2026 Student Success Summit
Future Focused: Student Centered
March 23-24, 2026 | University of Louisville, Swain Student Activities Center
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.
Two-day Schedule
The Student Success 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.
Location & Lodging
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.
Lodging details are currently being finalized, and a list of recommended hotels will be shared soon. Please check back for updates as you plan your visit.
Registration opens Dec. 1
- March 23-24 Student Success Summit: Be among the first to secure your spot - the first 125 registrants will receive the early-bird rate of $150, with the standard rate of $200 applied thereafter. Attendance is limited, so early registration is strongly encouraged.
- March 23 Pre-convening: Participants may also register for the optional Student Life Immersion pre-convening experience, held March 23 from 9:00 a.m. to noon. This interactive session, limited to 100 participants, includes lunch and has a $25 fee. (Please note that the pre-convening is only available as an add-on experience for those who register for the Summit; it cannot be purchased a la carte.)
- The registration deadline for both the pre-convening and the Summit is March 1, or until capacity is reached.
NEW! Call for Proposals will open soon
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.
Details and submission form will release soon. Please check back for instructions on requirements and deadlines.
Event Information
If you have any questions regarding the event, please email heather.faesy@ky.gov.
Last Updated: 11/16/2025