Day 1 | June 4, 2025
6:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Registration Desk Open
Lobby
ProfCon provides professors with opportunities to learn about the latest in their industry, network with experts in the field, and gather practical teaching tips.
7:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Networking Excursion
Meet in the hotel lobby
Hike Papago Park
Explore Papago Park’s scenic desert trails, stunning rock formations, and panoramic views on this unforgettable hike.
Phoenix Zoo
Network with peers while exploring diverse wildlife and immersive exhibits at the Phoenix Zoo!
Desert Botanical Garden
Stroll through vibrant desert flora and stunning landscapes at the Desert Botanical Garden in Papago Park.
11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Networking Break
3:00 p.m.
ProfCon 2025 Kickoff
Copper Ballroom
Christina Kalberg excels as an educator in her position as associate professor of marketing at Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU), where she teaches Principles of Marketing, Consumer Marketing, Digital Marketing Essentials, and Content Marketing.
Her dedication to her students and passion for making a positive impact in the field of marketing earned her the award of Stukent’s Professor of the Month in June 2023.
Before becoming a full-time professor, Christina held the position of Executive Director for local nonprofits in San Diego. She has over 20 years of experience as a senior-level executive, effectively integrating passion and in-depth skill into well-crafted marketing, communications, and fundraising campaigns to directly fuel multi-million-dollar revenue growth. Christina has generated over $40M in revenue using online and offline tactics such as sales, organic, and paid advertising, email marketing, social media marketing, search engine marketing, search engine optimization, designing conversion-centered websites, and content marketing.
Her expertise in the marketing field has earned her recognition as a highly sought-after speaker. She has addressed audiences at influential conferences such as the Marketing Management Association Spring 2023 Conference, the Marketing Educators’ Association Spring 2023 Conference, and Marketing ProfCon 2023. Her Profcon presentation, “ChatGPT: Help Your Students Level Up with Prompt Engineering in the Classroom,” offered valuable insights into cutting-edge marketing strategies and industry trends, leaving her audience inspired and informed.
As an academic researcher, Christina actively contributes to the field of marketing by publishing her doctoral work on content marketing for nonprofits.
Her research has been published in leading journals such as the Journal of Business and Industrial Marketing, Journal of Personal Selling and Sales Management, Journal of Marketing Education, Marketing Management Journal, Marketing Education Review, and The Journal of Business & Entrepreneurship to mention a few. Some of her awards include the 2021 Best Paper in the Education track and the 2020 Best Paper in the Sales and Sales Management track at the Society for Marketing Advances Annual Conference, the 2019 Outstanding Researcher and the 2017 Engagement Award at the University of Dallas’ College of Business, and the 2015-2017 Outstanding Service Awards at the National Conference in Sales Management.
3:05 p.m.
Welcome
Copper Ballroom
In 2024, Jim Holm joined the Stukent crew as its new Chief Executive Officer. Jim exemplifies Stukent’s core values, leading with intelligence, humility, and heart. With more than two decades of executive experience, Jim is a seasoned leader in the edtech field. He’s sure to pilot Stukent to even greater heights, and we’re thrilled to have him on the team!
3:15 p.m.
Opening Workshop
Copper Ballroom
Dr. Nichole Santee is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Marketing Department at the University of Texas at Arlington, specializing in social media and digital marketing. She holds a Ph.D. in Media and Public Affairs from Louisiana State University and brings extensive industry experience, including roles as a social strategist and content creator for brands like Icy Hot. Passionate about teaching and mentorship, Dr. Santee has taught courses such as Social Media Analysis, Advertising, Visual Communication, and Business Communication at UTA, UMGC, LSU, and TCU. An award-winning educator, she is recognized for her innovative and engaging teaching style.
4:00 p.m.
Break
4:15 p.m.
Stukent Simternship Workshop:
Marketing Courses Best Practices
Copper Ballroom
4:15 p.m.
Stukent Simternship Workshop:
Business Courses Best Practices
Cobalt Meeting Room
4:15 p.m.
Stukent Simternship Workshop:
Communication Courses Best Practices
Moly Meeting Room
5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Opening Cocktail Reception
Copper Vista
Day 2 | June 5, 2025
7:30 - 8:30 a.m.
Breakfast
Copper Vista
7:30 a.m.
