The University of Tennessee, Knoxville hosted the annual Student Success US Conference in partnership with Inside Higher Ed and Times Higher Education. The three-day event, which ran October 28-30, brought together higher education professionals from around the country to discuss student success and how to approach the evolving landscape of higher education.

Shortly after opening the conference alongside Inside Higher Ed’s Sara Custer, UT Chancellor Donde Plowman was a featured speaker during “Presidential Panel: Leading with Integrity and Intention” alongside guest speakers Jonathan Koppell, president of Montclair State University, and Harry Williams, president and Chief Executive Officer of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.

Part of the initial panel discussion centered around leading a university with integrity and how a large component of leading a university with integrity is understanding how to navigate an institution through the pressing challenges and making difficult decisions. Plowman spoke on the difficulty that arises from communication rather than action and how earnest communication aids in helping the campus community understand its decisions.

“When you do the right thing, you will say the right thing,” said Plowman.

Open communication has been a strategy implemented by Plowman in recent ventures with the University of Tennessee Southern and Arizona State University Online. Working with other higher education institutions has been one approach for adapting to the challenges facing university leaders. Plowman aims to “Meet people where they are,” providing accessible education to Tennesseans lacking the education to fill critical roles needed within the state.

Further into the panel discussion the topic centered on the challenges university leaders are facing, including the value higher education. As some individuals have become disillusioned with higher education, Plowman emphasized that student success initiatives are critical in ensuring that the value of higher education is asserted and students continue to receive support for graduation and beyond.

“When students feel confident and engaged, we are on the right track,” said Plowman. “They are on the right track to succeed.”

The panel marked the start of two full days of workshops, discussions, and networking opportunities aimed at sharing and expanding the focus of student success at higher education institutions.