the 2012 Crawford Award for Innovation in State RelationsHonoree: Frances Teves, Director of State Relations and Advocacy, California State

University, Fullerton

Presentation of the 2012 Marvin D. “Swede” Johnson Achievement AwardHonoree: Susan Peterson, Director of Governmental Relations, Kansas State University

1:40 p.m. – 2:50 p.m.

Affinity Group SessionsSponsored by Maricopa Community Colleges in Support of The Democracy Commitment

Gather with colleagues and association representatives from your sector to network and

share information. Learn about key initiatives, resources and opportunities for stakeholders,

and discuss legislative and policy issues that can be acted upon collaboratively.

1:40 p.m. – 2:50 p.m. * Parker

Community CollegesModerators: Nick Kallieris, Director of Resource Development and Legislative Affairs,

College of Lake County (Ill.)

Justin Lonon, Vice Chancellor, Public and Governmental Affairs, Dallas

County Community College District

Presenter: Jim Hermes, Associate Vice President for Government Relations,

American Association of Community Colleges

Resource: Reclaiming the American Dream: Community Colleges and the Nation’s

Future: A Report from the 21st Century Commission on the Future of

Community Colleges

Presenter: Bernie Ronan, Associate Vice Chancellor for Public Affairs, Maricopa

Community Colleges (Ariz.) and Co-Founder, The Democracy Commitment

Resource: The Democracy Commitment: An American Community College Initiative



1:40 p.m. – 2:50 p.m.

Affinity Group Sessions

1:40 p.m. – 2:50 p.m. * Gotham

State Colleges/Regional UniversitiesModerators: Mark Kinders, Vice President for Governmental Relations, University of

Central Oklahoma

Robin Walton, Director of Community and Government Affairs, Thomas

Edison State College (N.J.)

Presenter: Robert Moran, Director of Federal Relations and Policy Analysis, AASCU

Resource: The College Readiness Partnership: An AASCU-CCSSO-SHEEO Initiative

Presenter: Thomas L. Harnisch, Assistant Director of State Relations and Policy

Analysis, AASCU

Resource: State Government Relations Strategies Utilized by U.S. Regional State

Colleges and Universities: A Forthcoming National Study Involving

Institutional State Relations Officers

1:40 p.m. – 2:50 p.m. * Sanctum B

Research and Land-grant UniversitiesModerators: Danny Jensen, Vice President for Governmental Affairs, University of North

Texas Health Science Center

Don Nelson, Director of State Relations, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Presenters: Jennifer Poulakidas, Vice President, Congressional and Governmental

Affairs, APLU

Kari McCarron, Assistant Director, Congressional and Governmental Affairs,

APLU

Resource: Research Universities and the Future of America: A Report from the

National Research Council

1:40 p.m. – 2:50 p.m. * Sanctum A

System Offices, Boards, and Policy OrganizationsModerators: Brian K. Jammer, Associate Vice Chancellor for Governmental Relations,

University of Texas System

Janelle Toman, Director of Communications, South Dakota Board of

Regents

Presenter: Hans P. L’Orange, Vice President for Research and Information Resources,

State Higher Education Executive Officers (SHEEO)

Resources: Update on State Authorization and Regulation of Postsecondary Distance

Education and; Report Release: Strong Foundations—The State of State

Postsecondary Data Systems (2012 Update on Data Sharing with K-12 and

Labor)



3 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. * Metropolis Ballroom

Plenary Session

Shaping the State and National Conversation on Higher Education: Reform, Reason and Public Purpose The issue of college affordability has led to a growing drumbeat for colleges and

universities to dramatically change and reform current policies and practices that are

often at odds with the values inherent to the academy. Lawmakers’ calls for institutions

to achieve efficiencies in the unending quest for fiscal discipline and to focus on

academic programs strictly designed for a capitalistic economy often contrast sharply

with the aims of a liberal arts education and the broader public good provided by

public postsecondary institutions. Hear from two distinguished political veterans and

college leaders who will share perspectives on how higher education public affairs and

government relations professionals can harness the voice of reason in advancing public

higher education as a state and national public good.

Moderator: Kathleen Daly, Assistant Vice President for Governmental Relations, Florida

State University

Presenters: William L. “Bill” Proctor, Florida State Representative and Chancellor,

Flagler College (Fla.)