Digital Marketing Simternship Boot Camp
Cobalt Meeting Room
7:30 a.m.
Social Media Marketing Boot Camp
Moly Meeting Room
8:30 a.m.
Welcome Day 2
Copper Ballroom
Christina Kalberg excels as an educator in her position as associate professor of marketing at Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU), where she teaches Principles of Marketing, Consumer Marketing, Digital Marketing Essentials, and Content Marketing.
Her dedication to her students and passion for making a positive impact in the field of marketing earned her the award of Stukent’s Professor of the Month in June 2023.
Before becoming a full-time professor, Christina held the position of Executive Director for local nonprofits in San Diego. She has over 20 years of experience as a senior-level executive, effectively integrating passion and in-depth skill into well-crafted marketing, communications, and fundraising campaigns to directly fuel multi-million-dollar revenue growth. Christina has generated over $40M in revenue using online and offline tactics such as sales, organic, and paid advertising, email marketing, social media marketing, search engine marketing, search engine optimization, designing conversion-centered websites, and content marketing.
Her expertise in the marketing field has earned her recognition as a highly sought-after speaker. She has addressed audiences at influential conferences such as the Marketing Management Association Spring 2023 Conference, the Marketing Educators’ Association Spring 2023 Conference, and Marketing ProfCon 2023. Her Profcon presentation, “ChatGPT: Help Your Students Level Up with Prompt Engineering in the Classroom,” offered valuable insights into cutting-edge marketing strategies and industry trends, leaving her audience inspired and informed.
As an academic researcher, Christina actively contributes to the field of marketing by publishing her doctoral work on content marketing for nonprofits.
Her research has been published in leading journals such as the Journal of Business and Industrial Marketing, Journal of Personal Selling and Sales Management, Journal of Marketing Education, Marketing Management Journal, Marketing Education Review, and The Journal of Business & Entrepreneurship to mention a few. Some of her awards include the 2021 Best Paper in the Education track and the 2020 Best Paper in the Sales and Sales Management track at the Society for Marketing Advances Annual Conference, the 2019 Outstanding Researcher and the 2017 Engagement Award at the University of Dallas’ College of Business, and the 2015-2017 Outstanding Service Awards at the National Conference in Sales Management.
8:35 a.m.
Keynote
The Power of Empathy in Communication:
The Human Advantage A.I. Can't Replicate
Copper Ballroom
Cara Hawkins-Jedlicka is an assistant professor of practice at the Edward R. Murrow college of Communication at Washington State. She teaches public relations and personal branding courses. She has over 10 years of experience as a content producer and strategic communicator specializing in digital advertising and social media. Her research focuses on brand communication in women’s sports and influencer culture. As co-founder of the oral history podcast Starting Line 1928, she documents women distance running pioneers. Hawkins-Jedlicka holds an M.A. in Advertising from the University of Texas at Austin.
9:15 a.m.
Break
9:30 a.m.
Developing a Club on Campus that Changes Lives, Gives Purpose, and Leads to Jobs
Copper Ballroom
This presentation explores the creation and impact of The Brand Squad at Oklahoma State University — a student-led organization designed to empower students with real-world skills in branding, marketing, and sponsorships while supporting student-athletes in navigating NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) opportunities. Attendees will learn how this innovative club transforms lives by providing purpose-driven experiences, fostering career readiness, and building a community of collaboration. The session will outline the steps to establish a similar initiative, share success stories, and provide actionable insights and resources for launching a club that delivers meaningful opportunities for students and athletes alike.
Dr. Maribeth Kuzmeski is an Associate Professor at Oklahoma State University and the President of Red Zone Marketing, an award-winning marketing consulting firm that specializes in designing innovative marketing and business growth initiatives. Maribeth has written 9 books, serves on the NIL committee with OSU Athletics, and started the Brand Squad to assist student-athletes. She has a bachelor’s degree from the Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University, an MBA from The George Washington University, and a PhD in Business Administration from Oklahoma State University.
9:30 a.m.
Bridging the Divide: Civil Discourse in a Polarized World
Cobalt Meeting Room
In today’s increasingly polarized world, the ability to engage in respectful and thoughtful conversation is more crucial and challenging than ever. This session explores the principles of civil discourse, how to approach difficult conversations with empathy and clarity, and the power of responding instead of reacting. Attendees will gain practical insights for navigating tension, fostering mutual understanding, and contributing to healthier dialogue in both personal and professional settings.
