Information on the
2026 NISOD International Conference on Teaching and Leadership Excellence
will be available in the Fall.
Join us at NISOD’s International Conference on Teaching and Leadership Excellence, the premier event dedicated to inspiring educators in higher education! Taking place May 24-27, 2025, in vibrant Austin, Texas, this transformative conference offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect, learn, and grow alongside community and technical college faculty, administrators, and staff from across the nation and beyond. Attendees can expect dynamic sessions, hands-on workshops, and powerful keynote addresses, all focused on enhancing student success and advancing teaching and leadership skills. Don’t miss your chance to be part of an empowering experience that celebrates and strengthens our educational community.
“Generally speaking, community college families are all ‘on different ends of the same boat.’ Most institutions face similar issues and it was inspiring to see others share best practices that everyone can use to enhance the educational opportunities we provide to our communities.”
“I enjoyed the energy of attendees – we shared common goals, common challenges, and the desire to be better. It’s refreshing and rewarding to collaborate to find solutions and best practices together.”
Austin, Texas
As the Live Music Capital of the World®, Austin sways to the strum of its own guitar. It is the state Capital, home of the University of Texas and gateway to the beautiful Texas Hill Country. Austin offers urban hiking trails, legendary barbecue and farm-to-table cuisine. The city has more than 250 live music venues where on any given night the sounds of rock, country, indie and Tejano music echo throughout the streets. Be sure to explore the Austin Insider Blog to find things to see and do while visiting Austin!
Special Thanks to Our Supporting Sponsors and Partners:
2025 Volunteer Committee Members
| Arkansas State University-Beebe (AR) Stephanie Ungerank, Director, Distance Education | Metropolitan Community College (KC) Courtney Dixon, Student Services Specialist, Financial Aid |
| Blinn College District (TX) Jimmy Byrd, Executive Dean | Northwest Arkansas Community College (AR) Nathan Crowder, Instructor, Data Analytics 2025 Volunteer Committee Chair |
| Coffeyville Community College (KS) Krista Hanna, Business Instructor and Bookstore Assistant Manager | Sask Polytechnic (SK, Canada) Mike Gillespie, Associate Vice President |
| Harford Community College (MD) Jeff Ball, Director, CETL | Seattle Central College (WA) Melvin Smith, Adjunct Professor |
| Houston Community College (TX) Mercedes Wilson-Everett, Lead Faculty | South Louisiana Community College (LA) Dan Calhoun, Assistant Dean, Liberal Arts and Humanities |
| Isothermal Community College (NC) Kelley Lovelace, Dean, Teaching and Learning Support | St. Petersburg College (FL) Amber Estlund, Associate Dean, Academic Services |
| Lorain County Community College (OH) Jennifer Kukis, TLC Coordinator | Tarrant County College District (TX) Audra Barrett, Vice President, Academic Affairs |