Higher Education & Student Affairs
HESA Talks Series
About the HESA Talks Series
The Morgan State University Higher Education and Student Affairs (HESA) Talk Series brings together our community of scholars and practitioners to discuss current research and trends in the field.
These talks are open to the public and hosted on Zoom on Fridays at Noon Eastern.
These talks are not recorded. Audience members are not permitted to record any portion of the session.
Fall 2026 HESA Talks Series
September 4, 2026
- From "Throw Apartheid Out the Door" to "Ceasefire Now!": Divestment Campaigns in Higher Education
- ABOUT: In Spring 2024, divestment from the state of Israel was a common demand across campuses as students erected Palestinian solidarity encampments. The political movement renewed questions in the public discourse: What is an endowment? In which companies does the university invest? Is divestment feasible? Does divestment work? What role, if any, should the university take in matters of global injustice and human rights violations? This session presents the history of divestment campaigns in higher education. Participants will discuss how they can participate in divestment campaigns and explore possibilities for future research.
- SPEAKER: Dr. Jude Paul Dizon, Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership at California State University - East Bay
- REGISTER HERE
September 11, 2026
- Cultivating Joy in Perilous Times: A Q&A about the Research on Black Joy
- ABOUT: Tichavakunda will draw from his research on Black students' navigating historically white institutions of higher education, critical theories, and his own experience as a scholar to meditate upon joy during increasingly polarized and perilous times.
- SPEAKER: Dr. Antar A. Tichavakunda, Associate Professor of Race and Higher Education at the University of California Santa Barbara
- REGISTER HERE
September 18, 2026
- Reflections and Meditations on Conceptual Scholarship and a More Critical Study of Education
- ABOUT: This talk will spotlight two in-progress conceptual essays, both of which challenge the field of higher education to engage in a more critical study of colleges and universities themselves. I will offer reflections and meditations on what is necessary for thinking and writing conceptually and beyond the empirical gaze.
- SPEAKER: Dr. Jordan Harper, Assistant Professor of Higher Education, Morgan State University
- REGISTER HERE
September 25, 2026
- The Missing Middle of AI Governance: Visibility as the Foundation for Trust
- ABOUT: While AI governance discussions focus on policies, compliance and regulation, our research suggests the more fundamental challenge is visibility. In a pilot study of small and medium-sized organizations, we found that most leaders cannot answer a basic question: Where is AI already being used? AI is increasingly shaping research, analysis, software development, documentation and decision-making long before governance processes can respond. This talk argues that scientific integrity in the AI era begins not with governance frameworks, but with infrastructure that makes AI use visible, attributable and understandable. Drawing on our findings, we'll present a practical governance maturity model built around Visibility → Learning → Readiness → Maturity, and explore how this "missing middle" enables trustworthy AI adoption. By connecting organizational AI discovery with emerging standards for provenance, attribution and trust signals, the session offers a pragmatic foundation for research infrastructure that supports both human and machine trust before policies attempt to govern what organizations cannot yet see.
- SPEAKER: Dr. Brandeis Marshall, Data + AI Governance Strategist & Founder of Black Women in Data
- REGISTER HERE
October 2, 2026
- Global Learning, Cultural Humility, and Helping our Students Lean into Discomfort
- ABOUT: As a high-impact practice contributing to overall student engagement, global learning programs – and more specifically, programs focused on cultural humility and critical reflection – help retain students and contribute to their long-term success. This talk will look at some recent and relevant research and discuss ways participants can enhance these types of transformative learning experiences for students.
- SPEAKER: Dr. Dennis McCunney, East Carolina University Center for Student Success
- REGISTER HERE
*No HESA Talk on October 9th - Homecoming
October 16, 2026
- Beyond Resilience: The Hidden Cost of Student Success and Institutional Progress — A Survivornomics™ Perspective on Higher Education
- ABOUT: "Every success has a cost that is not always visible." The presentation will create curiosity ("Why does student success have a hidden cost?"). One of the goals is to (Challenge conventional thinking ("Beyond Resilience"). The HESA will be my first presentation on the term I coined from my research. The Introduction of a new conceptual framework ("Survivornomics™"). Additionally, acknowledge the idea that many students are carrying invisible burdens before they ever enter the classroom will be highlighted. Of note, students cannot always choose the conditions they inherit, but institutions can choose the conditions in which students learn, build, discover, and create.