William A. Sederburg, Retired Commissioner, Utah System of Higher

Education and AASCU Senior Scholar

Dinner on Your Own

friday, november 30


7:15 a.m. – 8 a.m. * Metropolis Pre-Function Foyer / Gotham / Sanctum

Continental Breakfast

8 a.m. – 9 a.m. * Metropolis Ballroom

Plenary SessionSponsored by The Productivity Strategy Labs

Incentive-based Strategies for Driving the College Completion Agenda The issues of increasing college degree completion and reducing time-to-degree have been gaining prominence on the American higher education agenda. One specific college completion strategy is to embed incentives into the distribution of financial aid and scholarship monies, and through tuition policies, especially at the state and institutional level. Whereas performance-based funding systems seek to improve institutional performance, these policies are designed to incentivize student performance. This panel will discuss the national landscape as it involves the college completion agenda, and will provide a sampling of state and institutional student incentive policies and practices. The session will also include commentary on how government relations professionals can effectively communicate the value of degree completion as a complementary alternative to the traditional graduation rate metric.Moderator: Robin Walton, Director of Community and Government Affairs, Thomas

Edison State College (N.J.)Presenters: Nate Johnson, Senior Consultant, HCM Strategists

David Wright, Chief Policy Officer, Tennessee Higher Education Commission Michael Mumper, Senior Vice President, Enrollment Management and

Program Development, Adams State College (Colo.)

9 a.m. – 10 a.m. * Metropolis Ballroom

Plenary Session Sponsored by the University of North Texas Health Science Center

Washington Update: Briefing on Federal Legislation and Policy Issues While the presidential elections may be behind us, uncertainty remains in the

federal higher education policy landscape in the remaining weeks of 2012 and in

the forthcoming 113th session of Congress. What will the second term of the Obama

Administration bring as it involves higher education? To what extent will dynamics

change in the U.S. House and Senate? What are the post-election prospects and

implications for federal student aid, R&D spending, tax policy and reauthorization of the

Higher Education Act? How is the federal fiscal cliff (tax extenders and sequestration)

being address in the lame duck session of Congress? Learn the very latest on all of

these important issues from government relations staff representing the conference’s

four sponsoring associations.

Moderator: Danny Jensen, Vice President for Governmental Affairs, University of North

Texas Health Science Center

Presenters: Robert Moran, Director, Federal Relations and Policy Analysis, AASCU

Jennifer Poulakidas, Vice President of Congressional and Governmental

Relations, APLU

Jim Hermes, Director of Government Relations, AACC

Brian Flahaven, Director, Legislative, Foundation, and Recognition

Programs, CASE

friday, november 30


10 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. * Metropolis Ballroom

Plenary SessionSponsored by the University of North Texas Health Science Center

State Elections Summary and Higher Education State Policy UpdateThis session will feature a summary of state-level outcomes of the November elections,

including changes in governors’ offices and state legislatures, as well as the results of

ballot measures affecting higher education. Also discussed will be recent trends in state

operating support for public higher education, state revenue forecasts, notable higher

education policy activities from states’ 2012 legislative sessions and prospects for what

will drive lawmakers’ agendas in 2013.

Moderator: Mica Stark, Special Assistant to the President for Government Relations,

University of New Hampshire

Presenters: Daniel J. Hurley, Director of State Relations and Policy Analysis, AASCU

Thomas L. Harnisch, Assistant Director of State Relations and Policy

Analysis, AASCU

10:45 – 11 a.m. * Metropolis Ballroom

Conference ClosingJoin your state relations colleagues in recognizing the service of members of the Task Force

on Higher Education Government Relations and be on hand for the announcement of the

dates and location of the 2013 Higher Education Government Relations Conference.

our sponsors


Platinum Sponsor

The College Board Advocacy & Policy CenterThe College Board Advocacy & Policy Center was established

to help transform education in America. Guided by the College

Board’s principles of excellence and equity in education, we

work to ensure that students from all backgrounds have the

opportunity to succeed in college and beyond. We make critical connections between

policy, research and real-world practice to develop innovative solutions to the most pressing

challenges in education today. Addressing the broad needs of our membership of education

professionals from more than 5,700 institutions, our priorities include: College Preparation

& Access, College Affordability & Financial Aid, and College Admission & Completion. The

College Completion Agenda 2011 Progress Report and companion State Policy Guide,

Rethinking Student Aid, and Trends in Higher Education are three on-going projects that

are of special interest to higher education government relations professionals. For more

information, visit advocacy.collegeboard.org.