Dr. Lois Jones is an assistant professor in the department of communication at Lipscomb University, specializing in public relations, advertising, event planning, cross-cultural communication, and civil discourse. With academic credentials in communication and leadership, she researches the intersections of mindset, motivation, student success, and civil discourse in education and professional settings. Dr. Jones regularly presents her work at regional, national, and international conferences, focusing on strategies to foster meaningful dialogue and improve educational relationships. Her professional experience as an educator, journalist, PR practitioner, and social media brand manager enriches her teaching and research, making her a dynamic contributor to the field of communication studies.
9:30 a.m.
Half Hearts and Whole Brains: Minding the Talent Gap Between Academia and Industry
Moly Meeting Room
Bad hires are expensive, emotionally draining, and increasingly common.
More than 60% of businesses said young employees lack the critical thinking skills, attention to detail, and writing pedigree needed to do the work.
More than 60% of new hires don’t think their employers can provide necessary training to do the work.
There’s a trust chasm in our industry. Let’s fix it.
This session will explain how we got into this mess and identify new ways to build transparency and trust among students, educators, and hiring managers. You will leave with a clear plan rooted in past success to build a better talent pipeline to help students, employers, and the schools you serve.
Dan Farkas is a Professor of Strategic Communication at Ohio University, teaching research, strategy, content creation, measurement, and analytics courses. Dan has been called “A recognized thought leader in PR and a sought-after speaker on both national and local levels. He is an exceptional storyteller who draws on his collective experience as a former journalist, current practitioner, and instructor.” Forbes, The BBC, and Mashable have quoted Dan as a thought leader in strategic communication. Dan is also an author, Stukent content reviewer, and podcaster. You can also hear him on The Strategic Communicator Podcast, part of the Marketing Podcast Network.
10:15 a.m.
Break
10:30 a.m
Topic To Be Confirmed
Copper Ballroom
Laurel Lane is a Marketing Lecturer in the College of Business, at Metropolitan State University of Denver. This is her ninth year of teaching as a beloved “second” career. Laurel’s first career was defined by 18 years of developing and launching digital marketing products for media companies; she started her career with The Denver Post, working specifically for the denverpost.com, developing new digital marketing products for the websites. She also worked extensively in social media, mobile platforms, mobile marketing and website/content creation and management. Over the 18 years, Laurel held multiple leadership positions including Corporate Director, Vice President of Interactive Media and Director of Digital Revenue for Lee Enterprises, The Erie Times-News and The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette respectively. In her various roles, she worked with other large newspaper corporations as well as Yahoo, Google and Facebook to help drive new revenue models for newspaper websites.
10:30 a.m.
Topic To Be Confirmed
Cobalt Meeting Room
As the business landscape rapidly evolves, educators must equip students with the skills, mindset, and hands-on experience necessary to thrive in today’s dynamic economy. This panel will explore strategies for integrating real-world applications into business courses, encouraging an entrepreneurial mindset, and leveraging innovation to future-proof business education. Panelists will discuss how experiential learning, case studies, business simulations, and collaboration with industry professionals can bridge the gap between theory and practice. Additionally, the panel will highlight ways to cultivate creativity, adaptability, and critical thinking — key traits for success in business, entrepreneurship, and beyond.
Danaka obtained her Master of Engineering from MIT in supply chain management. She is a partner at iota consulting, where she routinely uses algorithms to optimize processes. Additionally, Danaka is completing her Ph.D. in cardiology at the Cumming School of Medicine where she is applying her supply chain and algorithm background to researching heart rate turbulence and t-wave alternans to improve its clinical use. Danaka has been a sessional lecturer at the Dhillon School of Business since 2019, where her frustration with the material resulted in writing her own courseware. She authored “Principles of Supply Chain Management and Operations” and “Project Management: Real-World Application & Methodologies” with Stukent!
10:30 a.m.
Communication Panel
Shaping Tomorrow’s Communicators: Trends, Strategies, and Crisis Management
Moly Meeting Room
As communication continues to rapidly evolve, this panel will delve into the key trends shaping the future of communication education. Experts will share strategies for teaching tomorrow’s communicators, focusing on the ethical implications of media and literacy, the power of storytelling, and the role of crisis and strategic communication in modern practice. Panelists will also explore the importance of future-proofing communication skills, preparing students to adapt to an ever-changing media landscape. Learn how collaboration across disciplines and industries is a crucial tool in shaping versatile communicators capable of addressing complex global challenges.