- SPEAKER: Dr. Lorece Edwards, Professor, School of Community Health & Policy, Morgan State University
- REGISTER HERE
October 23, 2026
- A Critical Conversation on AI in Education
- ABOUT: AI in society and in education is often presented as an inevitability of extremes. It will either be an evil terminator or a brilliant savior. Students will either cheat their way through school or AI will revolutionize education as we know it. Either way, the hyperbolic language sucks the air out of any other narrative, leaving little room in the story for students and teachers -- humans -- who live full and complicated lives, often working towards good within complex systems. Drs. Budhai and Heath aim to demystify AI, advocate for radical hope, and provide a practical call to action. Join Drs. Budhai and Heath in critical conversation for an alternative to the hype.
- SPEAKER: Dr. Marie Heath, Loyola University Maryland & Dr. Stephanie Smith Budhai, University of Delaware
- REGISTER HERE
January 30, 2026
TITLE: Rethinking Student Conduct: A Restorative Conversation with Dr. Rowe
ABOUT: In this HESA Talk, Dr. Rowe joins us for an interview-style conversation about student conduct and restorative practices from a non-punitive perspective. We will examine new research and emerging approaches that frame student conduct as a restorative, educational process centered on learning, accountability, and care.
SPEAKER: Dr. Kernysha Rowe, Director of Student Conduct at Georgetown University (and an alum of Morgan State’s HESA PhD Program)
REGISTER: morganstate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_G9Ayty0kRFKtgXZ_wxHjJA
February 6, 2026
TITLE: A Conversation with Dr. Letitia Williams, Interim Vice President for Student
Affairs at Morgan State University
ABOUT: Before her arrival at Morgan, Dr. Williams served in multiple positions at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC). Her most recent role at UDC was as associate vice president and dean of students, providing leadership for the Division of Student Development and Success. She earned a Ph.D. in Education Policy and an M.A. in Education Policy and Leadership from the University of Maryland, College Park, and a B.A. in History from the University of the West Indies.
SPEAKER: Dr. Letitia Williams, Interim Vice President for Student Affairs at Morgan State University
REGISTER: morganstate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_G9Ayty0kRFKtgXZ_wxHjJA
February 13, 2026
TITLE: The Importance of Advocating for Culturally-Based Greek Life
ABOUT: Jessica Snell is a subject matter expert on Multicultural Greek Life experiences, with nearly ten years spent as an advocate for culturally based fraternal organizations. As the Associate Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life at Johns Hopkins University, Jessica works exclusively with the campus’ Divine 9 and multicultural fraternities and sororities and is a member of Lambda Tau Omega Sorority, Inc.
SPEAKER: Jessica Snell, Associate Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life at Johns Hopkins University
REGISTER: morganstate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_G9Ayty0kRFKtgXZ_wxHjJA
February 20, 2026
TITLE: Book Talk: The Impact of Police Killings on the Family and Community of Youth Victims
ABOUT: Rafael Outland (Alfred University) and Thomas Noel Jr. (Morgan State University) will offer an engaging and deeply meaningful talk on their new book, The Impact of Police Killings on the Family and Community of Youth Victims. Centering the voices of survivors, this scholarship examines the profound and lasting impact of police violence on families, communities, and youth. Drawing on in-depth and public interviews conducted across the United States, the authors share honest, heartbreaking narratives from those who have lost children and loved ones to police killings. These stories are thoughtfully situated within a broader analysis of U.S. colonialism, the history of policing, structured and deputized violence, and traditions of grassroots resistance.
The talk will highlight how the book connects personal loss to systemic patterns—particularly the disproportionate harm experienced by Black, Brown, Indigenous, and poor communities—and why these killings so often occur with impunity. By weaving survivor narratives with critical analysis of contemporary policing, Outland and Noel Jr. invite participants to rethink public safety, police power, and accountability. This conversation will be especially relevant for students, educators, activists, organizers, and scholars seeking deeper understanding—and actionable strategies—for redefining public safety and advancing justice-oriented change.
SPEAKER: Thomas Noel Jr., Assistant Professor at Morgan State University & Rafael Outland, Assistant Professor at Alfred University
REGISTER: morganstate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_G9Ayty0kRFKtgXZ_wxHjJA
February 27, 2026
TITLE: The State of Affairs of DEI in Student Affairs: A Conversation with Dr.
