Opening comments from ITGA and City of Clemson Mayor Robert Halfacre. Keynote speaker: Lior Rennert, Ph.D. is currently the Assistant Professor, Biostatistics, Department of Public Health Sciences, Clemson University, and has been leading the University's public health strategy and modeling during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, Dr. Rennert has helped lead COVID-19 vaccine distribution and awareness campaigns across Clemson and South Carolina. In 2021, Dr. Rennert was named Clemson University's researcher of the year.  Dr. Rennert will discuss the importance of keeping our university and community safe and healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 Track 1: Building Community

Room-HSC A: Title: Student Community Development: A Dialogue on Engagement

Abstract: Join Clemson University Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Chris Miller and Assistant Vice President for Brand Strategy and Community Engagement Kryssa Cooper as they co-lead a robust conversation on the importance of engaging students for the benefit of the communities in which they live and learn. The program will explore holistic student development through professional, personal, spiritual and academic growth opportunities on campus and  within the community. Additional focuses include building coalitions between varied populations — including historically underrepresented and underserved students — and fostering diversity of thought on college campuses through deliberate and civil discourse.

Presenters: Dr. L. Christopher Miller, Vice President and Dean of Students, and Kryssa Cooper,  Assistant Vice President for Brand Strategy and Community Engagement, Clemson University

 Track 2: Transforming Relationships

Room-HSC B: Title: Town Gown Collaborations Across the Country: Building partnerships, enrollment, and innovation

Abstract: Case studies from Arapahoe Community College, Valencia College, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and Martin, Georgia Southern University, Florida International University, Lipscomb University and Saint Mary’s University will compare innovative partnerships with local businesses and community entities. Presenters will review best practices and lessons learned in developing and maintaining relationships that support their regions, emerging entrepreneurial culture, economic internships, and student involvement in the community. A framework for developing partnership strategies will be used to facilitate an exercise with attendees to develop their own vision.

Presenters: Krisan Osterby, Principal/Campus Planning Leader and Woody Giles, Senior Associate/Senior Planner, DLR Group

  2: Transforming Relationships 

Room-McKissick: Title: Private Sector University Housing - A New Economic Engine

Abstract: Colleges & universities are America’s economic engines. In college towns across the country, over the past decade, a new trend in student housing has emerged. The private sector student housing industry has exploded as an alternative to campus living. The industry provides hundreds of thousands of beds, in communities of all sizes, in high value buildings adjacent to colleges and universities. These communities and residents have created significant economic growth and are transforming those areas.

Presenters: Jeff Murison, President/CEO, Hillsborough Street Community Service Corporation; Ralph Recchie, Real Estate Manager, City of Raleigh; Rob Bak, Senior Development Manager, Core Space

  3: Be Well

Room-Peebles: Title: Case Study: How She’s Birdie & Ohio State Teamed Up to Support Safety and Empowerment On and Off Campus

Abstract: Safety is an integral part of wellness. After Amy and Ali each had a child suffer assault, they founded She’s Birdie to create personal safety alarms that empower people. When Ohio State’s off-campus and commuter students felt vulnerable and asked for She’s Birdie alarms, the University listened. We'll explain how The Ohio State University made these tools available to their students and brainstorm together ways that we can accomplish our shared goals of wellness and safety.

Presenters: Amy Ferber and Ali Peters, Cofounders of She's Birdie; Dilnavaz Cama, Dilnavaz Cama, Director, Willie J. Young, Sr., Off-Campus and Commuter Student Engagement, The Ohio State University Office of Student Life 

  Track 2: Transforming Relationships 

Room-HSC A: Title: University of Maryland and City of College Park Demonstrate the Power of Partnership

Abstract: This panel will explore the unique partnership between University of Maryland (UMD) and the City of College Park. Together, we successfully assembled property and built a jointly owned building that houses UMD offices, a new City Hall, and street-level retail and plaza. This partnership illustrates the power of city-university collaboration and can serve as a model for others. We will examine the challenges, lessons learned, and key elements that enabled our partnership to flourish.

Presenters: Edward J. Maginnis, J.D., Assistant Vice President—Real Estate, University of Maryland; Kenny Young, City Manager, MPA, City of College Park, ICMA-CM; Scott R. Vieth, Principal, Design Collective, AIA, LEED BD+C; Katie Hearn, J.D., Senior Vice President, Redgate 

 Track 2: Transforming Relationships 

Room-HSC B: Title: A Perfect Storm: Reimagining the Way OSU Works with Property Owners

Abstract: Where do you start when balancing the effects of a pandemic, the opportunity to work with new leadership, executing a program review, and safety challenges all at once? Join us to get a preview of our reimagined organization and learn how The Ohio State University is tackling the challenges of the next generation, starting with the partnership with property owners.   

Presenters: Dilnavaz Cama, Director; Rachel DeMooy, Off-Campus Residential Experience Manager, Willie J. Young, Sr., Off-Campus and Commuter Student Engagement, The Ohio State University Office of Student Life 

 Track 3: Being Well

Room-McKissick: Title: Building Bridges: Identifying and Connecting Partners in Prevention Among Town and Gown Efforts

Abstract: As we work to impact health in our communities, it can often feel like prevention efforts are “outnumbered,” yet there are so many potential partners in prevention that can make a huge difference in successes we achieve.  In this presentation, we will examine potential partners in prevention that can boost the success of campus efforts as well as community efforts.  As we look at ways to build bridges that connect partners in prevention, we will also discuss ways to put a spotlight on ones already there.

Presenter: Jason Kilmer, Ph.D., Associate professor, Psychiatry & Behavioral Services, University of Washington School of Medicine

Track 4: Crisis Management 

Room-Vickery 100: Title: Crucible Moments: Leading When It Matters Most

Abstract: How do you prepare for the unthinkable? What happens when an event goes beyond your normal capacity relating to plans, resources, and experience? What distinguishes between a response and reaction, and why does it matter? In today’s violate environment, these are all questions that leaders must ask themselves and have solid answers. This session will define crucible events, discuss the importance of understanding the difference between events that can be addressed using tried and true technical plans and checklist compared to those that are so complex that they need a different type of thinking and leadership to be effective. These elements will be illustrated through a short case study to assist attendees gain practical insight into what it takes to assist communities when the unthinkable occurs. 

Presenter: Chief Greg Mullen, Associate VP for Public Safety, Clemson University