Carolyn Smith Casertano, APR, Fellow PRSA, is an Associate Professor of Practice in the Department of Communication at the University of Arizona. She is an award-winning communications professional with over two decades of expertise in strategic planning, message development, and implementation, media relations, crisis communications, thought leadership, advocacy, and brand positioning. She teaches public relations classes and is the faculty adviser for the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) UofA chapter. Carolyn is accredited in public relations (APR) by the Universal Accreditation Board and in 2023 was accepted into the prestigious Public Relations Society of America’s College of Fellows, an honorary organization within PRSA comprised of more than 350 senior professionals and educators.
Erika Mayor is a bilingual communications and digital marketing expert with over 20 years of experience specializing in nonprofits and small businesses. She is currently an adjunct professor at the University of Miami School of Communication, where she teaches social media strategy and other courses. In 2013, she launched GrupoMayor Consulting to help nonprofits and small businesses grow through PR and social media. Prior to this, she played a significant role in major nonprofit organizations, including the American Red Cross and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, where she pioneered marketing strategies that integrated social media and multicultural outreach.
Katerina Tsetsura, Ph.D. (Purdue U) is Gaylord Family Professor of Public Relations and Strategic Communication at the Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Oklahoma. Dr. Tsetsura is internationally known for her work in global public relations and media transparency. In 2018, Dr. Tsetsura received the Outstanding Educator of the Year award, the highest national award in public relations teaching from the Public Relations Society of America. Dr. Tsetsura is a member of the Arthur W. Page Society.
Beth is an associate professor of advertising at Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communication. As a 25-year veteran of the advertising media industry, she has worked for leading media agencies such as MEC Global, MediaVest, and UM.
Beth led the strategic media planning for Coca-Cola, AT&T Mobility, Kraft/Nabisco, and L’Oreal Paris. She now leads the media planning curriculum for the advertising department at Syracuse University and teaches advertising strategy. Her research interests include native advertising, cross-media synergy effects, and the economics of media buying in the world of big data.
Skilled at providing strategic communications solutions built on sound business analytics, her solid understanding of the holistic business situation delivers creative, unique approaches to the marketplace. She chairs the scholarship committee of the Alliance for Women in Media, NYC and sits on the Alliance for Women in Media National Education Initiatives Committee. She holds a bachelor of science in advertising from Syracuse University and an MBA from Southern Methodist University.
11:15 a.m.
Break
11:30 a.m.
The A.I. Impact on Omnichannel Marketing
Copper Ballroom
Omnichannel strategies are not a new concept, but their necessity is rapidly evolving, driven by the integration of generative AI and advanced technologies. This hybrid session, blending academic and industry insights, will delve into how companies are enhancing their omnichannel approaches with these innovations. Additionally, a project framework designed for classroom integration will be provided, offering instructors actionable ideas to enrich their teaching.
Dr. Kyle Allison, widely recognized as The Doctor of Digital Strategy, boasts over 20 years of experience in e-commerce, business strategy, digital analytics, and marketing. He has held executive roles up to C-level. He has worked at renowned organizations like Best Buy, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and the Army and Air Force Exchange Service. Dr. Allison excels in developing innovative, data-driven digital strategies across B2B, B2C, and DTC channels, blending technical and creative expertise. As a professor and author, he mentors future professionals, shaping curricula and contributing to business literature. With multiple advanced degrees, he continues to lead in digital strategy. Learn more at DoctorofDigitalStrategy.com.
11:30 a.m.
Turning Student Feedback into Action: Applying Customer Experience Insights to Your Classroom
Cobalt Meeting Room
In today’s educational landscape, obtaining and utilizing student feedback effectively is crucial for continuous improvement and teaching excellence. However, many educators struggle to develop actionable insights from formal end-of-semester course evaluations. This presentation will introduce an innovative approach to leveraging CX principles to ensure student satisfaction and learning.
Professor Jason Van Acker serves as an assistant lecturer of business administration at Wisconsin Lutheran College in Milwaukee, WI. Prior to joining his alma mater’s school of business faculty, he held senior marketing leadership roles in the broadcast television, higher education, consumer franchising, and health care industries.
