2026 Black Academic Leadership Conference

Call for Proposals

Register Now

Date & Location:

This year's conference will be held on June 30, 2026, at The Weyerhaeuser Boardroom and Lounge on the campus of Macalester College, 1600 Grand Ave., St. Paul, MN 55105

Conference Theme: 

Excelling with Excellence: Black Leadership in Today’s Academy

Conference Overview:

Institutions of higher education are navigating unprecedented pressure—political scrutiny, shifting demographics, resource constraints, and heightened expectations for accountability and equity. Black leaders across the academy continue to demonstrate excellence amid these pressures while shaping inclusive, innovative, and resilient institutions.This conference convenes scholars, administrators, emerging leaders, and practitioners to examine how Black leadership is practiced, sustained, and amplified in today’s academic landscape. We invite proposals that are grounded in lived experience, research, practice, and strategy; highlighting both the challenges and the transformative impact of Black leadership in higher education.

This conference convenes current and aspiring Black higher education administrators to:

• Explore leadership challenges in an evolving higher education environment
• Strengthen leadership capacity, resilience, and decision-making
• Address the realities of underrepresentation in administrative roles
• Build community, mentorship, and pathways for advancement
• Share strategies for sustainable leadership and institutional impact

Intended Audience:

• Senior and Executive-level leaders (Presidents, Provosts, Deans, Vice Presidents)
• Entry-mid-level leaders (Department Chair/Program Directors)
• Aspiring administrators and leadership professionals
• Student affairs and administrative professionals
• Professionals supporting administrative leaders across functional areas
• Coordinators as well as those in their current doctoral research who want to meet those to help guide their research as they finish.
• We welcome those looking for a career change.

Registration Rates:

• Early bird rate until May 1st- $249 per person
• Groups of 3 or more attendees - $199 per person until May 1st, beginning May 2nd - $249 per person. Must book everyone together in order to receive the discount. (Email drgabrielwarren@gmail.com to register your group)
• Registration beginning May 2nd- $299 per person