2025 Conference Schedule
Schedule
Both Conference days begin at 2:00 PM Eastern / 1:00 PM Central / Noon Mountain / 11:00 AM Pacific / 8:00 AM Hawaiian
SATURDAY, JULY 19:
Dress Code: School Spirit- Wear your university gear!
2:00 PM Welcome & Keynote Speaker
2:55 PM Region Meetings
3:30 PM Governance 101 & Business Meeting
5:00 PM Chapter Operations Panels & Leadership Development Session
SUNDAY, JULY 20:
Dress Code: Business casual
2:00 PM Welcome & Position-Based Networking
2:30 PM Region Meetings
3:00 PM Business Meeting
3:30 PM Professional Development Session & Chapter Operations Session
4:30 PM Region Meetings
5:00 PM Candlelight Celebration
*schedule as of 7/15/25
Day 1 (7/19/25) General Session Resources
Welcome and Keynote
Governance 101 and Business Meeting
Day 2 (7/20/25) General Session Resources
Day 2 Welcome and 7/20 Business Meeting
MBNC25 Candlelight Celebration
Chapter Operation Panels
Expanding Chapter Impact: Increasing Size
Saturday, July 19 5pm ET / 4pm CT / 2pm PT
Panelists: Grace Tang, Kaydee Richardson, and other collegiate members
Facilitator: Jaquilynn Huff
Explore how chapters can expand their impact through strategic recruitment, increased visibility, and thoughtful selection processes. Panelists will share insights on reaching new areas of campus, setting expectations for Selection, and balancing the pursuit of growth with maintaining chapter quality.
Fostering Community & Member Engagement
Saturday, July 19 5pm ET / 4pm CT / 2pm PT
Panelists: Aabha Manti, Whitney Mitchell, Jaxon Wetzel
Facilitator: Rachel Wong
Discover practical strategies for building a strong chapter community and keeping members engaged beyond initiation. We’ll explore creative approaches to retention, planning impactful events, and fostering involvement through the core pillars of scholarship, leadership, and service.
Building Tradition: Tapping & Initiation
Saturday, July 19 5pm ET / 4pm CT / 2pm PT
Panelists: Emily Deskus, Sierra Malik-Misselhorn, Hayley Moree, Shelby Morlock, Rory Roberts
Facilitator: Elizabeth Clark
Explore how tapping and initiation can be powerful tools for building lasting chapter traditions and visibility on campus. Learn how to create meaningful ceremonies, involve your members in the process, and make these milestone moments memorable for everyone involved.
Leadership Sessions
Partnerships to Avoid Burnout
Saturday, July 19 5:30pm ET / 4:30pm CT / 2:30pm PT
Presenters: Tamika Lovelace
Learn how strategic partnerships can help your chapter thrive without burning out your members. This session will cover how to delegate effectively, work with advisors and campus groups, and set realistic goals by building on existing strengths and initiatives.
How to Lead a Productive Meeting
Saturday, July 19 5:30pm ET / 4:30pm CT / 2:30pm PT
Presenter: Patience Whitworth
Master the art of running efficient and inclusive meetings that keep your chapter on track. This session will cover practical tools like agendas, time management, Robert’s Rules, and minute-taking, along with tips for scheduling and fostering participation from all members.
So You're A Leader-Now What
Saturday, July 19 5:30pm ET / 4:30pm CT / 2:30pm PT
Presenter: Rachel Wong
Stepping into leadership is just the beginning—now it’s time to lead with purpose. This session explores how to live out the ideals of Mortar Board, mentor others, and lead with humility while inspiring lasting impact.
National Support for Advisors
Saturday, July 19 5:30pm ET / 4:30pm CT / 2:30pm PT
Presenters: Kirsten Fox, Trish Maxwell
Discover the national resources available to help you thrive in your role as a Mortar Board advisor. This session will highlight the tools, support systems, and guidance offered by the national office to ensure your success and your chapter’s growth.
Chapter Operations Sessions
Financial Management & Fundraising
Sunday, July 20 4:00pm ET / 3:00pm CT / 1:00pm PT
Presenters: Craig Evers, Liz Cook, Kailee Weiker
Gain the tools to confidently manage your chapter’s finances and plan for the year ahead. This session will cover budgeting basics, common chapter expenses, and creative fundraising ideas to support your goals.
Integrating AI & Technology for Chapter Operations
Sunday, July 20 4:00pm ET / 3:00pm CT / 1:00pm PT
Presenter: Jaquilynn Huff
Discover how AI and simple tech tools can streamline your chapter operations and boost engagement. This session will share tips on using AI for meeting notes, creating agendas, generating team-building activities, and crafting effective social media content.
Planning an Impactful Year
Sunday, July 20 4:00pm ET / 3:00pm CT / 1:00pm PT
Presenters: Annie Mascia, Brendan Wall
Set your chapter up for success with intentional planning and a clear vision for the year ahead. This session will guide you through Mortar Board’s annual calendar, the key components of the Mortar Board Experience, and creative event ideas to make a lasting impact.
Prodev Sessions
Networking in Unsuspecting Places
Sunday, July 20 3:30pm ET / 2:30pm CT / 12:30pm PT
Presenters: Jenni Birch-Szolwinski, Nathan Cordle
Learn how to build authentic connections beyond traditional networking events and keep those relationships strong over time. This session will offer strategies to confidently showcase your strengths and make meaningful impressions in everyday settings.
Fellowships & Nationally-Competitive Scholarships
Sunday, July 20 3:30pm ET / 2:30pm CT / 12:30pm PT
Presenter: Dr. Sally Steadman
Get insider tips on crafting standout applications for fellowships and nationally competitive scholarships from an expert deeply involved in the process. This session will cover what reviewers look for, how to best showcase your strengths, and how to manage the time commitment effectively.
Building a Brand That Grows With You
Sunday, July 20 3:30pm ET / 2:30pm CT / 12:30pm PT
Presenter: Savannah Cherry
Learn how to craft a personal brand that evolves with your goals and experiences. This session will explore ways to authentically showcase yourself and use your Mortar Board experience to tell a story that’s all your own.
Best Practices to Enhance the Advisor Experience: A Panel
Sunday, July 20 3:30pm ET / 2:30pm CT / 12:30pm PT
Panelists: Darlene Brooks, Elizabeth Clark, Matt Couch, Angela Glean
Facilitator: Mack Pruitt
Join this panel of experienced advisors as they share best practices for building strong student leader relationships and effective advising styles. Gain valuable insights on how to guide your chapter toward success while enhancing your own advisor experience.