Jason’s teaching philosophy is focused on fostering an active learning environment and encouraging his students to apply newly learned course concepts to real-world business situations.
When not serving his students on campus, he enjoys traveling with his wife and two daughters, competing in triathlons, and cheering on his beloved Green Bay Packers.
11:30 a.m.
Topic To Be Confirmed
Moly Meeting Room
Dr Marina Girju is professor or marketing and analytics, teaching higher education classes at all levels, from undergrad to master and doctoral. She also brings 20 years of professional experience as business analyst and director of sales and marketing in a variety of companies from the snack market, to high tech, non profit and international organizations. Dr. Girju has been teaching with Stukent textbooks and simulations for years and has developed curriculum for digital marketing programs at both undergraduate and master levels.
12:15 p.m.
Lunch
Copper Vista
1:15 p.m.
AI Panel
Empowering Educators in the Age of AI: Tools, Ethics, Curriculum Design, and Future Trends
Copper Ballroom
As artificial intelligence continues to transform education, educators must navigate both its opportunities and challenges to enhance learning outcomes while maintaining academic integrity. This panel will explore how AI-powered tools can revolutionize teaching, support personalized learning, and improve student engagement. Panelists will also discuss ethical considerations, strategies for integrating AI into curriculum design, and the future of AI in education. Join us for an insightful discussion on how educators can embrace AI responsibly, prepare students for an AI-driven workforce, and ensure that learning remains meaningful in the digital age.
Christina Kalberg excels as an educator in her position as associate professor of marketing at Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU), where she teaches Principles of Marketing, Consumer Marketing, Digital Marketing Essentials, and Content Marketing.
Her dedication to her students and passion for making a positive impact in the field of marketing earned her the award of Stukent’s Professor of the Month in June 2023.
Before becoming a full-time professor, Christina held the position of Executive Director for local nonprofits in San Diego. She has over 20 years of experience as a senior-level executive, effectively integrating passion and in-depth skill into well-crafted marketing, communications, and fundraising campaigns to directly fuel multi-million-dollar revenue growth. Christina has generated over $40M in revenue using online and offline tactics such as sales, organic, and paid advertising, email marketing, social media marketing, search engine marketing, search engine optimization, designing conversion-centered websites, and content marketing.
Her expertise in the marketing field has earned her recognition as a highly sought-after speaker. She has addressed audiences at influential conferences such as the Marketing Management Association Spring 2023 Conference, the Marketing Educators’ Association Spring 2023 Conference, and Marketing ProfCon 2023. Her Profcon presentation, “ChatGPT: Help Your Students Level Up with Prompt Engineering in the Classroom,” offered valuable insights into cutting-edge marketing strategies and industry trends, leaving her audience inspired and informed.
As an academic researcher, Christina actively contributes to the field of marketing by publishing her doctoral work on content marketing for nonprofits.
Her research has been published in leading journals such as the Journal of Business and Industrial Marketing, Journal of Personal Selling and Sales Management, Journal of Marketing Education, Marketing Management Journal, Marketing Education Review, and The Journal of Business & Entrepreneurship to mention a few. Some of her awards include the 2021 Best Paper in the Education track and the 2020 Best Paper in the Sales and Sales Management track at the Society for Marketing Advances Annual Conference, the 2019 Outstanding Researcher and the 2017 Engagement Award at the University of Dallas’ College of Business, and the 2015-2017 Outstanding Service Awards at the National Conference in Sales Management.
Priyanka is a professor of marketing and analytics at Hult International Business School, San Francisco, with over 18 years of experience in academia and consulting. She specializes in data storytelling, digital marketing, AI, and customer experience strategies, helping businesses navigate data-driven transformations. Priyanka’s research spans customer experience, sustainability, and the role of AI in achieving sustainable development goals. A TEDx speaker on leadership and mental health, she also mentors MBA professionals and executives, fostering a mindset of growth and innovation. Beyond academics, Priyanka enjoys curating impactful workshops, traveling, and spending time with her two children, blending passion with purpose.
Jason Dojc is a veteran ad agency strategist who moved to academia and is now the program coordinator for Seneca’s Creative Advertising Program which he relaunched with new curriculum that includes AI in September 2023. The self-proclaimed ‘unaccredited anthropologist’ spent his agency life helping clients across a broad spectrum of industries understand how digital, social, mobile, and other ‘geeky’ stuff affect their customer’s behaviour. He then turned that knowledge into planning effective marketing and advertising strategies. Now he is training the next generation of marketers and ad agency students to do the same… well hopefully, even better.