Devona Foster Pierre
ABOUT: In recent years, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) has sparked both deep commitment and fierce resistance within organizations, communities, and public policy. This session invites participants into a candid, critical conversation about what DEI has promised, what it has achieved, and what forces are now mobilizing to dismantle it. Together, we will explore the rationale behind anti-DEI movements, analyze the consequences—intended and unintended—and surface strategies for navigating this contested terrain. Whether you lead change efforts, work in policy or academia, or simply want to understand this flashpoint more clearly—join us as we map the tensions, name the stakes, and chart forward paths in a shifting landscape.
SPEAKER: Dr. Devona Foster Pierre
REGISTER: morganstate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_G9Ayty0kRFKtgXZ_wxHjJA
March 6, 2026
TITLE: What is it like to be a Senior Student Affairs Officer? A conversation with Dom Turner, Senior Associate Dean of Student & Community Development at Allegheny College
ABOUT: Join us for a candid conversation with Dominique Turner, Senior Associate Dean of Student & Community Development at Allegheny College, about the realities of serving as a senior student affairs officer. Learn what leadership looks like at the top—and what it takes to get there.
SPEAKER: Dominique Turner, Senior Associate Dean of Student & Community Development at Allegheny College
REGISTER: morganstate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_G9Ayty0kRFKtgXZ_wxHjJA
March 27, 2026
TITLE: Unpacking Graduate Degree Aspirations of Community College Transfer Students of Color: A QuantCrit & Transfer Receptive Culture Analysis.
ABOUT: Higher Education Assistant Professor, Dr. Fregoso will share his QuantCrit & research on unpacking graduate degree aspirations of community college transfer Students of Color.
SPEAKER: Assistant Professor, Dr. Julio Fregoso
REGISTER: morganstate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_G9Ayty0kRFKtgXZ_wxHjJA
April 10, 2026
TITLE: Reflexive Thematic Analysis
ABOUT: In this session, Dr. Niah Grimes introduces reflexive thematic analysis as a flexible, researcher-driven approach to qualitative data. Learn how to engage critically and reflectively with your data to produce rich, nuanced themes grounded in your own analytical perspective.
SPEAKER: Assistant Professor, Dr. Niah Grimes
REGISTER: morganstate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_G9Ayty0kRFKtgXZ_wxHjJA
September 5, 2025
TITLE: My Academic Labyrinth from Student Affairs Pro to Faculty Member
ABOUT: In a mix of lecture and storytelling, Dr. Amber Holton-Thomas will share her journey within and beyond student affairs, research, and faculty life. Using the labyrinth as a metaphor, she will also share the ways critical quantitative methods has shaped her time as a doctoral student to now teaching critical quantitative methods as a faculty member.
SPEAKER: Dr. Amber Holton Thomas, Assistant Professor of Education Leadership, Pacific University, Oregon
REGISTER: https://morganstate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Lse5trXmRISHO2jytGsOaQ
September 12, 2025
TITLE: A conversation with Dr. Lamar Hylton, Indiana University Vice Chancellor for Student Life and Morgan State HESA Alum
ABOUT: Join us for an informal conversation with Morgan State HESA program alum, Dr. Lamar R. Hylton about his career journey and his vision for the future of higher education and student affairs.
SPEAKER: Dr. Lamar R. Hylton, Indiana University Vice Chancellor for Student Life and Morgan State HESA Alumn
REGISTER: https://morganstate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Lse5trXmRISHO2jytGsOaQ
September 19, 2025
TITLE: AI Literacy and Self-Efficacy for Higher Education & Student Affairs Professionals: A research & practice talk
ABOUT: Join us for an interactive research and practice session exploring the state of AI literacy among Higher Education & Student Affairs (HESA) professionals. Drawing on recent research, this talk will share findings on how HESA professionals currently understand and engage with AI—and where the gaps lie. We’ll discuss why building AI self-efficacy matters for our field, and outline practical, ethical, and equity-minded strategies for becoming critical users and consumers of AI in student affairs work. Participants will leave with actionable ideas to strengthen their own AI literacy and confidently navigate the evolving landscape of AI in higher education.
