This year marked the 20th anniversary of the Community Engagement Administrators Conference! On June 10, community engagement professionals from over 20 NCCE campuses came together to create sparks of energy for the work ahead with learning, connection, movement, fun, purpose, personal care, art, and play.
Every day there seems to be a new challenge facing communities, campuses, higher education generally, the nation, and the planet as a whole. At CEAC, participants explored how to hold space for these challenges as well as the possibility of a better future.
The day began with a welcome from NCCE Executive Director, Leslie Garvin, that reminded participants to “meet the moment together with hope.” After connecting and setting intentions for the day, Steve Grande, Assistant Professor at James Madison University, spoke on the power and necessity of harnessing “authentic hope.”
Later, Leslie Garvin and Patti Clayton, NCCE Practitioner-Scholar-in-Residence, facilitated an Open Space session where participants co-created the agenda. Topic conveners guided forward-thinking discussions on topics such as student leadership development, building community partnerships, service trips, food insecurity, and more.
Creativity, connection, and expression were folded into activities throughout the day. Rev. Dr. Robert Brewer from Greensboro College and Lovelle McMichael from NC A&T State University performed and directed conference participants in a moving group song, attendees walked through a “Museum of Words and Images” on the subject of hope, and the group made progress on a shared art project.
A highlight of the day was the “Self-Care” break in the afternoon, during which CEAC attendees shared their talents during sessions that offered a chance to step away and recharge by dancing, learning how to juggle, doing yoga, writing, drawing, and spending time in nature!
See the CEAC program for full descriptions.
During the closing session participants reflected on the day and NCCE gave out door prizes and CEAC Spirit Awards. CEAC 2025 was a reminder of the joy that is created when a group of passionate professionals gather to build hope for the future of higher education.
Special thanks to the NCCE team, workshop presenters, discussion facilitators, and to the Elon events team for all their support
View the photo gallery below!
