PRSA Counselors to Higher Education Senior Summit
March 9-11, 2026 | Atlanta, Georgia
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2026 Summit
About the Summit
The Counselors to Higher Education (CHE) Senior Summit brings together communications, PR, and marketing leaders from college campuses across the U.S. to share insights, research, and best practices. Attendees will have the opportunity to network, collaborate,
and gain valuable knowledge to advance communications and PR at their institutions.
Summit Highlights
- 12+ sessions and keynote presentations on the latest trends and issues in higher education communications and PR.
- Numerous opportunities for networking, mentoring, and roundtable discussions to strengthen your relationships with communications leaders at peer universities across the U.S.
- Hear from national media outlets covering higher education about the best media relations strategies.
- An invitation-only Executive Leadership Summit will be available for senior communications leaders to connect and engage on the most pressing topics facing higher education today.
Who should attend the CHE Senior Summit?
This is a must-attend event for communications and public relations professionals working in higher education.
- Communications and PR professionals at colleges and universities, graduate schools, and professional schools
- Chief Communications Officers and Vice Presidents of Communications in higher education (Check out the Executive Leadership Summit for exclusive programming for senior leaders.)
- Consultants and agencies serving higher education clients
What topics will be highlighted at the Senior Summit?
Sessions and workshops will address a broad spectrum of topics related to communications, PR, and marketing in higher education, including but not limited to:
- Artificial Intelligence, Emerging Technologies, and Communication Tools
- Strategic Leadership
- Crisis Communication Strategies
- Reputation Management
- Media Relations Trends and Best Practices
- Storytelling and Content Creation
- Inclusive Communications and Marketing
- Internal Communications
- Best Practices in Executive Communications at Universities
- Building High-Performing Communications and PR Teams in Higher Education
- Thought Leadership and Research Communications Strategies
- Communication Strategies for Academic Units
- APR Certification for Higher Education Leaders
2025 Executive Leadership Summit
By Invitation Only
The Senior Summit features an Executive Leadership Summit, an exclusive, invitation-only experience for higher education communications and marketing senior leaders.
Highlights of the Executive Leadership Summit include:
- Unparalleled Networking Opportunities:
Connect with fellow senior leaders from college campuses across the U.S. - Leadership-Focused Content:
Gain insights and strategies specifically for senior-level communications executives. - Timely Discussions:
Discuss hot topics impacting your campus and higher education with your peers.
Registration Info
Conference Rates
| Registration Type | Saver Rate Ends Jan. 26, 2026 | Standard Rate After Jan. 26, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Section Member | $825 | $925 |
| PRSA Member | $895 | $995 |
| Non-Member | $1195 | $1,295 |
| Day Registration Monday or Tuesday only | $575 | $675 |
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN
Schedule at a Glance
Schedule at a Glance
Monday, March 9
11:30 a.m.—3:50 p.m.
Executive Leadership Summit (by invitation only)
3—3:50 p.m.
Registration
4—4:50 p.m.
Opening Session
5—5:50 p.m.
General Session
6—7 p.m.
Opening Night Mixer and Appetizers
6:30—8 p.m.
Networking Dinners (not included in registration)
Tuesday, March 10
9—9:50 a.m.
Opening Session
10—10:50 a.m.
Breakout Sessions
“Mission as a Megaphone: Leading With Outspoken Empathy and Courage”
Jen Brock, vice president for marketing and communications, Mount Holyoke College
Jaime Hunt, founder and president, Solve Higher Ed Marketing
or
“Rebuilding Trust in Public Universities: The Power of Awareness and Impact”
Jonathon Taylor, associate vice president and director of public affairs, University of Alaska
11—11:50 a.m.
Breakout Sessions
noon—1:15 p.m.
Pat Jackson Lecture Award Presentation and Networking Lunch
Dr. Kenneth Carter, Charles Howard Candler professor of psychology, Oxford College of Emory University, and founding director, Emory University Center for Public Scholarship
1:30—2:45 p.m.
Media Panel and Speed Pitching Session
3—3:50 p.m.
Breakout Sessions
“From Policy to PR: Expanding National Thought Leadership to Uplift Medical Education in a Politically Charged Climate”
Alan Bennett, assistant director of communications, University of New England
Cristal Steuer, APR, associate vice president, TVP Communications
or
To be announced
6—8 p.m.
Networking Dinners (not included in registration)
Wednesday, March 11
8—8:50 a.m.
Breakfast and Breakout Sessions
9—9:50 a.m.
Breakout Sessions
10—10:50 a.m.
Breakout Sessions
11 a.m.—noon
Closing Keynote Session
*Schedule is subject to change.
Conference Agenda
Conference Agenda
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Speakers
Speakers
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Hotel Info
Hotel Info
Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead
3300 Peachtree Road NE
Atlanta, Georgia, 30305
Reserve your room at special conference rates.
Sponsors
Sponsors
To learn more about sponsorship opportunities please contact:
Greta Libbey
Manager, Meetings and Events
PRSA
120 Wall Street, FL 21
New York, NY 10005
Greta.Libbey@prsa.org