Thursday May 21, 2026

Track 1: Community is my Larger Window - How Resilience and Resourcefulness Helps International Students Overcome Challenges

Abstract: This presentation draws on my doctoral research to examine barriers that limit international students’ use of campus resources. Using Tara Yosso’s Community Cultural Wealth framework, it highlights how students creatively build informal support networks. It also rethinks institutional approaches, moving beyond deficit models to emphasize students’ strengths, and offers practical strategies for more inclusive and effective programs.

Presenter: Mark Simmonds, Program Manager, University of Michigan

Track 2: From Mandates to Meaningful Change: Aligning Campus and Municipal Systems to Improve Student Outcomes

Abstract: Texas A&M University and the City of College Station Municipal Court developed a coordinated referral process that connects students to interactive education in place of a standard state-mandated alcohol education course. Serving 600+ students, this initiative demonstrates how universities and local governments can align processes, share data, and reduce administrative burden while improving outcomes for students who consume alcohol. This session highlights practical strategies for building sustainable campus–city partnerships that address student-related community challenges and strengthen town–gown collaboration.

Presenters: Lauren Dorsett, Assistant Director, Student Life, Texas A&M University; Edward J. Spillane III, Presiding Judge, College Station Municipal Court

Track 5: Fueling the Engine of Community Engagement: Advancing Student Engagement in Experiential Learning through Institutional Collaboration

Abstract: Engaging students in the work of Public Service and Outreach is essential to building stronger communities. This session will highlight how one university collaborated across multiple outreach units to create shared best practices for establishing, managing, and assessing experiences that embed students in impactful community-based experiential and service-learning opportunities.

Presenters: Shannon Brooks, Director, Office of Service-Learning, and Josh Podvin, Assistant Director for Community Partnerships, University of Georgia

Track 5: UC-Berkeley's Innovative Homelessness Work: Vision, Investment, and Positive Town-Gown-Community Impacts

Abstract: A partnership between the University and the City, centered on a commitment to addressing homelessness, has had rippling effects. Universities traditionally focus on social issues through research and academics — this innovative initiative went further. It began with a dedicated, UCB staff pilot position, whose success led to a sustained, long-term commitment to the role and a deeper collaboration. It produced positive effects across campus and the surrounding community–including moving hundreds of unhoused individuals into housing.

Presenters: Ari Neulight, Homeless Outreach Worker, UC-Berkeley

Track 5: For Our Eyes: All Aboard - Community Engagement

Abstract: For emerging and long prioritized town-gown relations, this session highlights examples of “what” and “how” both competing and complimentary interests of this work remains critical. Utilizing examples from Arizona State, Colorado State, and Grand Canyon universities, interfacing with the cities of Phoenix and Fort Collins and beyond, this workshop underscores cross-sector relationships and community engagement that led to collaborations from vision to resources and the painstaking work toward sustainable and mutually beneficial successes.

Presenter: Malissa Larson, Community Liaison, Colorado State University and City of Fort Collins

Track 5: The Greatest British Pub Quiz

Abstract:  Lively, competitive, and unmistakably British, The Great British Pub Quiz invites delegates to swap the conference hall for a fast‑paced team challenge that blends collaboration, curiosity, and pure fun. In this high‑energy session, attendees will sharpen their teamwork skills under pressure, discover the surprising power of collective problem‑solving, and pick up a stash of quirky facts they never knew they needed. Expect laughter, friendly rivalry, and the kind of shared experience that forges connections long after the final question is called. This is learning disguised as play — and a reminder that great partnerships often start with a great quiz.

Presenter: Cooper Healey, Manager, Manchester Student Homes, University of Manchester 

Track 3: Student-Designed, Community-Led: A Town-Gown Connector Model for Permanent Affordable Homeownership

Abstract: A City-owned vacant lot will become a permanently affordable, owner-occupied home through a partnership among the City of College Park, the College Park-City University Partnership, Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland, the Lakeland Civic Association, and University of Maryland capstone students. This session highlights how the Partnership serves as a connector between City, University, and residents, using community engagement and design charrettes to shape priorities and final concepts. Participants leave with a replicable, step-by-step framework to replicate in their own communities.

Presenters: Orlando Velez, Director of Operations and Housing Initiatives, College Park City-University Partnership/Community Preservation Trust; Kenneth (Kenny) Young, City Manager, and Kendra McAbee, Communications and Outreach Manager, City of College Park

Track 5: Communication and Education: Keys to Connecting with and Supporting Off-Campus Students and Community Partners

Abstract: Nora Kilroy will present on current efforts at the University of Florida and share best practices for educating, engaging, and supporting off-campus students and community partners. The session will highlight how UF helps students transition to life in Gainesville while also contributing to and supporting the broader community. The presentation will focus on four key areas that strengthen communication and connection—education, engaging activities, social media, and partnerships—and will include an interactive component where participants can brainstorm and share new ideas.

