Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education

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2026 Student Success Summit

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Future Focused: Student Centered

March 23-24, 2026 | University of Louisville, Swain Student Activities Center

Quick Links:  Registration  ¦  Lodging  ¦ Call for Proposals ¦ Student Success Awards Nominations  

Join colleagues from across Kentucky for the 15th annual Student Success Summit, CPE's signature gathering dedicated to advancing student success and transforming educational outcomes. This Summit brings together campus leaders, faculty, advisors, policy makers, and student-support professionals for two days of inspiration, innovation, and networking.

The 2026 Summit's theme, Future Focused: Student Centered, invites attendees to look ahead with intention, ensuring that every strategy, structure, and system we design keeps students at the heart of our work. As higher education continues to evolve, this Summit will highlight what’s possible when we align bold ideas with data-driven planning and a shared commitment to the success of all students.

We are honored to welcome Jacob Fraire, President of ECMC Foundation, as our 2026 keynote presenter. A nationally respected leader in postsecondary opportunity and student success, Fraire will bring deep insight into the policies, partnerships, and innovations shaping the future of education

Whether you're seeking fresh perspectives, proven tools, or collaborative solutions, the 2026 Student Success Summit offers a dynamic environment to learn, reflect, and plan for meaningful change.

Location & Schedule

The 2026 Student Success Summit will be held on the University of Louisville campus in the vibrant Swain Student Activities Center, offering an energizing setting for collaboration and learning. Convenient parking will be available in the Floyd Street Parking Garage, just a short walk from the venue. Please note there is a fee to park in the garage that is not included in your registration fee. 

The Summit will begin on Monday, March 23, with the opening session kicking off at 1:00 p.m. ET, followed by a full afternoon of programming and an evening reception for networking and collaboration. Activities will resume on Tuesday, March 24, starting with breakfast and continuing through a series of engaging sessions. The Summit will conclude at 2:00 p.m. ET.

Participants may also choose to add an optional pre-convening experience: the Student Life Immersion, held on March 23 from 9:00 a.m. to noon. This interactive experience, limited to 100 participants, includes lunch and offers a deeper look into student-life environments and practices. An additional $25 registration fee applies.

The full agenda will release in February once the breakout sessions are finalized.

Registration now open! 

The registration deadline for both the pre-convening and the Summit is March 1, or until capacity is reached.

2026 Student Success Summit

Day 1 - March 23, 1-7 p.m. ET;   Day 2 - March 24, 8-2 p.m. ET

* Registration fee includes reception on day 1 and breakfast and lunch on day 2.

$200 registration fee
 -- early bird rate is sold out

Pre-Convening: Student Life Immersion Experience

March 23, 9 a.m. to Noon ET (includes lunch)

*Only available as an add-on experience for those who register for the Summit; it cannot be purchased a la carte.

$25 registration fee, capped at 100 participants

Register here

Lodging options

The Council has arranged three blocks you can book from; please use the one that best fits your needs.

Call for Proposals Opportunity

A new addition for the 15th annual Summit is the Call for Proposals.  CPE invites campus leaders, practitioners, researchers, and student-success innovators to submit session proposals that highlight promising practices, research, partnerships, and actionable strategies that advance student outcomes across the Commonwealth. Sessions should reflect forward-looking approaches while grounding ideas in evidence, data, and meaningful impact on students.

Session Information

Submission Guidelines

 Help us shine a light on campus innovations to support student success!  If you have questions regarding the proposal process, please reach out to Ashley O'Neil or Tracy Teater.

Student Success Awards Nominations

The 2026 Student Success Awards will recognize higher education professionals, teams, or institutional partnerships that demonstrate exceptional dedication to advancing student success through innovation, collaboration, and a student-centered approach. Recipients will consistently place students at the center of their work, anticipates challenges, and develops innovative solutions. Key qualities recognized include being able to anticipate and addresses student needs with forward-thinking solutions, center students in decision-making and program design, and create lasting, positive impact on student success and experience. 

We invite you to nominate your colleagues now through Feb. 6.  Award categories include: 

Nominations are welcome for awards aligned with the strategic focus areas of the Kentucky Student Success Collaborative, while also recognizing innovative work beyond these areas. KYSSC focus areas include: Admissions Redesign, Transfer Pathways, Gateway Course Success, Student Basic Needs, Mental Health, and Adult Attainment. 

Submit your nomination by Feb. 6 here.  Selected recipients will be notified by February 13; questions regarding submissions can be directed to: stephanie.cheung@ky.gov

General event Information

If you have any other questions regarding the event, please direct those to the CPE event manager at heather.faesy@ky.gov.

Last Updated: 1/9/2026