Navigating the Nontraditional

Tools, Strategies, and Systems that Support Student Lives

ONLINE SUMMIT

Monday, November 2, 2026

9:00 - 4:00 pm central time Register By November 1

Welcome to the 2026 Nontraditional Student SuMMIT

We are pleased to welcome you to Navigating the Nontraditional: 2026 Nontraditional Student Summit, a free, online gathering dedicated to exploring the experiences, challenges, and strengths of nontraditional students.

Throughout the day, you’ll hear from students, educators, and higher education professionals as we examine the many ways institutions can better support students whose paths to and through college may look different from the traditional model. From student voices and transition support to belonging, re-enrollment, communication, assessment, and institutional practices, the symposium is designed to encourage meaningful conversation and practical ideas that can be taken back to campuses and communities.

We hope you’ll join us on Monday, November 2, 2026, for a day of learning, connection, reflection, and shared commitment to supporting nontraditional student success.

We’re glad you’re here, and we look forward to learning with you.

About the Summit

Navigating the Nontraditional Summit brings together higher education professionals to share innovative strategies, practical tools, and collaborative approaches that support the success, persistence, and belonging of nontraditional students. Through meaningful dialogue and actionable learning, the summit empowers participants to return to their campuses equipped to create more accessible, responsive, and student-centered educational environments.

Meet THE VOICES OF NONTRADITIONAL STUDENTS Panelists

Panelist Tamar Champs

Tamar Champs

Tamar Champs is a dedicated education professional currently serving as a paraprofessional. She holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree and recently earned her Licensed Social Worker (LSW) credential. Tamar is passionate about supporting others,personal growth, education, and making a positive impact in her community. 
.

She is also a proud member ofSigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, where she embraces the values of service, leadership, and sisterhood. Outside of her professional and community commitments, Tamar is a proud mother of two beautiful children – a daughter and a son – who inspire her every day.

Panelist Donna Davlantis

Donna Davlantis

Donna is a non-traditional gender for career student and is enrolled in the John Deere Ag Tech program at Lake Land College as well as employed by Greenmark Equipment in Knox, Indiana, where she has worked since her senior year of high school.Though she didn’t grow up in agriculture, she has always been drawn to mechanics and is excited to pursue that field with John Deere Equipment. 

She’s involved in the Trap Shooting Team on campus and is a member of the Automotive Fabrication Club as well.

Paul Higgerson

Paul Higgerson

Paul Higgerson is currently an academic advisor in the Department of Sport Management at the University of Florida. In this role, he works with primarily fully online students, which he enjoys as it gives him the opportunity to work with individuals who are at all different points in their lives and careers. He has been working in higher education for eight plus years, all of them in his current role.

. Prior to that he worked for an Anheuser-Busch distributor and was in the U.S. Air Force. He attended Eastern Illinois University (麻豆国产) as a traditional freshman in 1990 but left a few semesters later to enlist in the Air Force. During his working career he earned his A.A while taking night classes, completed his bachelor’s degree fully online through 麻豆国产’s Bachelor’s in General Studies Program (currently Interdisciplinary Studies), and finally he returned to 麻豆国产 completing his M.S. in College Student Affairs in 2018. It is primarily due to these experiences that he truly enjoys working with students, helping them navigate their academic experience. His background and non-traditional path often allow him to establish a rapport with the students he collaborates with, and he has found this role incredibly rewarding.

Moderator Sharifa Hurtault

Sharifa Hurtault - Panel Moderator

Sharifa Hurtault is a public speaker, facilitator, and community organizer from Charleston, Illinois, with a commitment to creating spaces for meaningful dialogue. A lifelong Panther and former Eastern Illinois University student, they pursued their undergraduate degree in the School of Communications before stepping away from their studies. As a stop-outlearner, Sharifa brings a deep understanding of the varied circumstances that shape educational journeys.

 They are passionate about accessible pathways to education and the institutional support learners need to thrive.

Panelist Shannon Maldonado

Dr. Shannon Maldonado

Dr. Shannon Maldonado is a former non-traditional student who earned her Bachelor’s, M.B.A., and Ph.D. as an adult learner. A seasoned higher education professional with a 17-year career, she has held a dynamic range of roles-including Lecturer, Program Coordinator, Director of Interdisciplinary Studies, Assistant Director of TRiO Student Support Services, and Coordinator for Experiential Learning and Credit for Prior Learning (CPL).

 Throughout every position, her work has centered exclusively on empowering adult and non-traditional students as they navigate their educational journeys. Currently, Dr. Maldonado serves as a Visiting Professor at Chamberlain University while pursuing independent educational initiatives.