Gold Sponsors

The Productivity Strategy Labs/HCM StrategistsThe Productivity Strategy Labs are managed by HCM Strategists with support from Lumina

Foundation. HCM is a public policy and advocacy consulting group focused on finding

effective solutions in education and health. The Strategy Labs provide policymakers with

the opportunity to connect with peers from other states to share, identify and pursue

solutions to ensure that more students complete college within existing resources. For more

information, visit collegeproductivity.org.

The Democracy Commitment The Democracy Commitment (TDC) is a national initiative

providing a platform for the development and expansion of

community college programs, projects and curricula aimed at

engaging students in civic learning and democratic practice

across the country. Officially launched in November 2011 at

The New York Times headquarters, TDC is a rapidly growing initiative among community

colleges across the nation working to ensure that every graduate of these schools has

had an education in democracy. TDC works to increase civic awareness through national

partnerships and campus initiatives involving voting and the environment, policy awareness,

and citizen engagement. This includes all of our students, whether they aim to transfer to

a university, achieve an associate degree or obtain a certificate. Through national initiatives

and partnerships, TDC member institutions will enhance the democratic engagement on

their campuses, in their communities and local governments. For more information, visit

thedemocracycommitment.org.

our sponsors


Thomas Edison State CollegeThomas Edison State College provides flexible, high-quality, collegiate

learning opportunities for self-directed adults. Thomas Edison State

College was established by the State of New Jersey and chartered by

the New Jersey Board of Higher Education in 1972. The college was

founded for the purpose of providing diverse and alternative methods

of achieving a collegiate education of the highest quality for mature

adults. The college offers 20 associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees in more than 100

areas of study to its more than 18,700 students in every state in the United States and more

than 70 countries around the world. For more information, visit tesc.edu.

The University of Texas SystemThe University of Texas (UT) System consists of nine academic universities

and six health institutions. Established by the Texas Constitution in 1876,

its mission is to provide high-quality opportunities for the enhancement

of human resources of Texas, the nation and the world through intellectual

and personal growth. The UT System has a special responsibility for

managing the Permanent University Fund (PUF), other endowments,

managing university lands, carrying out the board of regents’ policies, collaborating with

the board of regents on strategic planning, and serving as consultants to the institutions

on issues ranging from academic programs to fund raising. It is governed by the board of

regents, a nine-member body who are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the

state Senate. The system is headquartered in Austin and serves a total enrollment of 216,000

students. For more information, visit utsystem.edu.

Silver Sponsors

San Francisco State UniversitySan Francisco State University is part of the 23-campus

California State University (CSU) system. It is the only

master’s-level public university serving the counties of

San Francisco, San Mateo and Marin. The university enrolls

nearly 30,000 students each year and offers nationally acclaimed programs in a range

of fields—from creative writing, cinema and biology to history, broadcast and electronic

communication arts, theatre arts and ethnic studies. The university’s more than 212,000

graduates have contributed to the economic, cultural and civic fabric of San Francisco and

beyond. For more information, visit sfsu.edu.

our sponsors


University of Central OklahomaThe University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) is an innovative learning

community located in Edmond, Oklahoma, with more than 17,000 students,

450 full-time and 400 adjunct faculty and staff and 116 undergraduate

majors and 55 graduate programs. UCO has notable academic programs

in a range of fields, including forensic science, music and communications.

Founded in 1890, UCO continues to cultivate creativity and innovation

in every corner of campus, bringing to life its core values of Character,

Community and Civility each day. For more information, please visit uco.edu.

The University of North Texas SystemThe University of North Texas System serves the

North Texas area, boosting economic activity in

the region by nearly $2 billion annually. More than

37,000 students are enrolled in undergraduate, graduate and professional programs, and

system enrollment is projected to increase to about 45,000 students by 2015. The University

of North Texas System is comprised of the University of North Texas, the University of North

Texas Health Science Center and the University of North Texas Dallas. For more information,

visit untsystem.edu.

Awards Sponsor

Capitol ImpactCapitol Impact offers online advocacy tools designed to meet the needs

of a university government affairs office. Our online state and federal

legislative tracking software is a collaborative tracking environment

that engages the government affairs team, the administration, and key

decision makers around the same information. Our Grassroots Advocacy

system enables your alumni, faculty and staff to identify who they know at

the capitol and how they know them to expand your reach to legislators.

