Wednesday May 20, 2026

ITGA Welcome: Beth Bagwell, ITGA Executive Director and Greg McDanel, ITGA President; City and University Officials Welcome: Mayor Nichols and City Manager Bryan Woods; Fred McClure, Chief Community Engagement Officer, Texas A&M

Track 1: Mocktails, Metrics, and Meaningful Impact: Rethinking Party Smart Programming

Abstract: Ohio State University’s Party Smart initiative demonstrates how collaboration and creativity can advance harm reduction and student wellness. Through a partnership between Off-Campus and Commuter Student Engagement and the Student Wellness Center, with support from Molson Coors Great Plays Grant Program, Ohio State will highlight collaboration strategies, student learning outcomes and data-informed approaches that support healthier decision-making in today’s campus communities.

Presenters: Rachel DeMooy, Off-Campus Residential Experience Manager, and Jacob Glorioso, Off-Campus Specialist, Student Life, Willie J. Young, Sr. Off-Campus and Commuter Student Engagement, The Ohio State University

Track 3: Roll for Partnership Building a Collaborative Off Campus Orientation Strategy

Abstract: In this interactive session, you will take up the dice and embark on a housing quest alongside Carolina. As waitlists climbed into the thousands, Off-Campus Student Life joined forces with Carolina Housing, student leaders, Legal Services, and property managers to forge a comprehensive Off-Campus Orientation Series. With each roll, you will navigate real-world trials and discover how strong alliances, not luck alone, transform housing pressure into preparedness, resilience, and lasting Town and Gown strength.

Presenter: Patrick Preudhomme, Program Director, Off-Campus Student Life, University of North Carolina

Track 5: Switching Tracks: Lessons from Launching a Shared Engagement Platform

Abstract: Adopting a shared community engagement platform can strengthen university-community partnerships—but only with intentional planning and collaboration. Leaders from Texas A&M University and key community partners, alongside faculty, students, and IT, will share lessons from implementing a campus-wide engagement system. This candid panel explores onboarding realities, stakeholder alignment, pilot strategies, and scaling at a large institution—offering practical insights for communities seeking to build sustainable, technology-enabled partnerships.

Presenters: George Luc, Co-Founder and CEO, GivePulse, Inc; Kim Fox, Program Manager, Campus/Community Collaborations, and Charles Carlson, Associate Director, Academic Engagement, Texas A&M University, and Alison Martin Rich, Assistant Director, Texas A&M University IT

Track 5: State of the Town & Gown Profession Research: Early Insights on University–Municipal Practice and Partnerships

Abstract: This interactive workshop shares early insights from the State of the Town & Gown Profession research project, the first international benchmark of town–gown roles across universities and local authorities in the UK, US, and Canada. Participants will explore emerging trends, shared challenges, and evolving partnership models and discuss implications for practice, policy, and professional development. The session offers practical takeaways for both municipal and university practitioners ahead of the full report release in summer 2026.

Presenter: Amanda Jackson, UKTGA Co-Director/Social Impact Sustainability Manager, University of Leeds

Track 5: IDEAL Model and Communication Processes for University-community Partnerships

Abstract: What is the lifecycle of university-community partnerships with local nonprofit and government actors? How do partnerships get started or develop? This presentation draws on academic findings from organizational communication and intervention research and from experiences leading university-community collaborations over a decade. It presents five key sequences of collaboration: Initiate, Develop, Execute, Adjust, and Leverage, to present the IDEAL framework. For each sequence, key principles for sustainable, rewarding partnerships are presented.

Presenters: Christina Ngo, Assistant Vice President of Social Embeddedness, Arizona State University

Track 6: More Than a Building: Using Hospitality, Industry Partnerships, and Education to Drive Community Economic Impact

Abstract: Opening in 2028, the Aplin Center at Texas A&M University demonstrates how industry-aligned education and public-facing partnerships can advance regional economic development. Integrating agriculture, business, and hospitality, the Center mirrors the full food and beverage pipeline through experiential learning spaces, labs, event venues, and student-operated enterprises. Backed by Buc-ee’s founder Arch “Beaver” Aplin III ’80, this session examines how campus investments strengthen town–gown ties, workforce development, sustainable architecture, and boost economic impact.