Panelist Erika Weaver

Erika Weaver

Erika Weaver currently serves as Assistant General Counsel and Deputy EEO Officer for the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office. In this role she collaborates with and advises on legal compliance for programs offered by the Treasurer’s Office. Prior to joining the Treasurer’s Office, Erika worked as Assistant Counsel in the office of Illinois House Speaker Emanuel Chris Welch.

 She served on the Mattoon CUSD2 Board of Education for eight years, three of those years as Board Secretary. Erika has worked as a prosecutor and public defender, and continues to volunteer capacities.

Prior to her legal career, Erika worked in education as an adjunct professor at Loyola University School of Law and Lake Land College. She was also a college academic advisor and a substitute teacher for K-12.

She is a proud alumna of Loyola University Chicago - School of Law, and a two-time alumna of Eastern Illinois University, having earned her master’s and bachelor’s. Erika is a mom of three young adults Kylon, Tayler, and Morgan, who she describes as the most amazingly brilliant and beautiful gifts to the universe, a/k/a her squad.

Register Now

Quick SUMMIT Information

Date: November 2, 2026
Format: Online 
Cost: FREE
Time: 9:00 a.m.– 4:00 p.m. Central Time

*Registered participants will receive the conference access link prior to the event.


SUMMIT at a Glance

Prefer a printable schedule? 

Download the Summit at a Glance PDF

 

Time

What's Happening

9:00–9:20 a.m.

Welcome & Opening Remarks

9:20–10:20 a.m.

Opening Panel: Voices of Nontraditional Students

10:20–10:30 a.m.

Screen Break/Transition

10:30–11:20 a.m.

Concurrent Session Block 1 — Choose from four breakout sessions

11:20–11:30 a.m.

Screen Break/Transition

11:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Facilitated Networking Discussions

12:00–1:00 p.m.

Lunch Break

1:00–1:50 p.m.

Concurrent Session Block 2 — Choose from three breakout sessions

1:50–2:00 p.m.

Screen Break/Transition

2:00–2:50 p.m.

Concurrent Session Block 3 — Choose from three breakout sessions

2:50–3:00 p.m.

Screen Break / Transition

3:00–4:00 p.m.

Closing General Session, Summit Wrap-Up & Evaluations

 

Detailed Summit Schedule

All times are Central Time.

Attendees will use one summit link throughout the day. General sessions and summit-wide activities will take place in the Main Room. During concurrent session blocks, attendees may select Breakout Room A, B, or C.+

9:00–9:20 a.m.  Welcome

Welcome & Opening RemarksLocation: Main Room

Join us as we officially open Navigating the Nontraditional: 2026 Nontraditional Student Summit. The Summit will begin with welcoming remarks from Dr. Jay Gatrell, President of Eastern Illinois University, and Dr. Josh Bullock, President of Lake Land College, followed by a brief overview of the day and the virtual summit experience.

9:20–10:20 a.m.  opening panel

Voices of Nontraditional StudentsLocation: Main Room

Begin the day by hearing directly from nontraditional students as they share their experiences navigating higher education. Panelists will offer perspectives on the opportunities, challenges, relationships, and institutional practices that have shaped their educational journeys.

10:30–11:20 a.m.  Concurrent Session Block 1

Breakout Room ACreating Opportunities for Connection

Presenter: Mollie Willis, University of Iowa
Format: Interactive Workshop

Empathy, suspending judgment, culture, and powerlessness may be familiar concepts—but what happens when we look at them in new ways? This interactive session invites participants to deepen their understanding of these ideas and consider how they can strengthen everyday interactions, professional relationships, and community.

Breakout Room BThrough Their Eyes: Rethinking Your Institution From a Nontraditional Student's Perspective

Presenter: Rebecca Baker, ReUp Education
Format: Interactive Workshop

What does your institution look like through the eyes of a nontraditional student? Participants will examine three important touchpoints—the website, orientation, and the first term—and consider where institutional practices may create unnecessary friction. Attendees will leave with practical ideas for creating more responsive experiences and supporting student persistence.

Breakout Room CBeyond Detection: Design for Mastery

Presenter: Presenter: Glorian Konieczny & Nick White, Sophia Learning 

Format: Presentation

Rather than relying solely on AI detection, this session explores how assessment design can help students demonstrate genuine learning and mastery. Participants will examine approaches to balancing flexibility, accessibility, academic integrity, and authentic assessment for nontraditional and online learners.

