2026 Advising Summit

Interested in submitting a proposal?

We invite you to propose a presentation that showcases your best practices in advising… those with the biggest impact, greatest value, or most meaningful emphasis. Consider highlighting your unique role or the distinct student populations you serve to inspire and inform your colleagues.

Guidelines: Submit an abstract (max 150 words) that outlines your presentation and includes the major takeaway. Submit your abstract by December 22, 2025. Let your experience and insight help shape the future of advising!

Want to present but unsure of a topic area? Consider one of the following: Student Success & Retention Strategies, Technology & Data-Driven Advising, Holistic & Developmental Advising, Faculty & Staff Collaboration, Mental Health & Well-Being in Advising, Career & Experiential Learning Integration, Assessment & Continuous Improvement, Advising Special Populations.

2026 Keynote Speaker | Dr. Kevin Thomas

Dr. Kevin Thomas is the Vice President for Enrollment Services and Student Success at the University of Central Arkansas (UCA). Kevin previously served as the Director of Retention and Student Success at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) from 2012 through 2019, where he led efforts that resulted in an increased retention rate over that time of 10%. During his recent career, Kevin was promoted to the Director of the Academic Advising and Retention Center after serving as the Assistant Director of Undergraduate Advising Practices at Western Kentucky University (WKU). Before joining the academic advising profession in 2007, Kevin worked in Housing and Residence Life in various roles at Murray State, Ball State, and WKU.

At UCA, Kevin establishes the collective vision and direction of the offices within Enrollment Services & Student Success, which includes Academic Advising, Admissions, Financial Aid, the Registrar’s Office, Online, Transfer, and Returning Student Services, Strategic Enrollment Communication, Student-Athlete Advising, Student Success, and the Veterans Resource Center. Over the past three years, Kevin has been a key leader in the creation of UCA Commitment, a tuition and fee-free program for Arkansas students whose families early $100,000 or less, a successful transition to a primary role advising on campus, and a scholarship remodel that focuses on high school GPA, not standardized testing requirements. Each of these efforts has strengthened the opportunity to access, the opportunity to succeed, and the opportunity to graduate from UCA. During the fall of 2024, UCA experienced an over 26% growth in freshmen through the work of admissions, advising, strategic communication, and providing access and opportunity to college-going students. In the fall of 2025, UCA, for the 11th consecutive year, brought in the second-largest first-year enrollment within the state of Arkansas. 

Dr. Thomas earned his doctorate in Educational Leadership from WKU and his master’s and bachelor’s degrees from Murray State University.

Draft Schedule

11:30AM – Arrival & Check In
12:00PM – Welcome
12:30PM – Keynote Speaker
1:15PM – Student Panel
2:00PM – 15 minute Break
2:15PM – Break-Out Presentations
3:45PM – Closing Remarks & Raffle