Capitol Impact’s PAC management system enables you to track and report on political

contributions from individuals and organizations. To learn more about how Capitol Impact’s

suite of advocacy tools can help your university improve its voice at the capitol, please visit

capitolimpact.com.

conference speakers


Michael Boulus is the executive director of the Presidents Council, State

Universities of Michigan, the coordinating body for Michigan’s 15 public

universities. He is also chair of the Education Alliance of Michigan and

serves on the board of Your Child, a statewide coalition committed to

improving the conversation around the culture of education in Michigan.

Boulus is founder and first president of the Michigan Schools Energy

Cooperative and serves on the board of directors of Next Energy, a

business incubator driving advanced energy technologies. Prior to his

current role, Boulus served as deputy state treasurer for the Michigan Department of

Treasury, executive director of the Middle Cities Education Association and deputy executive

director of the Michigan Association of School Administrators. Boulus holds a bachelor’s

degree from the University of Notre Dame (Ind.), a graduate degree from Eastern Michigan

University and doctorate from Michigan State University.

Bridget Burns is chief of staff at the Oregon University System (OUS).

She works with the chancellor as a policy advisor and is the official

representative of the chancellor to internal and external stakeholders. She

also provides leadership for programs, policy initiatives and mandates of

the Oregon State Board of Higher Education and leads federal and state

government relations on behalf of the university system and chancellor.

Burns previously worked as senior policy advisor and policy and research

associate for OUS. In recognition for her work at OUS, Burns was named as

an associate with the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education in 2010. Burns

earned a graduate degree from Oregon State University.

Vickie Choitz is a senior policy analyst at the Center for Law and

Social Policy (CLASP), where she focuses on state and federal policies

that increase access to and success in workforce development and

postsecondary education for low-income, lower-skilled adults and provides

technical assistance to state agencies on postsecondary, workforce, and

career pathways policies and funding. She also analyzes and advocates

for federal and state workforce and postsecondary education policies that

help low-income, lower-skilled adults access education, postsecondary

credentials, and family-sustaining careers. Prior to joining CLASP, Choitz was a senior policy

analyst at Jobs for the Future and the state policy director for the Lifelong Learning Account

(LiLA) program at the Council for Adult and Experimental Learning (CAEL). Choitz earned

an undergraduate degree from Kansas State University and a graduate degree from Harvard

University (MA).

conference speakers


Brian Flahaven is director for legislative, foundation, and recognition

programs for the Council for Advancement and Support of Education

(CASE), the international professional association for advancement

professional at all levels who work in alumni relations, communications and

development. He directs CASE’s government relations and IRF initiatives

and tracks state, federal and international legislative and regulatory issues

of concern to CASE members. Prior to joining CASE, Flahaven was the

manager of government relations and public policy at the Council of

Foundations. He also served as the first public policy and philanthropy fellow at the Council

of Michigan Foundations, worked for former Illinois Lt. Governor Corrine Wood and interned

for former U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.). Flahaven earned an undergraduate

degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a graduate degree from the

University of Michigan.

Steven Halverson is the president and chief executive officer of The

Haskell Company, where he manages and leads large-scale design and

construction enterprises throughout the United States. Halverson has co-

authored books and written numerous articles on construction industry

law and assisted in drafting the model procurement code for state and

local governments. He is active in numerous academic, industry, and

community organizations while serving as chair of the Florida Council of

100 and treasurer of the Construction Industry Roundtable. Halverson is a

past chairman of the Design-Build Institute of America, the National Center for Construction

Education and Research and the Florida Chamber of Commerce. He is also a director of

CSX Corporation, PSS World Medical, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida and ACIG Insurance.

Halverson earned an undergraduate degree from St. John’s University (NY) and a law degree

from American University (D.C.).

Thomas L. Harnisch is assistant director of state relations and policy

analysis at the American Association of State Colleges and Universities

(AASCU). In his role, he provides research and analysis on an array of state

and federal policy issues pertaining to postsecondary education. Prior

to joining AASCU, Harnisch was a graduate assistant at the Midwestern

Higher Education Compact. He received an undergraduate degree from the

University of Wisconsin, graduate degree at the University of Minnesota

and is a doctoral candidate at The George Washington University (D.C.).

