Minnesota Inclusive Higher Education 2025 Conference

Transformation

September 23, 2025

Register here.

MIHEC 2025 Conference Agenda

9:00 am - 9:15 am: Intro and welcome

9:15 am - 10:15 am: Dr. Linda and Brian Schubring: "Navigating Change and Uncertainty: Leading with Clarity, Trust, and Resolve in a World That Will Not Slow Down"

Amid rapid change and rising uncertainty, leaders carry the quiet weight of guiding others while remaining composed themselves. Dr. Linda and Brian Schubring of Leadership Vision Consulting offer a thoughtful and refined lens on leadership that honors the emotional and relational complexity of leading in uncertain times. Through graceful insight and meaningful reflection, Linda and Brian invite leaders to reconnect with their core identity and discover how clarity can emerge even in unpredictable moments.

10:15 am - 10:30 am: Break

10:30 am - 11:30 am: Dr. Beth Meyers: "Transforming College Campuses and the Lives of Students"

In this session, Dr. Myers from Syracuse University invites us to embrace the transformation already unfolding in higher education as students with intellectual and developmental disabilities claim their place on our campuses. For too long, these students have waited at the edges, and now they are stepping confidently into university spaces—ready to learn, contribute, and belong. The challenge before us is not to design something separate or special, but to recognize and expand the avenues that already exist within our institutions, opening them more fully so all students can explore college together. Through powerful stories and practical insights, Beth will show how embracing this transformation deepens our mission, strengthens our culture, and enriches the lives of every student.

11:30 am - 12:30 pm: Lunch

12:30 pm - 1:00 pm: Grantee Panel

Lake Superior College, Normandale Community College, and Central Lakes College received the Minnesota Inclusive Higher Education grant. Representatives from these colleges will share their plans and vision for enrolling students with intellectual and developmental disabilities on campus. The representatives are: Mary Sam (Dean of Students, Wellness & Equity), and Nick Heisserer (Dean of Brainerd Career and Technical Programs) at Central Lakes College; Erin Thompson, PACE Program Coordinator at Lake Superior College; and Sarah Toland (Instructor of Teacher Education) and Sofie Riley (Grant Specialist) at Normandale Community College.

1:00 pm - 1:45 pm: Dr. Christi Kasa: "Preparing Families and Students for the Transition to College"

Entering college is an exciting and transformative milestone for students and their families. This session, led by Dr. Kasa from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, will explore how families and students can prepare for the shift in relationships that naturally occurs during this transition. Families will gain insight into how to support students in leading their own lives, making independent decisions, and growing in confidence. Students will learn strategies for building self-advocacy skills and seeking advice in ways that guide their success. Together, we will discuss practical approaches for navigating this period of change and fostering healthy, supportive partnerships between students and their families.

1:45 pm - 2:00 pm: Break

2:00 pm - 2:45 pm: Student Panel Q&A

The panel will highlight Minnesota students with intellectual and developmental disabilities attending college or recently graduated. Hear a first-hand account of the student's college experience. There will be an opportunity to ask questions.

2:45 pm - 3:15 pm: Topic-Based Breakout Rooms

We formally invite you to Minnesota’s annual Inclusive Higher Education Conference on Tuesday, September 23, 2025. This year, the conference will be held virtually. Registration for the 2025 Minnesota Inclusive Higher Education Conference is now open. Join us for a day of learning, connection, and transformation as we engage with Minnesota's growing inclusive higher education movement.

Embracing change can be difficult in times of uncertainty, but it is also where transformation begins. This statewide conference provides a space for students, families, educators, faculty, staff, and other key stakeholders to come together and navigate the challenges and opportunities of inclusive higher education. It is a time to learn from one another, share insights, and explore what is possible when we commit to building a more inclusive future.

The theme of this year’s conference is Transformation—reflecting the powerful changes taking place across Minnesota as more colleges and universities open their doors to students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We will explore how inclusive higher education transforms not only the lives of students but also classrooms, campuses, and entire communities.

The conference, centered on the voices and experiences of students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, aims to raise awareness, deepen understanding, and inspire continued growth toward truly inclusive learning environments.

We look forward to seeing you in September! Reserve your spot by registering today.

The Minnesota Inclusive Higher Education Conference provides opportunities for college and university faculty and staff, students, parents, educators, supporters, and advocates to gain new insights and forge connections.

Speaker Biographies

Dr. Linda and Brian Schubring

Dr. Linda and Brian Schubring are the authors of the national bestselling and award-winning book UNFOLDED: Lessons in Transformation from an Origami Crane. They create transformative experiences where individuals feel seen, known, and understood. Their company, Leadership Vision Consulting, is a global firm based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, renowned for driving change across organizations of all sizes and industries. From Fortune 100 companies, government agencies, and non-profits to entrepreneurial startups, universities, and international schools, Linda and Brian’s work integrates the principles of positive psychology, applied neuroscience, and adaptive leadership to empower individuals and inspire meaningful organizational transformation. UNFOLDED is their first book.

Linda and Brian Schubring.

Dr. Beth Myers

Dr. Beth Myers is the Executive Director of the Taishoff Center for Inclusive Higher Education at Syracuse University. She is an Associate Professor in the School of Education, teaching in the inclusive education program where she started in 2013. Dr. Myers is the founding editor of the Journal of Inclusive Postsecondary Education and the Chair of the Annual State of the Art Conference in Inclusive Higher Education. She was awarded the 2018 CNY Business Journal’s Business Woman of the Year in Higher Education, the 2021 Meredith Early Career Teaching Award, and the 2022 George Jesien National Leadership Award in Higher Education. She lives in Syracuse, New York, with her four children.

Beth Myers.

Dr. Christi Kasa

Dr. Christi Kasa is an Associate Professor in the Department of Teaching and Learning and the Director of the Office of Inclusive Services in the College of Education at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. Her teaching, research, and consulting are driven by her passion to create successful inclusive schools for all students. She is an expert in differentiated instruction, best practices for inclusive schooling, and supporting students who are considered to have challenging behaviors. Dr. Kasa began her career as a general education teacher and special education teacher in the California public schools. She now spends time in schools all over the country working to end the segregation of students with disabilities.

Christi Kasa.