35th Annual Conference

Mar 23, 2025 - Mar 26, 2025
Embassy Suites by Hilton in Fort Lauderdale, FL

2025 Keynote Speakers



Dr. Lane Glenn
President of Northern Essex Community College

Dr. Lane A. Glenn is President of Northern Essex Community College (NECC), with campuses in Haverhill and Lawrence, Massachusetts.

Dr. Glenn is focused on student success and is passionate about finding ways to help students achieve their educational goals, especially students who are underprepared for college. In addition, he is a strong advocate for colleges and universities as engines of economic and workforce development-particularly in Massachusetts Gateway Cities.

Dr. Glenn has been responsible for significant expansion of NECC's Lawrence campus, including the opening of the college's new $27 million El Hefni Allied Health and Technology Center, "The Hub," and the recently renovated Dimitry Building. He has led expansion efforts of partnerships with area high schools and four-year colleges and universities to expand educational opportunities in downtown Lawrence.

He was the visionary and founding board chair for the "Lawrence Partnership," a coalition of businesses and organizations committed to economic development in the city of Lawrence. In its first few years, the partnership has launched a multi-million-dollar venture loan fund for small businesses, formed a training consortium to improve workforce development, created a "revolving test kitchen" for aspiring restauranteurs, and developed a citywide leadership program with the Harvard Business School.

As a researcher, author and consultant, Dr. Glenn has also helped advance community colleges through his involvement on numerous regional and national boards. He is the chairman of the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education"s Task Force on Statewide Assessment; was appointed to the STEM Advisory Council by the Massachusetts governor; and chairs the International Advisory Board of the Chair Academy, an organization that provides leadership development programs for college and university leaders around the world.

Dr. Glenn has been described as "optimistic thought leader" who actively promotes the community college mission in a number of publications, on social media, and through his blog, "Running the Campus." In 2018, he was named the "Pacesetter of the Year" for his higher education advocacy efforts by the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations.

He holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Theater from Michigan State University, a master's degree in Speech from Oklahoma State University, and a bachelor's in English and Speech/Theater from Northeastern State University (OK). He is proud to say he started his education at Rose State College, a community college in Midwest City, Oklahoma.



Crestel Lewis
Dean of Student Services at Miami Dade College

Dean Crystel Lewis is a visionary leader who is passionate about education, as she truly believes that it is the great equalizer. With a Master of Science in Higher Education Administration from Florida International University, and a Bachelor of Arts in English from University of South Florida, her love for the college experience was made evident. Dean Lewis joined the North Campus in September of 2018 as Director of Retention & Transition Services, providing leadership to the retention, advising, and holistic support areas of the campus. In 2022, she became the Dean of Student Services and continues to make strides towards student success. Prior to joining the North Campus, she excelled in several Student Services roles including Director of Advisement and Career Services and Director of Student Life at several MDC Campuses. Dean Lewis is actively engaged in building connections and relationships with community partners to further provide educational pathways and opportunities for all. In recognition of her dedication and commitment to affecting change and promoting the transformative power of education, she was selected by Legacy Magazine/M.I.A. Media Group as one of South Florida's 40 Under 40 Black Leaders of Today and Tomorrow for 2024. Additionally, she is a member of various professional and social organizations such as the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA), the Association of Student Conduct Administrators (ASCA), and the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW). With over a decade in Student Affairs leadership, and over 2 decades of service to her community. Dean Lewis has truly made it her mission to work toward enhancing the student experience and championing student success!