Presenters: Kelli G. Hollinger, Director of Visitor Experience | Visitor Experience, Austin Fannin, Director of Strategic Program Development, Office of the Provost, Texas A&M University; Emily R. Winters, AIA, LEED Green Assoc., Higher Education Leader | Principal, DLR Group

Track 2: Where Town Meets Gown: Turning Campus-Edge Projects into Shared Community Value: Seaside, CA

Abstract: Seaside, California is reshaping its town-gown relationship through two campus-edge redevelopment efforts - Campus Town and Main Gate - adjacent to California State University, Monterey Bay. This session explores how city and university leaders align priorities, balance housing and economic goals, manage infrastructure impacts, and build public trust as plans evolve. Participants will take home replicable governance options, an operating-rhythm template, and communication practices that turn contested tradeoffs into durable collaboration and shared regional identity.

Presenters: Greg McDanel, City Manager, Seaside, CA, President, International Town & Gown Association; Matthew McCluney, Director of Campus Planning & Development, California State University Monterey Bay; Michael Akin, President, and Poppy Humphrey, Director of Standards and Accountability, LINK Strategic Partners

Track 3: One Housing Ecosystem: Aligning On and Off Campus Strategies to Support Student Success

Abstract: As student needs evolve and campus capacity shifts, institutions are increasingly called to support students beyond the traditional residential footprint. Off-campus housing is no longer a peripheral concern—it is a critical extension of the student housing ecosystem. This session will explore how on- and off-campus housing teams can collaborate to create a cohesive, student-centered experience that prioritizes safety, transparency, and operational clarity. Through peer-led insights and real-world examples—including recent College Pads implementations—attendees will examine governance models, communication frameworks, and partnership strategies that strengthen alignment across campus units and with local property providers.

Presenters: Pete Blutreich, College Pads - Now Part of StarRez University Partnerships; Tyler Barstow, Texas State University Senior Coordinator, Off-Campus Living

Track 4: Building Safer Campus Communities Through Partnership and Presence: The CSTEP Model

Abstract: The College Station Police Department Entertainment Team Patrol (CSTEP) is a community policing initiative developed by the College Station Police Department to proactively manage safety in a high-traffic university entertainment district. This session explores how dedicated patrol teams, rapid response, and strong collaboration between city departments, campus stakeholders, and local businesses improve safety outcomes and tourism experiences. Participants will gain practical insights on building partnerships and proactive policing strategies that can be adapted to their own campus communities.

Presenters: Jennifer Luna, District Manager, Economic Development & Tourism, Jacob Moore, and Lieutenant Travis Pritchett, Tourism and Entertainmnet Unit, and Corporal George Humes, CSTEP, City of College Station Police Department 

Track 5: How to Plan an Effective Community Welcome Event

Abstract: This presentation is a how-to guide for planning and executing a welcome event that helps new students get connected with their college town. An effective welcome event will help them feel at home in their college community from day one. By introducing them to local businesses, resources, and gathering spots in a fun, low-pressure setting, you’re not only helping them get comfortable, you’re planting the seeds for long-term town and gown connection and engagement.

Presenter: Chloe Hastey, Communication Specialist, Office of Government Relations, University of Georgia

Track 5: How San Diego State University, City Leadership, and Neighbors Built Community Through Action

Abstract: This session examines how San Diego State University partnered with city leadership, community organizations, and students to transform neighborhood clean-ups into strategic town-and-gown engagement tools. Faced with long-standing community distrust and visible quality-of-life challenges, SDSU used action-based collaboration to build trust, activate students as civic partners, and strengthen cross-sector relationships. Participants will gain a replicable framework for designing community engagement efforts that produce measurable outcomes and lasting partnerships.

Presenters: Diana Lara, Community Relations Manager for Strategic Communication and Public Affairs, and Rachel Gregg, Director of Government Relations for Strategic Communication and Public Affairs, Office of the President at San Diego State University

Track 6: Leveraging Partnerships During Non-Peak Seasons

Abstract: This session will use new and innovative strategies to helped positively impact the small business community in Clemson during non-peak/slow times at the university.

Presenters: Lindsey Newton, Community Engagement Coordinator, City of Clemson; and DJ Laws, Presidential Coordinator for Community Relations, Clemson University

Joe E. Ramirez Jr. is a Houston native, retired U.S. Army Brigadier General, and graduate of Texas A&M University, where he was a member of the Texas Aggie Band and Corps of Cadets. Commissioned as a Distinguished Military Graduate in 1979, he served 31 years in the Army in leadership roles worldwide, including assignments with U.S. Central Command, the 2nd Infantry Division in Korea, and U.S. European Command.

