The Leadership Balancing Act: People, Priorities and Progress in a Time of Change

Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025
12‒1 p.m.

In today's dynamic university landscape, leaders are tasked with balancing vision and compassion, decisions and transparency. This engaging panel will feature Drexel’s senior leaders as they explore how to lead with clarity and purpose while keeping people at the center. The conversation will offer reflections, lessons learned, and forward-thinking insights on how to lead effectively, support your team, and remain grounded in your values during institutional shifts. This session is ideal for anyone seeking to sharpen their leadership instincts during times of transformation.

Panelists include:

• Nadine Ezzat, Vice President of Marketing, Drexel University
• Hillen Grason, Vice President of Enrollment Management – Admissions & Outreach, Drexel University
• Vibhas Madan, Dean of LeBow College of Business, Drexel University
• Angela Montgomery, Assistant Vice President for Graduate Admissions, Drexel University
• Subir Sahu, Senior Vice President for Student Success; Interim Senior Vice President of Enrollment Management, Drexel University

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Belonging Matters: The Power of Connection

Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025
12‒1 p.m.

In student development theory, a sense of belonging is the feeling of being included, valued, and connected to a college community, which positively impacts academic success, retention, and overall well-being. A learning community, such as a university, is understood as a space where social capital and learning can be maximized through productive relationships between the social network and the learning environment (Gulah & Smith, 2023). Research indicates that a student’s sense of belonging improves academic outcomes, increases continuing enrollment, and serves as a protective factor for mental health (Strayhorn, 2019; Thomas, 2012). Rooted in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, belonging reflects students’ perceptions of being accepted and integrated within both their academic and social environments.

This presentation will examine the significance of fostering belonging in higher education, highlight strategies institutions can implement to build inclusive communities, and explore the impact of belonging on student engagement.

To foster self-reflection and connection, participants will engage in the Circle of Multicultural Self activity, an interactive exercise designed to deepen awareness of identity and illuminate how a sense of belonging shapes the student experience.

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What is Project Management and How Can I Use it to be more Effective and Efficient?

Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025
12‒1 p.m.

This session is designed for educators, administrators and professionals who are looking to gain a deeper understanding of effective project management and how to use project management tools for enhanced collaboration during challenging projects. We will cover topics that impact all facets of working projects, from scope definitions to stakeholder analysis. Effective and efficient project outcomes begin with clear guidance and well defined lines of communication but in practice, we don’t live and work in completely linear worlds.

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The Power of Creativity in the Workplace

Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026
12‒1 p.m.

Discover how creativity drives innovation, problem-solving, and growth across industries in The Power of Creativity in the Workplace. This engaging panel brings together seasoned professionals from fields such as banking, legal, and beyond—members of Goodwin College’s Advisory Council who have successfully navigated complex challenges by leveraging creative thinking. Hear their real-world insights, strategies, and stories, and leave inspired with practical ways to unlock creativity in your own work. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from leaders who know how to transform ideas into impact.

Panelists include:

• Craig Loundas, Consultant, Fidelum Health and Cooper Medicine
• Gregory C. Ludwig
• Joel Ruffin, Head of Technology & Cyber Resilience, Barclays Bank PLC
• Marilou Taylor Watson

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What is Project Management and How Can I Use It? Part 2 : Case Studies in Rescuing Problem Projects

Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026
12‒1 p.m.

This session builds on Session 1 and will review case studies of two problem projects that need an injection of capable project management to untangle well intended efforts that went astray and put each project in jeopardy of completion, regardless of schedule or budget!

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Upskilling for Thee and Upskilling for Me

Tuesday, March 10, 2026
12‒1 p.m.

In today’s dynamic, rapidly evolving world of work, being an agile, life-long learner is no longer an optional career differentiator. It is an essential mindset. This session, Upskilling for Thee and Upskilling for Me, will explore the most important workforce trends shaping the “future” of work, highlight in-demand skills and industries in the Philadelphia region, and examine how companies are transforming their recruiting and hiring practices. Attendees will gain practical strategies to overcome barriers to learning, discover flexible pathways such as micro-credentials and on-the-job development, and leave with clear steps to enhance their professional toolkit. No matter where you are in your career journey, this engaging presentation will equip you with insights to thrive in a skills-first economy.

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Science of Learning: Concepts & Strategies to Support Student Success and Changing the Brain

Tuesday, April 14, 2026
12‒1 p.m.

This interactive session explores the science of learning—what educators, advisors, and students should know about the brain, learning, neuroplasticity, and the power of practice, feedback, and real-world connections. Debunk common myths about the brain and learning. Leave with research-based strategies and resources to support student success through teaching, advising, and studying.

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Adult Learners in Higher Education: The importance of access and Continuing Education

Tuesday, May 5, 2026
12‒1 p.m.

Many students approach higher education as a means to an end, specifically a way to prepare for a career or gainful employment toward a secure future. As fewer 18 to 22 year-olds are filling college ranks, institutions of higher learning are looking to the population of adults with some credit but no degree as desirable enrollees for degree completion. This session will be a facilitated discussion on the importance of higher education, its value in the workplace, in life, and the various learning opportunities (including Credit for Prior Learning) available to adults beyond the scope of traditional full-time college matriculation.

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