Higher Education Leadership Symposium: Nashville 2025

Attain Partners convened higher education leaders in Nashville for a day of dialogue, strategy, and exploration of the future of our institutions ahead of EDUCAUSE 2025.

The event brought together IT leaders, senior administrators, and thought leaders to share real perspectives on today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities with voices from across the sector, including leaders from Boston University, Marshall University, and Teachers College, alongside experts from Attain Partners.

Following an engaging series of panels and discussions, attendees connected during a networking reception co-sponsored by Blackthorn.io.

Speakers and Panelists

Agenda at-a-Glance

Addressing the Current State

• 1p – 1:15p | Welcome
• 1:15p – 2p | Panel: IT Leaders as Institutional Strategists
  • Featuring Dave Comroe (Teachers College) and Pete Groustra (Boston University)
  • Moderated by Reshma Patel-Jackson
• 2p – 2:30p | Reimagining the Student Experience
  • Featuring Marylou O’Donnell-Rundlett (Boston University), Jodie Penrod (Marshall University), and Matthew Frank (Blackthorn.io)
  • Moderated by Kristi Phillips
• 2:30p – 2:45p | Snack and Networking Break

Exploring the Future State

• 2:45p – 3:15p | Evaluating AI Technology Investments
  • Led by Alexander Brown
• 3:15p – 4:15p | Interactive Workshop: Design Thinking for Digital Transformation
  • Led by Jen Best
• 4:15p – 4:30p | Closing Remarks
• 4:30p – 6p | Networking Happy Hour
  • Co-sponsored by Blackthorn.io

Continue the Conversation

Explore how Attain Partners helps higher education institutions transform technology, operations, and culture to achieve lasting impact. Learn more.

Or, revisit the highlights from the Symposium in our event recap on LinkedIn.