Jim Hermes is associate vice president for government relations with

the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC). Hermes

covers legislative issues including workforce development and vocational

education, technology policy, international education and veterans’

education. Prior to joining AACC, Hermes worked in government relations

for People for the American Way, a public policy organization focused

on the First Amendment. Hermes earned an undergraduate degree from

Dartmouth College (N.H.) and a law degree from The George Washington

University (D.C.).

conference speakers


Daniel J. Hurley is the director of state relations and policy analysis at the

American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU). In this

capacity, he conducts research, provides policy analysis and commentary

to the AASCU membership and other external stakeholder groups. Prior

to joining AASCU, he served as the director of university relations and

administrative services for the Presidents Council, State University of

Michigan. He has also served as the assistant to the president at Ferris

State University (Mich.). Hurley earned a bachelor’s degree from Grand

Valley State University (Mich.), a graduate degree from Ferris State University (Mich.) and a

doctorate from Western Michigan University.

Tamara Jayasundera is a research professor at the Georgetown University

Center on Education and the Workforce, where she analyzes the economics

of education and workforce development. Her current research pertains to

the Great Recession’s impact on employment by education, industry and

occupation as well as job and hiring growth by occupation and industry

in the post-Recession era. Prior to her current research, Jayasundera

focused on program evaluation, intergenerational educational mobility

and education in developing countries. Jayasundera has also served as the

senior research analyst at the National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC), where

she explored racial differences in loan origination and performance in the mortgage industry

in the Washington, D.C. metro area. She earned an undergraduate degree at University of

Peradeniya (Sri Lanka) and a graduate degree and doctorate at American University (D.C.).

Nate Johnson is as a senior consultant to HCM Strategists, where he

consults on higher education policy, funding, and student success issues.

Throughout his career, Johnson has worked in education policy, planning

and research at the institutional, state and national level. Prior to his

current role, Johnson served for five years as executive director of planning

and analysis for the State University System of Florida, facilitating the first

statewide strategic plan for the Florida Board of Governors after it was

created in 2003. He has also served as associate director of institutional

research at the University of Florida and as a policy analyst in Florida’s nationally-recognized

office of articulation. He also serves as the Lumina Foundation’s external higher education

productivity adviser to the state of Tennessee, and is the leader of a Lumina-sponsored

“strategy lab” on student incentives to complete courses and programs. Johnson earned his

bachelor’s degree from Whitman College (Wash.) and a doctorate from Cornell University

(N.Y.).

conference speakers


Christine Keller is the associate vice president for academic affairs at

the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) executive

director of the Voluntary System of Accountability. She is also active

nationally in the Association for Institutional Research (AIR), serving

as a member of its board of directors and is a former president of the

Mid-America Association for Institutional Research (MidAIR). Keller is a

member of the U. S. Department of Education’s National Postsecondary

Education Cooperative (NPEC) research and development panel and the

IPEDS Technical Review Panel. Prior to joining APLU, Keller was an assistant director at the

office of Institutional Research and Planning at the University of Kansas, where she served

as representative to the Association of American Universities (AAU) data exchange. Keller

earned an undergraduate degree at Missouri State University, a graduate degree from the

University of Missouri and a doctorate from the University of Kansas.

Patrick Kelly is a senior associate at the National Center for Higher

Education Management Systems (NCHEMS) and serves as director of the

NCHEMS Information Center for State Higher Education Policymaking and

Analysis. In this role, he works on projects applying research and policy

analysis to link higher education and state needs. Previously, Kelly worked

for six years at the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education where

he collaborated with higher education leaders to design performance

indicators to measure progress toward postsecondary education reform,

conducted research studies for statewide higher education policy initiatives and coordinated

the analysis and reporting of data and information in support of many other council projects.

Prior to working at the council, he was a research associate at the National Center for Family

Literacy. Kelly earned an undergraduate degree at the University of Alabama at Birmingham

and completed a graduate degree and doctorate at the University of Louisville (Ky.).

Kari McCarron is the assistant director for congressional and government

affairs for the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU).