Following his military career, General Ramirez served at Texas A&M as the 45th Commandant of Cadets from 2010–2021 and later as Vice President for Student Affairs from 2021–2025, overseeing more than 76,000 students. During his tenure, the Corps of Cadets experienced significant growth, improved academic performance, and increased military commissioning numbers. He remains active in community service through leadership roles with several nonprofit and civic organizations.

Track 2: Joint-Funding for Social Services: The ASSET Four-Way Partnership of Ames and Story County, Iowa

Abstract: Since 1985, the Analysis of Social Service Evaluation Team (ASSET) process has successfully united four joint-funders of human services programs in a collaborative, volunteer-led effort to coordinate planning, assess needs, evaluate capabilities of agencies to provide programs, and to recommend funding. Key takeaways for this session include involving community stakeholders in social service support, the logistical challenges and benefits of this partnering, and the lessons from the ASSET process that allocates over $5 million annually.

Presenters: Gloria J. Betcher, City Council Representative, and Pa Vang Goldbeck, Assistant City Manager, City of Ames, IA; Debra A. Schildroth, Executive Director, Heartland of Story County

Track 3: Raising the Standard: When Landlords Become Partners in Student Success

Abstract: As off-campus student support becomes increasingly important, strong partnerships with local landlords are essential to student success. This session explores how universities can collaborate with housing providers to improve communication, strengthen off-campus initiatives, and better support students. Attendees will learn practical strategies for engaging landlords as trusted partners and how these relationships create mutual value and lead to improved student experiences.

Presenters: Jolissa Yonker, Strategic University Partnership Manager, and Blake Gieseking, University Account Manager, Apartments.com | Off Campus Partners; Patrick Preudhomme, Jr., Program Director for Off-Campus Student Life, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Track 5: Off the Rails: Sunsetting Once-successful Programs

Abstract: A program from several years ago hit all the right notes. Excellent attendance, positive feedback, and an assurance to plan the following year. Years later the event is an expectation, but the excitement has waned and creativity surrounding the event has stagnated. When is it time to move on from a once-successful program, and how to you come to that decision? This presentation will lead an open discussion in considering a decision-making rubric.

Presenter: Todd Kamanash, Associate Dean of Students for Conduct & Community Engagement, Kent State University

Track 5: Halfway There: How Partnership Powers the Campus Plan

Abstract: At the halfway mark of our campus plan, partnership has proven to be our greatest asset. Through the Georgetown Community Partnership, we’ve strengthened accountability, built trust, and adapted implementation strategies in real time. This session reflects on lessons learned at midcourse, highlighting how sustained community collaboration accelerates progress, improves outcomes, and ensures our campus plan remains responsive, transparent, and mutually beneficial.

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

Track 5: Local Roads, Shared Destination: Managing University-Community Partnerships Across Distinct Campuses

Abstract: As universities consolidate and expand across multiple locations, community engagement must balance institutional alignment with place-based responsiveness. This presentation explores how a consolidated university with three distinct campuses designed parallel - yet not identical - engagement strategies to strengthen reciprocal city–university partnerships. Drawing on experience as the Director of Outreach at the University of South Florida, the presentation examines building shared infrastructure, navigating consolidation challenges, and piloting dedicated engagement FTEs to advance both community needs and institutional goals.

Presenter: Bethany Bernard, Director of Outreach, University-Community Partnerships, University of South Florida

Track 6: Illinois Innovation Network: Driving Economic Development in College Towns and Throughout the State

Abstract: The Illinois Innovation Network (IIN) leverages public universities as anchor institutions to drive inclusive economic development across Illinois. This session highlights several hubs partnering with local governments, industry, and communities to translate research into jobs, business growth, and regional resilience. Through applied and translational research, these collaborations demonstrate how university-led innovation can strengthen local economies while delivering tangible community benefit.

Presenters: Harriett Steinbach, Director of Innovation and Strategic Partnerships, Office of Research, Illinois State University; Steven Mitchell, Economic Development Director, City of Carbondale; Matthew Deitch, Director, Northern Illinois Center for Community Sustainability, Northern Illinois University; Daniel Block, Chair, Dept. of Geography, Sociology, History, and Africana Studies, Chicago State University

Track 1: Aggies Choose: Using Social Norms and Campus Values to Shift Alcohol Culture

Abstract: Aggies Choose is a social norms campaign at Texas A&M University designed to address misperceptions about student alcohol use while reinforcing community values of leadership and integrity. This session will describe the campaign’s development, including student research, message design, and implementation through interactive events. Presenters will share assessment findings demonstrating gaps between perceived and actual drinking norms, lessons learned from student engagement, and strategies for integrating social norms messaging into campus and town prevention efforts.