SPEAKER: Dr. Virginia Byrne, Associate Professor of Higher Education & Student Affairs, Morgan State University
REGISTER: https://morganstate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Lse5trXmRISHO2jytGsOaQ
September 26, 2025
TITLE: Starting with Orientation & Making a Year-Round Impact: Building a Scalable Peer Mentorship Model
ABOUT: Join Richard Kearney, HESA graduate student and Retention Specialist, and Alana Gregory, HESA graduate student and Peer Mentor Program Coordinator at Morgan State University, as they share insights from their 2025 NODA Region VIII Conference presentation on developing and scaling the Tri-Peer Mentorship Model. This session examines how Morgan State transformed a summer orientation experience into a comprehensive year-long peer support initiative that enhances first-year retention, fosters student belonging, and promotes leadership development. Discover how theory-informed practice and intentional campus partnerships can help institutionalize peer mentoring and drive lasting student success.
SPEAKER: Alana Gregory and Richard Kearney (Morgan State University staff & current HESA MA students)
REGISTER: https://morganstate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Lse5trXmRISHO2jytGsOaQ
October 3, 2025
TITLE: Rooted in Resistance: Supporting Black Women Student Leaders at Predominantly White Institutions
ABOUT: This HESA Talk features findings from the dissertation research of soon-to-be Dr. Juana Hollingsworth, an upcoming graduate of the higher education doctoral program at Morgan State University, which centers the leadership experiences of Black undergraduate women who serve in Black Student Union (BSU) executive roles at Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs). Using critical narrative inquiry and guided by Black Feminist Thought and Racialized Equity Labor frameworks, the study explores how Black women student leaders navigate institutional barriers, create culturally affirming spaces, and persist in leadership despite racialized and gendered challenges. Drawing on the study’s findings, this talk will offer actionable strategies for fostering more equitable environments, ensuring meaningful recognition, and sustaining culturally affirming leadership pathways—particularly in an era of increasing resistance to diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts for Black women student leaders.
SPEAKER: Dr. Juana Hollingsworth
REGISTER: https://morganstate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Lse5trXmRISHO2jytGsOaQ
October 10, 2025
TITLE: Helping Educators Respond: Community-Based Justice Work to Prepare Educational Leaders -- "Lifting as we Climb"
ABOUT: Join us for a research talk from Dr. Noel about his Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) project on community-based justice work with youth.
SPEAKER: Dr. Thomas Noel, Assistant Professor, Urban Educational Leadership, Morgan State University
REGISTER: https://morganstate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Lse5trXmRISHO2jytGsOaQ
October 17, 2025
TITLE: Higher Education and the Liberatory Public Good
ABOUT: In this talk, I discuss an in-progress conceptual paper that examines the existing body of literature on the public good, highlighting oversights legitimized by the field of higher education and the subsequent shaping of a dominant public good narrative. Critical frames and critiques from beyond the field are presented to suggest a new direction for public good scholarship and material commitments concerned with advancing liberation that moves away from periodization, race neutrality, democratic idealism, benevolence, and neoliberalism’s prevalence as a guiding analytical framework. The concept of the liberatory public good is introduced, offering practical guidance and implications for institutions to reckon and address and newfound commitments and approaches for scholars to embrace in this newfound register.
SPEAKER: Dr. Jordan Harper, Assistant Professor of Higher Education & Student Affairs, Morgan State University
REGISTER: https://morganstate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Lse5trXmRISHO2jytGsOaQ
October 24, 2025
TITLE: Exploring Anti-Blackness, Misogynoir in Special Education: A Critical Look at Access and Equity
ABOUT: This talk will discuss a forthcoming paper that takes a critical examination of the historical context of parent advocacy in special education, emphasizing the challenges faced by Black mothers due to anti-Blackness and misogynoir. It will explore how these systemic biases hinder access to crucial information and support for their children with developmental disabilities, particularly autism. Drawing on previous research, the session will highlight research conducted by Dr. Morgan on the resilience of Black mothers in navigating complex educational and medical systems to secure necessary services for their children.
SPEAKER: Dr. Elizabeth Morgan, Associate Professor, Urban Educational Leadership
REGISTER: https://morganstate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Lse5trXmRISHO2jytGsOaQ
January 31, 2025
TITLE: Creating a 5 Year Plan for Graduate Students
ABOUT: Graduate Students are invited to join this New Years-themed hands-on Zoom workshop (not webinar) to create a 5-year plan focused on meeting academic and scholarly milestones. Participants will be provided with a template and will leave with a 5-year plan to bring to their advisors for discussion. Note: This session will be recorded.
