 | TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF BLACK PERSONNEL IN HIGHER EDUCATION |
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THE PURPOSE OF THE CONFERENCE
Celebrating 54 Years of Excellence in Higher Education
In 1973, history was made: Roe v. Wade reshaped the law, Constance Baker Motley and other trailblazers advanced civil rights and representation, George Foreman became Heavyweight Champion, the first handheld cellular phone call was made, American soldiers returned from Vietnam, Watergate hearings began, and Willie Mays retired. These are just a few historical facts from 1973 but so much more happened.
Now, more than five decades later, the Texas Association of Personnel in Higher Education (TABPHE) proudly presents its 54th Annual State Conference. The purpose of the conference is to offer professional development through expert-led presentations, and opportunities for higher education personnel to prepare for today’s challenges and tomorrow’s emerging issues. Everyone is welcome to attend and participate.
The Conference will recognize the 2027 TABPHE Scholarship Recipients during the Awards Banquet.
Join us on February 21-27, 2027 at The Double Tree Hotel, (6505 N. I-35, Austin, TX 78752), and be part of shaping the future of higher education.
| Faculty InstituteThe Cherry R. Gooden Faculty Institute will convene as an individual activity to provide professional development and address topics such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Self-Care, and Academic Freedom. | Staff InstituteThe Reby Cary Staff Development Institute will convene during the conference to include leadership development, mentoring and self-evaluation/self-regulation for professionals in Higher Education. | Student InstitutesThe Rod & Laurie Hayes Fluker Graduate Student Institute and the Erma Johnson-Hadley Undergraduate Student Leadership Institute will convene during the conference to include student leadership development, mentoring and networking opportunities. |
Variety of Sessions & ActivitiesThis year, TABPHE will offer various formats to engage participants throughout the conference.
REGISTER TODAY! (CLICK THE FLYER) | TABPHE 2027 AWARDS BANQUET The Awards Banquet will be Tuesday, February 22, 2027 at the conference hotel site and will feature recognition of students and professionals. Get ready to dress up with a "Soulful Celebration" theme for decor. The event is one of the highlights of the conference and attendees will not want to miss out on. You know TABPHE loves a good themed banquet!
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Conference Presentation Tracks (to consider when submitting your workshop proposal)
We welcome proposals across four comprehensive tracks:
- Excellence in Leadership & Professional Development: Strategies for career advancement, executive leadership, mentorship, and navigating institutional structures.
- Advocacy & Policy in Higher Education: Examining legislative changes, institutional policy, community organizing, and systemic advocacy for Black professionals and students.
- Student Access, Success & Opportunity: Innovative programs, retention strategies, mental health support, and initiatives that bridge achievement gaps.
- Research, Innovation & Technology: Contemporary research on Black hidden figures, AI integration, culturally responsive pedagogy, and future trends in academia.
Submission Guidelines
- Format: Interactive workshops, panel discussions, or roundtable sessions (60 minutes total, including Q&A).
- Abstract: A concise description of your session (maximum 250 words) for the conference program.
- Learning Outcomes: Three clear, measurable takeaways for attendees.
- Target Audience: Specify if your session targets student affairs, faculty, executive leadership, or undergraduate/graduate students.
- Bio: A brief professional biography of each presenter (maximum 100 words per presenter).
Important Dates
- Proposal Submission Deadline: October 30th, 2026
- Notification of Acceptance: November 20, 2026
- Conference Dates: February 21-24, 2027
The committee will be looking for options to place sessions with these topics in each 50-minute concurrent timeslot.
Please email any questions to:Terence Mathis at Tmathis@kilgore.edu