Trellis Foundation Summit
Our third biennial postsecondary policy summit in Austin, TX, explores mental health and wellbeing as a strategy for student success. We invite you to join policymakers, practitioners, and experts to discuss the public policy and philanthropic levers to improve students’ mental health and college completion.
This year, the Summit will focus on the intersections of education and workforce that can lead to the future that Texas needs and that Texas students deserve. In working to achieve that future, there are implications for policy and practice across federal, state, regional, and institutional actors. To that end, we will hear from national, state, and campus perspectives identifying our greatest opportunities and challenges.
Trellis Foundation 2024 Higher Education Policy Summit
Friday, April 19 · 9am – 2pm CDT
The Westin Austin at The Domain (11301 Domain Drive Austin, TX 78758)
Agenda
9:00 AM: Registration & Coffee
9:30 AM: Welcome
Kristin Boyer, Trellis Foundation Executive Director
Dora Ann Verde, Trellis Foundation Board Chair
9:35 AM: Summit Context and Objectives
Kristin Boyer, Trellis Foundation
Leilani Lamb, Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute
9:45 AM: A Fireside Chat with Commissioner Keller
Dr. Harrison Keller, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Dr. Richard Rhodes, Trellis Foundation Board Member
10:10 AM: Federal Perspectives on Postsecondary Wellbeing and Student Success
Sakshee Chawla, The State Higher Education Executive Officers Association
Dr. Zainab Okolo, Jed Foundation
Dr. Sunny Patel, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Moderated by Dr. Mark Milliron, Trellis Foundation Board Member
11:05 AM: Video Premiere, Student Voices on Mental Health
11:15 AM: The Role of Institutional Leadership in Mental Wellbeing and Student Success
Dr. Brenda Hellyer, San Jacinto College District
Dr. Mike Flores, Alamo Colleges
Ronnie D. Hawkins Jr., Lt. Gen. (Ret.), Angelo State University
Moderated by Suzanne Walsh, J.D., Trellis Foundation Board Member
12:10 PM: Lunch
12:55 PM: The Current and Future “State” of Mental Wellbeing and Student Success
Dr. Jennielle Médica Strother, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Dr. Cynthia Ferrell, Texas Success Center / Texas Association of Community Colleges
Tegan Henke, Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute
Moderated by Jenny Achilles, Trellis Foundation
1:45 PM: Reflections & Close
2:00 PM: Adjourn