Sean Cash is a seasoned business leader and academic with over 30 years of entrepreneurial success, having started, managed, and exited four different businesses, including a $135-million-a-year outdoor media company he took public. Since 2005, he has brought real-world expertise to the classroom, teaching marketing at undergraduate and graduate levels. Currently, Sean serves as assistant professor of marketing and assistant chair for the division of business at Friends University, where he has been a dedicated full-time faculty member since 2018. His unique blend of practical experience and academic leadership inspires students and enriches the business community.
1:15 p.m.
Sales Panel
Preparing Sales Professionals: Experiential Learning, Career Readiness, and Marketing Integration
Cobalt Meeting Room
As the sales profession continues to evolve, preparing students for successful careers in sales requires a strategic blend of experiential learning, career readiness, and alignment with marketing. This panel will focus on how educators can incorporate hands-on experiences to teach sales techniques, foster career preparedness, and align sales strategies with marketing initiatives. Panelists will discuss the skills necessary for career readiness in the sales field, the importance of integrating real-world experiences, and how close collaboration between sales and marketing departments can drive organizational success. This discussion will provide valuable insights for educators looking to equip the next generation of sales professionals.
Donald Kelly’s mission is to evangelize effective selling methods and motivate sellers at all levels to DO BIG THINGS! As a former top-performing technology sales professional who has successfully sold in public and private sectors, Donald cracked the code of helping teams thrive in B2B sales. Salesforce has recognized Donald as a 2022, 2023, and 2024 Top Sales Influencer and by LinkedIn as a Top 22 sales Insider. He is also the author of “Sell It Like A Mango: A New Seller’s Guide To Closing More Deals” and co-author of “Professional Selling: A Guide for the Modern Sales Professional” and “Advanced Selling and Sales Management” courseware, which are used in over 90 universities across North America. Donald has designed his training around concrete fundamental principles that can be adapted by any seller. He has helped sellers from companies worldwide build confidence in their selling abilities and increase revenue as a result. Organizations include Rock Venture (Quicken Loans), HairClub, VMWare, Consolidated Electrical Distributors LLC. (CEB), Salt Edge, Charter Spectrum, Hibu/The Real Yellow Pages, Yotpo, Citi Group, and New York Life.
Bill Ryan is an assistant professor-in-residence at the UConn School of Business, where he teaches marketing management, digital marketing, and sales management & leadership at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Bill is also the academic director for the UConn Professional Sales Leadership Program, which offers an experiential learning environment for students interested in pursuing a career in sales. He earned his doctorate in educational leadership and management at Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA, with a specialization in higher education administration. His academic interests include university-community partnerships, organizational learning, student development theory, and emerging teaching methods.
Prior to UConn, Bill had a successful career in marketing and sales with multiple Fortune 100 companies, including Travelers, where he led strategic initiatives for field sales and operations. He also was assistant vice president for marketing strategy and communications, where he was responsible for development of agent, consumer, and customer marketing strategy and communications; interactive marketing; and market research. Bill previously worked for Cigna Healthcare, where he led marketing strategy development for their national account business. Prior to Cigna, he spent 15 years in the consumer packaged goods industry at The Gillette Company, Pepsi-Cola, and Campbell Soup, primarily in brand management, customer marketing, and financial management roles.
Debbie Richard is an assistant professor and chair of the Ketner School of Business at Trine University. With a decade of marketing experience in the financial industry, she transitioned to higher education, serving in marketing roles at small colleges before becoming a full-time faculty member. Debbie holds a master of business, a master of business in organizational leadership, and a bachelor of arts from Defiance College.
Jeff Larson is an associate professor of marketing at BYU and coauthor of Digital Marketing Essentials, Stukent’s first textbook. Jeff has taught courses on digital marketing, marketing research, business analytics, and most recently, marketing automation. He has been published in several top academic journals and his research has been featured in several national news outlets such as NPR, the Wall Street Journal, and Good Morning America.
1:15 p.m.
Social Media Marketing Boot Camp
Moly Meeting Room
2:00 p.m.
Break
2:15 p.m.