Breakout Room DHow Contemporary Academic Libraries Support Non-Traditional Students in Achieving Their Goals

Presenter: Steve Brantley, Professor and Head of Research, Engagement and Scholarship, Mary J. Booth Library 
Eastern Illinois University

Format: Presentation

Services and spaces in academic libraries have long been built around the residential, traditional-age undergraduate, whose needs, competencies, and social-emotional capacities are well understood. Nontraditional students (working adults, parents and caregivers, veterans, transfer and returning students, and those learning primarily online) bring different schedules, responsibilities, and expectations. The contemporary university library develops resources, spaces, services, and capacities that account for these adult learners and often cater to nontraditional students directly. This session will explore the creative ways academic libraries have responded, from flexible and remote research support to welcoming physical spaces and targeted outreach, and will discuss how these supports can improve outcomes for academic success, persistence, and achievement. Our principal example will showcase the efforts of an Illinois regional university library, sharing what has worked, what challenges remain, and the potential for growth and assessment. Participants will leave with practical ideas they can adapt to support nontraditional learners at their own institutions. 

11:30 A.M.–12:00 P.m.  Facilitated networking discussions

Main RoomFacilitated Networking Discussions

Connect with colleagues from across institutions and organizations, exchange ideas, and discuss shared opportunities and challenges related to supporting nontraditional students.

This is also a chance to begin building the professional connections that can continue beyond the summit.

1:00–1:50 P.m.  Concurrent Session Block 2

Breakout Room AThe Parable of the Dust Buster and the Toddler

Presenters: Amy Christopherson & Elizabeth Orr, College of Southern Idaho

Format: Interactive Workshop

What do a vacuum, oatmeal, and a toddler have to do with the life of a nontraditional college student? Through stories, humor, and practical strategies, this session explores the many responsibilities nontraditional students juggle - including family, work, school, housing, health, and finances - and ways educators can provide validation, advocacy, and meaningful support.

Breakout Room BRe-Enrollment as a Workforce Strategy

Presenter: Hannah Oganeku, ReUp Education

Format: Interactive Workshop

Stopout learners represent one of the biggest untapped non-traditional student opportunities in higher education. This session makes the case that a career-first approach to re-enrollment is a win on three levels: it gives students a clearer, faster path to economic advancement; it gives institutions stronger outcomes from enrollment to graduation; and it gives states a larger, more competitive skilled workforce. Attendees will see real institutional examples — including Passaic County Community College's paid micro-internship program — and leave with concrete
strategies to embed career connection earlier in the adult learner journey.

Breakout Room C"This Is Crazy Work!": Helping Students Transition to College from GED Programs

Presenter: Dr. Alana J. Simmons, Paine College

Format: Interactive Workshop

Students transitioning to college from GED programs may enter higher education without the same exposure to college environments and navigation strategies as many of their peers. This workshop considers how FIRSTGEN-informed approaches can help these students understand their new academic environment, access support, persist, and ultimately graduate.

Main Room: The Summit Hub will remain open for summit assistance and access to the session evaluation link.

Main RoomSummit Hub

The Summit Hub will remain open for summit assistance and access to the session evaluation link.

2:00–2:50 P.m.  Concurrent Session Block 3

Breakout Room A From Confrontation to Connection: De-escalating Difficult Conversations with Nontraditional Students

Presenter: Ashley Dalton, University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine

Format: Presentation

Nontraditional students often balance multiple responsibilities and stressors while navigating institutional systems. This session explores factors that can contribute to difficult interactions and introduces practical de-escalation and communication strategies that can help transform challenging conversations into opportunities for understanding, connection, accountability, and student success.

Breakout Room B From Interest to Enrollment: Removing Barriers for Transfer and Accelerated Nursing Students

Presenter: Lynn F. Bailey, Spalding University

Format: Presentation

Transfer and accelerated second-degree nursing students bring valuable prior learning but may encounter complex prerequisites, transfer-credit processes, admission requirements, and institutional procedures. This session explores proactive advising, pathway coordination, resource referrals, and cross-campus collaboration that can help make these pathways easier to navigate and support student persistence.

Breakout Room C Flourishing in Transition: Creating Wellbeing-Centered Onboarding Experiences for Adult Learners

Presenter: Brett L. Petersen-Bruner, Wichita State University

Format: Presentation

Adult learners often enter or return to higher education while balancing careers, caregiving, financial responsibilities, and major life transitions. This session explores the connections among adult learning, transition, wellbeing, belonging, and persistence, and highlights Wichita State University's Adult Learner Community & Connections experience as a model participants can adapt for their own institutions. This session is rooted in the promising practice of WSU's.

