Higher Education Government Relations Conference November 28 – 30, 2012 Miami, Florida AACC • AASCU • APLU • CASE and State Prosperity Partnering for Student Success
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
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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
Higher Education Government Relations Conference 2012 / 3
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
4 / 2012 Higher Education Government Relations Conference
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
Higher Education Government Relations Conference 2012 / 5
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
6 / 2012 Higher Education Government Relations Conference
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
thursday, november 29
Higher Education Government Relations Conference 2012 / 7
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
thursday, november 29
8 / 2012 Higher Education Government Relations Conference
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
thursday, november 29
Higher Education Government Relations Conference 2012 / 9
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)
thursday, november 29
10 / 2012 Higher Education Government Relations Conference
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
Higher Education Government Relations Conference 2012 / 11
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
12 / 2012 Higher Education Government Relations Conference
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
Higher Education Government Relations Conference 2012 / 13
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
14 / 2012 Higher Education Government Relations Conference
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
Higher Education Government Relations Conference 2012 / 15
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
16 / 2012 Higher Education Government Relations Conference
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
Higher Education Government Relations Conference 2012 / 17
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.).
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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.).
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Higher Education Government Relations Conference 2012 / 19
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.
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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).
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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.
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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.
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Higher Education Government Relations Conference 2012 / 23
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