From Simulation to Strategy: Innovative Uses of Simternships for Collaborative Learning
Copper Ballroom
This session shares a fresh, creative approach for integrating the Stukent Social Media Simternship into coursework that fosters both individual learning and team-based collaboration. Attendees will explore how to structure activities that encourage students to share insights, learn from each other, and cooperatively develop a comprehensive social media marketing strategy.
Stacy Schwartz is an award-winning marketing professor at Rutgers Business School and the founding director of its fully online Master of Science in Digital Marketing program. Prior to joining Rutgers, Stacy was a Learning & Development consultant to the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) and held senior leadership roles at Virgin Mobile USA, Hospital for Special Surgery, and internet advertising pioneer DoubleClick. She is a Webby Award judge and serves as Past Board President at Sharsheret, a global nonprofit organization. She earned an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BA with honors in advertising from Penn State.
2:15 p.m.
Innovating Inclusion: Bridging Academia and Industry for Neurodiverse Workforces
Cobalt Meeting Room
In this breakout session, explore how academic research and real-world practices can come together to create inclusive, neurodiverse teams that drive innovation. As a professor and advocate for neurodiversity, the speaker will share actionable insights on building work environments that tap into the unique strengths of neurodivergent individuals. Discover strategies to rethink traditional diversity models and unlock the full potential of neurodiverse talent to enhance problem-solving and innovation in the workplace.
Born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina, Malayna Hasmanis is the Founder of Unity Forward Oklahoma, a grassroots initiative focused on advocating for individuals with disabilities and their families across the state of Oklahoma. With experience in education both in the U.S. and abroad in South Korea and Tanzania, her dedication to equity and inclusion stems from her personal experience as the sibling of two individuals with disabilities. Malayna holds degrees in special education, educational leadership, and public policy, while finishing up her doctorate. She currently teaches adults who are incarcerated through Langston University’s Second Chance Pell Program. She also serves as an adjunct professor at Southern Nazarene University in the graduate studies programs for education and business. Additionally, as the Tulsa County Post Adjudication Review Board Coordinator, she advocates for youth in foster care, driven by her passion for eliminating barriers and creating access to resources for individuals with disabilities.
2:15 p.m.
From Passengers to Co-Pilots: Collaborative Syllabus & Course Design in Action
Moly Meeting Room
What if your students didn’t just follow the syllabus—but helped create it? This session explores how a collaborative syllabus approach can enhance engagement, ownership, and strategic thinking while maintaining academic rigor and clear learning goals. Learn practical strategies for involving students in course design— from shaping assignments and projects to influencing guest lectures, class meetings, grading schemes, and due dates—whether through small choices or full co-creation. You’ll leave with actionable ideas to integrate student voices in ways that make your course more interactive, adaptable, and meaningful, while preserving structure and academic integrity in a truly participatory learning environment.
Chanda Gilmore is a strategic communication and public relations instructor at the University of Delaware, where she focuses on teaching students to develop and execute impactful social media and public relations campaigns. With 20 years of experience in both teaching and consulting, Chanda specializes in creating hands-on learning experiences that bridge the gap between theory and practice in the evolving digital landscape. She has consulted with nonprofits and educational institutions to develop innovative social media strategies to foster meaningful online engagement with diverse audiences.
3:00 p.m.
Break
3:15 p.m.
The Stukent E3 Learning Experience
Cobalt Ballroom
Ann-Michelle is the Director of Instructional Design at Stukent and established the company’s official instructional design practice. Her EdTech career began at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and continued at Pearson where she worked as an Instructional Designer for 15 years in both K–12 and Higher Ed. divisions. She has a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Boston University and a Master of Educational Technology (M.E.T.) from Boise State University. Ann-Michelle lives with her partner and dog (Nova, the Instructional Design intern) in Jackson, WY.
3:15 p.m.
Digital Marketing Simternship Boot Camp
Moly Meeting Room
4:00 p.m.
Break
4:15 p.m.
Keynote
A.I. Meetis "I": Future-Proof Your Brand with Next-Gen Personal Branding Strategies
Copper Ballroom
Karen Freberg (@kfreberg) is an Associate Professor in Strategic Communications at the University of Louisville where she teaches, researches, and consults in social media strategy, public relations, and crisis communication. Freberg has experience working with brands such as Hootsuite, General Motors, Breeders’ Cup, Facebook, Adobe, and Chipotle. Freberg’s experience in both academia and industry makes her the perfect pick to be the author of the upcoming Stukent “Personal Branding”.