Prior to joining APLU she was the senior legislative assistant for the

Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Washington Office after previously

working for the National Science Foundation (NSF). McCarron also worked

for the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS),

helping to manage federal relations activities for its Center for Science,

Technology, and Congress. She served the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

working as an economist on the International Price Program. McCarron earned a bachelor’s

degree from the University of Michigan and a graduate degree from the Georgia Institute of

Technology.

conference speakers


George L. Mehaffy is the vice president for academic leadership and

change at the American Association of State Colleges and Universities

(AASCU). His division is responsible for developing and managing

programs in leadership development, undergraduate education,

technology, international education and teacher education. During his

tenure at AASCU, Mehaffy has directed a number of innovative projects,

including international programs with China and Liberia; a technology

transformation annual conference with EDUCAUSE and the University of

Central Florida; an articulation project with community colleges; and two major national

studies of student success. In 2003, he launched the American Democracy Project (ADP),

a civic engagement initiative with 240 colleges and universities, in partnership with The

New York Times. Most recently, he organized a national effort to transform undergraduate

education through the Red Balloon Project initiative. Before coming to AASCU, he had more

than 20 years of teaching and administrative experience in higher education in Texas, New

Mexico and California. In addition, he served for 33 years in the United States Coast Guard

Reserve, retiring as a Captain (0-6) in 2000. He earned a doctorate from the University of

Texas.

Rolando Montoya is provost at Miami Dade College (MDC), the largest

college in the Florida College System. During his 25-year academic

and administrative tenure at MDC, Montoya has served in the positions

of professor, department chairperson, dean of academic affairs, and

president of the Wolfson Campus. Before his employment at the College

he served as a business executive in the fields of finance and accounting

and as Consul of Costa Rica in Miami. He is a certified management

accountant and financial manager. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the

Technological Institute of Monterrey (México) and a master’s and doctoral degree from

Florida International University.

Robert Moran is the director of federal relations and policy analysis at the

American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU). In this

role, Moran spearheads efforts focused on advocating AASCU’s federal

policy positions to Congress, the executive branch and the Washington

higher education community. Prior to joining AASCU, Moran served as the

policy analyst on college affordability issues for the under secretary at the

U.S. Department of Education. He also served as a Congressional staffer for

12 years. Moran earned an undergraduate degree from Dickinson College (Pa).

conference speakers


Michael Mumper is the senior vice president for enrollment management

and program development at Adams State University (ASU). At ASU,

Mumper oversees a variety of campus functions, including enrollment

management and student recruitment, admission, retention and success.

Mumper is also charged with overseeing ASU’s communications efforts,

including market research, advertising and social networking initiatives.

He is also responsible for the campus’s efforts to secure external funding

through grants and contracts, especially funding for institutional capacity

building, retention initiatives and new program development. Prior to joining ASU, he served

as associate provost for Graduate Studies at Ohio University. Mumper earned a bachelor’s

degree at ASU, a graduate degree from Arizona State University and a doctorate at the

University of Maryland.

Jennifer Poulakidas is the vice president for congressional affairs at

the Association of Public Land-grant Universities (APLU). In her role,

Poulakidas works closely with the Council of Governmental Affairs to

promote public higher education positions to Congress and the executive

branch on matters of science and research, college affordability and

access, innovation and competitiveness, internationalization, among other

issues. Before joining APLU, Poulakidas served as legislative director at the

University of California and as a staffer on Capitol Hill. Poulakidas earned

an undergraduate degree from the University of California, Los Angeles and a graduate

degree from the University of Texas-Austin.

William L. “Bill” Proctor is a Florida state representative and chancellor

of Flagler College (Fla.). During this past session, Proctor served a

chairman of the House Education Committee and a member of the

House Appropriations Committee. He has served in the Florida House

of Representatives since 2004 and passed legislation dealing with such

diverse fields as education, health, military and veterans’ affairs. He served

as president of Flagler College for 30 years, resigning in 2001 to serve on

the state Board of Education. Proctor earned undergraduate, graduate and

doctoral degrees from Florida State University.

Bernie Ronan is the associate vice chancellor for public affairs of the

Maricopa Community Colleges (Ariz.), which includes government

relations, marketing, media relations, communications, as well as the Center

for Civic Participation. Ronan has been an administrator in the Maricopa

Colleges for the past 20 years, including serving as the acting president of

Mesa Community College. Prior to his service in the Maricopa Colleges, he

was deputy director of the Arizona Department of Commerce, and deputy

associate superintendent of the Arizona Department of Education. Over his

career as a public administrator, he has developed numerous community partnerships and

has conducted research and analysis on public policy issues. Ronan earned a doctorate from

Arizona State University.

conference speakers


Mark Rosenberg is president of Florida International University (FIU). A

political scientist specializing in Latin America, Rosenberg is the first FIU

faculty member to ascend to the university’s presidency. Prior to leading

FIU, Rosenberg served as chancellor for the Board of Governors of the

State University System of Florida. Earlier in his career, Rosenberg was FIU

provost, where he was involved in the campus’s transformation into a major

public research university. As a faculty member at FIU, Rosenberg founded

the Latin American and Caribbean Center, which today ranks as one of the

nation’s premier federally-supported regional research and teaching centers. Rosenberg

earned an undergraduate degree from Miami University (Ohio) and a doctorate from the

University of Pittsburgh (Pa.).

