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2026 Student Success Summit

Future Focused: Student Centered

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

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The 15th annual Student Success Summit welcomed over 400 faculty, staff, administrors, and policy leaders from Kentucky's public and private institutions for two days of inspiration, innovation, and networking. The 2026 theme, Future Focused: Student Centered, invited 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, the Summit highlighted what’s possible when we align bold ideas with data-driven planning and a shared commitment to the success of all students. 

2026 Summit Agenda

Over the course of the two days, we explored critical strategies for fostering student achievement, from scaling prison education and re-engaging adult learners to reframing student borrowing and addressing basic needs on campus. We were honored to hear from our opening keynote speaker, Jacob Fraire, President of the ECMC Foundation, and to learn directly from our student panelists about the barriers they have overcome and the supports they need to thrive. A special highlight of the summit was the second day keynote by Ariana Rodriguez, Miss Kentucky 2025.  View the final program here. Speaker bios, session materials and resources are posted to the Impact exChange.

2026 Student Success Awards

Based on self- and peer nominations, CPE recognized the following honorees for their positive impact on student experiences and institutional outcomes: 

• Student Success Catalyst Award - Patrick Bryan Coen, Eastern Kentucky University
• Transformation Team Award - Student Success Task Force, Bellarmine University
• Strategic Partnership Award - Credit for Prior Learning Collaborating Team, Eastern Kentucky University 
• New Horizon Award - Shawn Kellie and Miky Wright, Elizabethtown Community and Technical College

View the press release here. 

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