SPEAKER: Dr. Virginia Byrne, Associate Professor
REGISTER: morganstate.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEscuuqrzwjHNXJaxaBIO2rpOfhj4GZkFLT
February 7, 2025
TITLE: Higher Education Leadership: Challenging Tradition and Forging Possibilities
ABOUT: Join us to hear Dr. Harper and his colleagues discuss their new book, "Higher Education Leadership: Challenging Tradition and Forging Possibilities"
SPEAKER: Dr. Jordan Harper, Assistant Professor
REGISTER: morganstate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_OFaCj7QoQeCuKvjC1Dc_og
February 14, 2025
TITLE: Equitable Uses of AI in Higher Education & Student Affairs
ABOUT: Join us for a pilot of a new hands-on workshop discussing equitable use cases of AI in Higher Education & Student Affairs. This presentation is associated with the NSF-funded The Trustworthy AI in Law & Society (TRAILS) Institute.
SPEAKER: Dr. Virginia Byrne (Associate Professor) & Rey Richards (Science Education Doctoral Student)
REGISTER: morganstate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_OFaCj7QoQeCuKvjC1Dc_og
February 21, 2025
TITLE: Deepfakes & GenAI Media on Campus: a Panel Discussion
ABOUT: Join our panel of Morgan State HESA community members for a discussion of emerging student conduct and responsibility topics related to AI generated Deepfakes and Synthetic Media
SPEAKER: Dr. Kernysha Rowe & Chris Alex Perry. Moderated by Dr. Virginia Byrne
REGISTER: morganstate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_OFaCj7QoQeCuKvjC1Dc_og
February 28, 2025
TITLE: Publishing Your Research in Education Journals with the Associate Editor of the Research in Higher Education Journal, Dr. Frim Ampaw
ABOUT: Join a talk led by HESA Professor and Department Chair, Dr. Frim Ampaw about her role as the Associate Editor of the Research in Higher Education Journal. She will discuss the process and norms of journal publishing and how early career researchers can best begin to share their work.
SPEAKER: Dr. Frim Ampaw, Professor and Department Chair
REGISTER: morganstate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_OFaCj7QoQeCuKvjC1Dc_og
March 7, 2025
TITLE: Beyond the Bootstraps Mentality: The Fallacy of Grit as a Measure of success for Black and Latine Men in California Community Colleges
ABOUT: Join a talk led by HESA Assistant Professor, Dr. Julio Fregoso, on his research on measures of success for Black and Latine Men in California Community Colleges.
SPEAKER: Dr. Julio Fregoso, Assistant Professor
REGISTER: morganstate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_OFaCj7QoQeCuKvjC1Dc_og
March 14, 2025
Spring Break. No Event
March 21, 2025
Spring Break. No Event
March 28, 2025
TITLE: Equitable Uses of AI in Higher Education & Student Affairs
ABOUT: Join us for a hands-on workshop discussing equitable use cases of AI in Higher Education & Student Affairs. This presentation is associated with the NSF-funded The Trustworthy AI in Law & Society (TRAILS) Institute. This session is open to the public.
SPEAKER: Dr. Virginia Byrne (Associate Professor) & Rey Richards (Science Education Doctoral Student)
REGISTER: *Unique link for this session* https://morganstate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_rUMZHiVvT0-5KAmls6YMbg
April 4, 2025
TITLE: Exploring Education Research Postdoc Positions after the Doctorate: Panel Discussion
ABOUT: Join us for a panel discussion about postdoctoral research and administration positions. This session is targeted to current DASLP doctoral students. This session will be recorded to share with future DASLP doctoral students.
SPEAKER: Panel moderated by Dr. Virginia Byrne
REGISTER: morganstate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_OFaCj7QoQeCuKvjC1Dc_og
Contact Information
Dr. Steve Mobley Jr.
Program Director & Associate Professor
Department of Advanced Studies, Leadership and Policy
Banneker Building #315H
P: (443) 885-3292
E: steve.mobley@morgan.edu
Interested in Our Programs?
Please contact us:
https://forms.gle/YU6U6CcEDYyhSraj8
Contact Information
Dr. Steve Mobley Jr.
Program Director & Associate Professor
Department of Advanced Studies, Leadership and Policy
Banneker Building #315H
P: (443) 885-3292
E: steve.mobley@morgan.edu
Interested in Our Programs?
Please contact us:
https://forms.gle/YU6U6CcEDYyhSraj8