William Sederburg is a senior scholar for the American Association

of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU). Prior to his current role,

Sederburg was Utah commissioner for higher education. As commissioner,

Sederburg led a state planning initiative establishing the goal of having 66

percent of Utah residents having some form of postsecondary education

by 2020. Sederburg has also been president of Utah Valley State College,

overseeing its transformation into Utah Valley University. He has also been

president of Ferris State University (Mich.) and served as a Michigan state

senator. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Mankato State University (Minn.) and a master’s

and doctorate from Michigan State University.

David Wright is the chief policy officer for the Tennessee Higher Education

Commission (THEC), where he advises the governor’s staff, legislature

and campus leaders on policy matters related to higher education. His

office also provides research reports and statistical data to system leaders,

college presidents, campus personnel and the public. He is the primary

architect of the 2010–2015 Public Agenda for Tennessee Higher Education,

which identified educational attainment as the state’s most pressing need

and established degree production goals for the state and its higher

education systems. The Public Agenda led to the state’s higher education funding formula

that allocates almost all of each institution’s state support on the basis of student outcomes.

Prior to joining THEC, Wright served as senior research analyst for the State Higher

Education Executive Officers (SHEEO), where he developed the State Higher Education

Finance (SHEF) study, a national annual survey of state higher education appropriations,

tuition revenues, enrollments and tax effort. Before entering the public policy arena, he

served in several capacities on college campuses in Arkansas and Florida. Wright is a

doctoral candidate at Florida State University.

association sponsors


American Association of Community Colleges (AACC)

AACC is the leading proponent and the national “voice for community colleges.” AACC’s

membership presents close to 95 percent of all accredited U.S. two-year community,

junior and technical colleges and their 10.5 million students, as well as a growing number

of international members in Puerto Rico, Japan, Great Britain, Korea and the United Arab

Emirates. The colleges are the largest and fastest-growing sector of U.S. higher education,

enrolling close to half (45 percent) of all U.S. undergraduates. AACC supports and

promotes its member colleges through policy initiatives, innovative programs, research and

information, and strategic outreach to business and industry.

American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU)

Members of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities work to

extend higher education to all citizens, including those who have been traditionally

underrepresented on college campuses. By Delivering America’s Promise, these institutions

fulfill the expectations of a public university by working for the public good through

education and engagement. AASCU represents more than 400 public colleges, universities

and systems of public higher education throughout the United States and its territories.

AASCU schools enroll more than three million students or 55 percent of the enrollment at all

public four-year universities.

Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU)

Founded in 1887, the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities is a research and

advocacy organization of public research universities, land-grant institutions, and state

university systems. As the nation’s oldest higher education association, APLU is dedicated to

excellence in learning, discovery and engagement. Member campuses enroll more than 3.5

million undergraduate and 1.1 million graduate students, employ more than 645,000 faculty

members, and conduct nearly two-thirds of all university-based research, totaling more than

$34 billion annually.

Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE)

CASE is the professional organization for advancement professionals at all levels who work

in alumni relations, communications and development. CASE’s membership includes more

than 3,200 colleges, universities and independent elementary and secondary schools in 55

countries around the world. CASE’s mission is to advance and support education worldwide

by helping its members build stronger relationships with their alumni and donors, raise funds

for campus projects, produce recruitment materials, market their institutions to prospective

students, diversify the profession and foster public support of education.

American Association of Community CollegesOne Dupont Circle • Suite 410 • Washington, DC 20036 • aacc.nche.edu

American Association of State Colleges and Universities1307 New York Avenue, NW • Fifth Floor • Washington, DC 20005 • aascu.org

Association of Public and Land-grant Universities1307 New York Avenue, NW • Suite 400 • Washington, DC 20005 • aplu.org

Council for Advancement and Support of Education1307 New York Avenue, NW • Tenth Floor • Washington, DC 20005 • case.org

higher education government relations conference - american

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