Presenter: Nora Kilroy, Director of Off Campus Life, University of Florida

Track 5: Maroon & White Nights - Community and Campus Together for Networking, Collaboration and Socializing

Abstract: How can you bring together 12,000+ faculty and staff in the community while highlighting local businesses? That is the question the idea of Maroon & White Night hoped to address. A vision of the mayor of the city of Bryan, Maroon & White Night was launched in August 2024.

Presenters: Kim Fox, Manager, Campus/Community Collaboration, and Trudy Bennett, Assistant Department Head, Vet Med - Physiology & Pharmacology, Texas A&M University; Bobby Gutierrez, Mayor, City of Bryan, Texas; John Friebele, Executive Director, Destination Bryan

Track 5: From Failure to Forward: How Strategic Pivots Strengthened Our Town–Gown Initiatives

Abstract: The Georgetown Community Partnership (GCP) created a venue for students, staff, community members and local government officials to weigh in on best ways to address common problems. Often times, the first attempt wasn't always the right approach. In this session, the presenters will review initial unsuccessful programs and their pivots that strengthened their initiatives. Presenters will be candid about what didn't work, and share their story to success that met the needs of the partnership.

Presenters: Cory Peterson, Associate Vice President for Community Engagement and Local Government Affairs, and Gwen Coleman, Director for the Office of Neighborhood Life, Georgetown University

Track 5: ITGA Research and Teaching Strategy: A Consultation for the Entire Town-Gown Ecosystem

Abstract: ITGA’s Research and Teaching Affinity Group invites all conference participants to engage in a generative discussion of research and teaching priorities for ITGA. Participants will first learn about a student housing research project involving city and university partners, lessons learned from courses offered in town-gown relations, and survey findings on town-gown knowledge and skill gaps. Participants will then be invited to generate ideas for an ITGA Research and Teaching Strategy in small group facilitated discussions.

Presenters: Alexander Wray, ITGA and CTGA Board Member, Assistant Professor of Community Health Education, The University of Tennessee at Knoxville; Harriett Steinbach, Director of Innovation and Strategic Partnerships, Illinois State University; Amanda Jackson, UKTGA Board Member, Social Impact Sustainability Manager, University of Leeds; Alton Standifer, Vice Provost for Academic and Community Engagement & Chief of Staff to the Provost, University of Georgia

Track 6: College Towns: Downtowns and Campus Towns

Abstract: College Town downtowns can be economic drivers in themselves. After visiting over 80 college towns, this research has found that the land use patterns in the zone between the campus and downtown are essential in developing a memorable college town experience. A critical factor in developing an active downtown that is an economic draw for students, townspeople, and visitors alike, lies in how the city responds to downtown’s biggest competitor, the campus town.

Presenter: Phillip Mead AIA Architecture Associate Professor, University of Idaho

Track 1: A Tale of Two Coalitions: How Campus and Community Coalitions Use Data to Drive Engagement

Abstract: Learn how two different coalitions (Campus and Community Coalition in Chapel Hill, NC and Carolina Community Coalition in Columbia, SC) use data to reach across town-gown boundaries and drive community engagement, decision-making, and action planning. Attendees will learn about and/or apply the Results-Based Accountability Framework and Ripple Effects Mapping, while hearing about tools and facilitated activities that helped members of these two coalitions readily engage with their data.

Presenters: Samantha Luu, Director, Campus & Community Coalition; Jenna Anderson, Assistant Director for Policy, Systems, and Environmental Strategy, University of South Carolina

Track 3: From Tension to Trust: A Model for Engaging Property Managers in Supporting Commuter Students

Abstract: Supporting commuter students through the challenges that sometimes come with rental accommodations is a balancing act between managing their expectations, educating them about their responsibilities, and empowering them to advocate for their rights. Effective communication with local property managers is essential to this work. This session explores how Texas A&M developed the Good Neighbor Network, an initiative that incentivizes practices that support student residents and encourages open communication between the University and property managers.

Presenters: Jaclyn Upshaw-Brown, Assistant Director for Off Campus Student Services, Texas A&M University

Track 4: Longhorns Are Prepared: A Multi-Channel Approach to Emergency Resilience

Abstract: The Longhorns Are Prepared campaign at UT Austin provides a holistic safety model spanning digital outreach, experiential learning, and private-sector partnerships. This presentation highlights how the university coordinates with the City of Austin and off-campus housing to prepare students for weather emergencies. From interactive Safety Fairs to tactical kit-building workshops, discover how to transform passive public safety messaging into active, life-saving community preparedness.

Presenter: Paige Muehlenkamp, Associate Director of Programing and Outreach, University of Texas at Austin

Track 5: Fostering Community Collaboration and Sustainable Development: The City/University Special Projects Fund model in Manhattan, Kansas

Abstract: Attend this session to learn about the City/University Special Projects Fund in Manhattan, Kansas, born from a dynamic partnership between the City of Manhattan and Kansas State University in 1994. The fund exemplifies the power of cross-sector collaboration in addressing complex challenges by utilizing sales taxes and franchise fees generated on K-State’s campus dedicated annually toward projects and programs that are deemed to have a mutual benefit to both the city and the university.