Main RoomSummit Hub

The Summit Hub will remain open for summit assistance and access to the session evaluation link.

3:00–4:00 P.m.  Closing General Session, Summit Wrap-Up & Evaluations

Main RoomClosing General Session, Summit Wrap-Up & Evaluations

Come back together as a summit community to reflect on the day's learning, consider key takeaways, and identify ideas that can be carried back to campuses and communities.

We will close the day with time for reflection, summit wrap-up, and participant evaluations.

Meet the presenters

Dr. Alana J. SimmonsDirector, TRIO Student Support Services, Paine College

Since August 2026, Dr. Alana Simmons (she/her) has served as the Director, TRIO Student Support Services at Paine College in Augusta, Georgia. Prior to that, she served as the GEAR UP Director for the Dougherty County School System in Albany, GA. In addition to her role as a Part-Time Faculty Member in the Dr. Wallace E. Boston School of Business at American Public University System, she is also a Lecturer in Business in the School of Business, Economic, & Technology at King University in Bristol, TN. Prior to these roles, she served as the Sexual Violence Prevention Coordinator and Adjunct Faculty at Emory & Henry College in Emory, VA. She has more than 20 years of experience in education, which includes providing instructional and supportive services to students from income-suppressed communities, first-generation and first-year students, system-impacted students, graduate and doctoral students,
students labeled as difficult to serve, and non-traditional students.

Dr. Simmons holds a Ph.D. in post-secondary & adult education from Capella University; a dual master’s degree in public administration and human resource management from Troy University; and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Georgia State University. Her research interests include teacher preparation for correctional educators, amplifying servant leadership opportunities for system-impacted students, and exploring the role of Black and Brown women as racial justice warriors. Her most important role, however, is being a parent.

Fun facts:
? In 2017, Dr. Simmons was recognized by the Virginia Association of Broadcasters as Best in Public Affairs/Documentary category for her limited radio series entitled, “Love Shouldn’t Hurt”, which informed listeners about the intersections of domestic violence in southwest Virginia and northeast Tennessee. Her win was a first for the radio station, WEHC 90.7.
? She is a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated.
? She has been credited as a voiceover artist having delivered high-quality, voice acting services for multiple clients.

Amy ChristophersonDirector, CSI Mini-Cassia Center College of Southern Idaho

Amy Christopherson is the Director of the CSI Mini-Cassia Center located in Burley, Idaho. She has served in that role since 2012. Previously, she was an Adjunct Biology instructor for the College of Southern Idaho and an adjunct Education instructor for Idaho State University. Teaching, working, and serving in the Mini-Cassia community has been an important part of her life. Currently, Amy is serving as Board Chair on the Intermountain Health Community Advisory Board for Cassia Regional Hospital.

As Director, Amy has worked with wonderful co-workers, passionate instructors, and community partners to keep the Mini-Cassia Center an accessible option for postsecondary pathways. Nontraditional students make up a majority of the student body at the Mini-Cassia Center, and Amy and her team work tirelessly to advocate for their needs and validate their experiences.

Amy is back in the classroom herself as a Doctoral candidate in the Higher Education Administration EdD program at Idaho State University

Ashley DaltonClinical Coordinator, University of Tennessee College of VeterinaryMedicine

Ashley Dalton works in veterinary clinical education at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, where she coordinates clinical applications and transition-to-clinics programming. Her work focuses on helping veterinary students connect foundational knowledge to clinical practice through experiential learning, student support, and curriculum development. Her areas of interest include clinical readiness, professional transition, communication, clinical reasoning, and designing learning experiences that prepare students for successful entry into veterinary practice.

Dr. Brett L. Petersen-BrunerAssociate Vice Provost for Student Success & Persistence, Wichita StateUniversity

Dr. Brett L. Petersen-Bruner serves as the Associate Vice Provost for Student Success & Persistence in the Office of Academic Programs in the Division of Academic Affairs at Wichita State University. In this role, he provides leadership to the student success and persistence portfolio, including the areas of the Media Resources Center, Office of Instructional Resources, Office of Hispanic Serving Initiatives, Office of Student Success, Office of First Year Programs, Shocker Learning Center, Math Lab, Writing Center, Physics Help Desk, Chemistry Help Room, Philosophy Logic Clinic, Office of Online & Adult Learning, OneStop Student Services, WSU campus at McConnell Air Force Base, Retention Faculty Fellows, F1RST Generation Faculty & Staff Fellows, First-Year Seminars Program, Shocker Pre-Season Program, Navigate360, Shocker Teaching Community of Practice, and university-wide advising strategy. He chairs the university's Student Success & Persistence Coalition, Student Success Leadership Team, Advising Council, Faculty Advising Team, Transfer Student Working Group, Shocker Peer Mentoring Group, and Student Early Alert System Review Committee.