Presenters: Megan Buck, Coordinator of Substance Misuse and Violence Prevention, and Lauren Dorsett, Assistant Director Student Life | Texas A&M University

Track 3: Safe & Secure: Addressing Student Housing Insecurities in our Communities

Abstract: There are more than 20 million students enrolled in colleges and universities across the nation, and studies show that 20-48% of students experience housing insecurity in some way (Albrecht, et al. 2024; The Hope Center, 2025). On-campus/off-campus partnerships must be formed between institutional and community leaders to ensure students find safe and secure housing. Participants will leave our session with tangible short-term and long-term solutions to address housing insecurities within their own communities.

Presenters: Becket Duncan, Research Analyst, and Jeff Morris, Director of Off-Campus Life, University of Colorado Boulder

Track 3: The Invisible Engine Behind Off-Campus Living

Abstract: Off-campus living is powered by a complex network of students, universities, cities, and local businesses, yet much of it operates without shared visibility or coordination. This session reveals how the University of Nebraska-Lincoln partnered with Housr to become the connective layer across stakeholders, creating a trusted, network-driven ecosystem. By connecting data, verified housing, and engagement, we’ll show how communities can improve safety, strengthen relationships, support local businesses, and unlock sustainable economic value.

Presenters: Craig Joseph, President, and Michael Parnello, Chief Revenue Officer, Housr; Danny Steiner, Assistant Director of Housing and Dining, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Track 5: A Model for Trust-Based, Community-Engaged Learning with Nonprofit Partners

Abstract: This panel examines how intentional university–community models developed with nonprofit partners can align student learning, institutional priorities, and community voice to generate measurable impact. Panelists from the REACH–Texas A&M partnership, including a student representative, will share perspectives on designing replicable learning models that center real-world student experience while responding to community-defined needs and strengthening campus–community relationships. Participants will leave with best practices for building sustainable, trust-based town–gown collaboration.

Presenters: Jillian Warriner, Chief Strategy Officer, and Max Gerall, Founder & Executive Director, REACH; Benjamin Miller, Texas A&M Student, REACH Fellow; Rebekka Dudensing, Executive Director of Economic Development, Office of Community Engagement, Office of the President, Texas A&M University

Track 5: Delivering on the Promise: UDC’s Vision for Student Success and Urban Transformation

Abstract: The University of the District of Columbia (UDC), the nation’s only urban land-grant university, is advancing its Delivering on the Promise strategic plan to drive student success and community impact. This session explores how UDC integrates housing, workforce pathways, and civic partnerships to strengthen campus and city connections. Through leadership, collaboration, and innovation, UDC demonstrates how urban institutions can align strategy with equitable growth, creating a replicable model for workforce and community development in higher education.

Presenters: President Maurice D. Edington, University of the District of Columbia; and Michael Akin, President  LINK Strategic Partners

Track 6: Small Bets, Big Wins: Incremental Downtown Development in College Towns

Abstract: Large-scale redevelopment isn't the only path to downtown vitality. Blacksburg, Virginia demonstrates how a university, town, economic development organization, and municipal consultant can partner to pursue incremental wins—tactical investments, small-scale adaptive reuse, and entrepreneurship pipelines—that compound into transformational change. This session shares a replicable framework for college towns seeking sustainable downtown growth without betting everything on a single anchor project. Attendees will leave with practical strategies they can implement immediately.

Presenters: Jenn Gregory, President of Downtown Strategies, Retail Strategies; Emily Gibson, Director of Local Government and Community Relations, Virginia Tech; Ann Cassell, President, Blacksburg Partnership; Angie Marcolini, Business Solutions Manager, Town of Blacksburg

Track 5: Fireside Chat 

Leaders from higher education and government will discuss how “town and gown” partnerships can remain during uncertainty and will share lessons on crisis navigation, governance, planning, and communication. Framed by the conference theme “Laying Tracks for the Future,” the session explores aligning institutional and community priorities to sustain partnerships.

Presenters: Moderator Michael Akin, President, LINK Stratagic Partners; Rashad Young, former manager of Washington, DC, Alexandria, Greensboro and Dayton; and Greg McDanel, City Manager, Seaside, Caliofornia and ITGA President