Presenters: Jared Wasinger, Assistant City Manager, City of Manhattan; Grant Hill, Deputy Chief of Staff, Kansas State University

Track 5: From Assumption to Alignment: Measuring Where Students Actually Engage

Abstract: Belonging and retention are shaped largely beyond the classroom, yet campus and municipal decisions are often made without evidence of where students actually spend time. This session examines measurable patterns of boundary crossing across diverse campuses, revealing gaps between assumptions and behavior. Participants will explore how engagement data can support local government service delivery, development planning, and coordinated town–gown strategy that benefits both students and long-term residents.

Presenter: Steve Wilson, Senior Campus Planner, DLR Group

Track 5: One Community, Three Institutions: A Rural Model for Integrated Town–Gown Collaboration

Abstract: This session explores how a rural community builds integrated relationship-rich partnerships across higher education, municipal and county government, and nonprofits to strengthen economic vitality, workforce development, housing and civic engagement. With students comprising a significant portion of the population, intentional strategies foster belonging and shared ownership. Members of the Laramie Town Gown Association will share lessons from the ITGA Strategic Planning Certificate program in a dialogue-driven format featuring facilitated small-group discussion.

Presenters: Erin Olsen, Director, Community Engagement, University of Wyoming; Jennie Hedrick, Manager, Student Services, Laramie County Community College, Laramie Campus; Bailey Quick, Grants Manager, Albany County; Melanie Vigil, Ward 2 City Councilor, City of Laramie

Track 2: Learning from 2020: How Cities and Universities Can Partner Now to Ensure Everyone is Counted in 2030

Abstract: The 2020 Census significantly undercounted university communities when COVID-19 scattered students. We're working hard to make sure it doesn't happen again. This National League of Cities session brings together city and university partners to discuss practical strategies for ensuring an accurate 2030 count. Learn why starting LUCA preparation now is critical, explore resources, and hear from peers about what worked - and didn't - in 2020. Accurate counts mean critical resources reach your communities.

Presenter: Dante Moreno, Legislative Manager, and Alex Nation, Senior Regional Specialist, Mid-West Region, National League of Cities

Track 3: Rocky Top Rerouted: How UTK Responded to a Changing Student Housing Landscape

Abstract: Over three years, our institution rebuilt its Off‑Campus Student Life office to meet growing housing pressures caused by limited on‑campus beds, increased first‑year enrollment, and constrained off‑campus supply. This session will share how we developed student‑focused resources, including a Leasing 101 program, strengthened property relations, a new Apartments.com search partnership, and expanded campus collaborations, to support informed decision making and enhance town‑gown relationships. Attendees will learn practical strategies for building or revitalizing similar offices

Presenters: Thomas Boleyn, Director, and Abby Davis, Coordinator, Off-Campus Student Living, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Track 5: Trash Talk: Turning Campus Waste Problems into Community Solutions

Abstract: Trash accumulation in the Ohio State University district presents ongoing environmental and community challenges. This program explores how students, university leaders, local residents, and city partners formed strategic partnerships to address waste issues. It highlights solution-oriented, effective, and collaborative initiatives developed through shared responsibility and data-driven planning. The program demonstrates how collective action improved neighborhood cleanliness and safety while strengthening campus–community relationships and offers lessons for sustainable change.

Presenters: Rochelle Toth, Community Outreach and Engagement Manager, The Ohio State University; Nora Gerber, Executive Director, University District Organization

Track 5: Growing Together: How a Football Traffic Plan Shaped Community Transportation Planning Collaboration

Abstract: Transportation gridlock from a 2013 Texas A&M football game led to a fix-the-traffic-mandate from the university’s highest level. The Kyle Field Transportation Plan was co-created with university and community operational staff, keeping it relevant for the past decade even through leadership shifts. The plan shows how a community can take a failure, a mandate, and a co-created plan and shift the way they work together on transportation planning.

Presenters: Madison Metsker-Galarza, Assistant Research Scientist, and Debbie Albert, Research Engineer, Texas A&M University

Track 5: Barriers to Cross-Sector Partnerships in a Town–Gown Community

Abstract: Despite having extensive public, nonprofit, and educational resources, cross-sector collaborations in town–gown communities can be difficult to sustain. This qualitative study examines how 31 community leaders in a southeastern town–gown community describe barriers to collaboration. Using thematic analysis of focus group and written responses, three barriers emerged: structural fragmentation, relational trust gaps, and procedural challenges. Findings contribute to research on collaborative partnerships and offer implications for strengthening cross-sector relationships.

Presenter: Jason P. Edwards, Public Service Faculty, University of Georgia

Track 6: How Universities Can Drive Economic Development Through Conference & Event Ecosystems

Abstract: Universities are emerging as pivotal economic development engines through strategic conference and event programming. This session will explore how higher education institutions can leverage their unique academic missions to create distinctive hospitality ecosystems that foster town-gown partnerships, generate substantial revenue, and position campuses as premier destinations for knowledge-based events.

Presenters: Krista Tofka, Vice President, Higher Education Practice Area Lead, JLL