He spent two years serving as the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs & Enrollment Management/Dean of Students at Missouri Western State University, where he provided leadership to the campus's health promotion and wellbeing initiatives, including serving as MWSU's primary liaison to the Missouri Partners in Prevention Coalition. He provided leadership to the student affairs portfolio, including the areas of the Counseling Center, Center for Academic Support, Career Development Center, Campus Cupboard, Blum Student Union, Student Government Association, Center
for Student Involvement, Center for Diversity & Inclusion, Commuter & Non-Traditional Student Center, Dean of Students Office, PurposeFirst Peer Connections Center, and Department of Housing & Residential Life. He spent three years serving as the Dean of Student Engagement at Arkansas Tech University, where he provided leadership to the student engagement portfolio, including the areas of the Office Campus Recreation & Esports, Arkansas Tech Student Union, Office of Events, Office of Veterans Services, Doc Bryan Student Services Center, Department of Residence Life, Department of International Student Services & Recruitment, Department of Diversity & Inclusion, Office of First-Generation Student Experience, Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life, Office of Student Leadership Development & Civic/Community Engagement, Office of Student Transitions & Family Programs, Office of the Dean of Student Engagement, Student Government Association, and Department of 麻豆国产.

He spent ten years working directly with new student and adult learner orientation and transition programming, including six years as the Director of Transition & Student Conduct at Fort Hays State University and four years as the Director of Student Life at Baker University (where he also led student health education initiatives for the university). He holds an Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership from Baker University, an M.S. in College Student Personnel Administration from the University of Central Missouri, and a B.S. in Business Administration from Emporia State University. He has previously presented at the 2023 NASPA Strategies Conference on "Connecting Parents & Families of College Students to Campus Wellness Initiatives" as well as having presented extensively at the Missouri Partners in Prevention Meeting of the Minds Conference.

Elizabeth Orr 

 

Glorian KoniecznyAccount Manager - Higher Education (Sophia Learning)

Glorian (She/hers) lives in Austin, Texas. She comes from a traditional higher education background working first in student activities, then residence life and most recently in partnerships for community colleges. Now, she has moved to working in EdTech with Sophia Learning working to develop partnerships to demystify the process of transfer. She has her Masters in Higher Education from Western Illinois University, an MBA from Cardinal Stritch University and is currently pursuing her Doctorate from University of Arizona. Ask about her dissertation, favorite coffee shop, or her
dogs!

Hannah OganekuDirector, Partner Success (NJ) at ReUp Education

Hannah Oganeku is Director of Partner Success for New Jersey at ReUp Education, helping colleges and universities re-engage stopped-out learners — students who left with credits but no credential — and support them back to completion. With prior experience at Guild Education and Moodle, Hannah brings a career-and-workforce lens to this work, helping institutions build clearer pathways for adult learners to return and finish.

Mollie WillisAdvising and Outreach - University of Iowa

Drawing on work that encompasses over 25 years in social service organizations and educational settings, Mollie brings a unique experience to participants. Mollie has a professional background in social service work, education, and training in addition to museum programming. Mollie holds an undergraduate degree in Sociology and earned her M.S. in Education focusing on youth and underrepresented populations in qualitative research methodology.

Nick White 

Nick White is the Chief Learning Officer of Sophia Learning where he leads external research and advocacy and internal assessment and learning strategy. Nick has a master's degree in instructional design, is an award-winning instructional designer and administrator, is a member of the WCET steering committee, and is a frequent speaker at national conferences.

Rebecca BakerDirector of Partner Success, ReUp Education

Rebecca Baker is a Director of Partner Success at ReUp Education, where she works with institutions across Illinois to re-engage and re-enroll stopped-out learners — the students who left with credits but no credential. ReUp partners with colleges, universities, and state systems nationwide to find these learners, reconnect them to their institution, and support them through completion with dedicated coaching.

Steve BrantleyHead of Research Engagement and Scholarship at Booth Library, Eastern Illinois University

Professor Brantley has been an academic librarian supporting the information literacy of students from all backgrounds for more than 20 years. He has published and presented on innovative modes of support for students with various levels of preparation from high school through graduate school.