5:00 - 5:45 p.m.
Digital Marketing Simternship Boot Camp
Cobalt Meeting Room
5:00 - 5:45 p.m.
Social Media Marketing Boot Camp
Moly Meeting Room
Day 3 | June 6, 2025
7:30 a.m.
Breakfast
Copper Vista
8:30 a.m.
Welcome Day 3
Copper Ballroom
Christina Kalberg excels as an educator in her position as associate professor of marketing at Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU), where she teaches Principles of Marketing, Consumer Marketing, Digital Marketing Essentials, and Content Marketing.
Her dedication to her students and passion for making a positive impact in the field of marketing earned her the award of Stukent’s Professor of the Month in June 2023.
Before becoming a full-time professor, Christina held the position of Executive Director for local nonprofits in San Diego. She has over 20 years of experience as a senior-level executive, effectively integrating passion and in-depth skill into well-crafted marketing, communications, and fundraising campaigns to directly fuel multi-million-dollar revenue growth. Christina has generated over $40M in revenue using online and offline tactics such as sales, organic, and paid advertising, email marketing, social media marketing, search engine marketing, search engine optimization, designing conversion-centered websites, and content marketing.
Her expertise in the marketing field has earned her recognition as a highly sought-after speaker. She has addressed audiences at influential conferences such as the Marketing Management Association Spring 2023 Conference, the Marketing Educators’ Association Spring 2023 Conference, and Marketing ProfCon 2023. Her Profcon presentation, “ChatGPT: Help Your Students Level Up with Prompt Engineering in the Classroom,” offered valuable insights into cutting-edge marketing strategies and industry trends, leaving her audience inspired and informed.
As an academic researcher, Christina actively contributes to the field of marketing by publishing her doctoral work on content marketing for nonprofits.
Her research has been published in leading journals such as the Journal of Business and Industrial Marketing, Journal of Personal Selling and Sales Management, Journal of Marketing Education, Marketing Management Journal, Marketing Education Review, and The Journal of Business & Entrepreneurship to mention a few. Some of her awards include the 2021 Best Paper in the Education track and the 2020 Best Paper in the Sales and Sales Management track at the Society for Marketing Advances Annual Conference, the 2019 Outstanding Researcher and the 2017 Engagement Award at the University of Dallas’ College of Business, and the 2015-2017 Outstanding Service Awards at the National Conference in Sales Management.
8:35 a.m.
Keynote
Strong Enough for Tenure but Made for the Non-Tenure Track: How Colleagues with Different Backgrounds Can Learn from One Another, Grow Together, and Enhance the Culture of a School
Copper Ballroom
Ryan Russell is the associate lecturer of marketing at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. A 13-year veteran of social media and digital strategy, Ryan has extensive experience crafting powerful digital strategies, growing active online communities, and generating engaging, consistent digital advertising. In addition to his role at UTC, Ryan also serves as the CEO of Lift Media Group, a digital marketing and web agency based in Chattanooga, TN.
Ryan is the husband of Sarah Russell and the father of his 10-year-old daughter, Emily, his 8-year-old son, Andrew, and his wonderful dog, Jack. Ryan is a backyard berry farmer and amateur winemaker and is the copresident of the Chattanooga Reds, a supporters group for the greatest soccer team in the world, Liverpool FC.
9:15 a.m.
Break
9:30 a.m.
AI Tools for Marketing Preparing Students for Marketing Jobs Customer Experience - What Is It? How Do We Teach It?
Copper Ballroom
This presentation will cover the most beneficial AI tools marketers need to master to provide them with job skills for employment post-college.
Lisa Willsey-Goolsby, Ph.D., MBA, PCM, is a marketer, strategist, educator, and entrepreneur. As a team lead for marketing at CTU, she blends academic expertise with an entrepreneurial mindset. With experience as a marketing professor and coffee bar owner, Lisa offers unique insights into evolving marketing trends. She thrives where research and strategy align to create market success. Passionate about political and hospitality marketing, Lisa values connecting great products with the right audiences. She believes impactful marketing is less about big brands and more about creative, targeted approaches, ensuring efficiency and resonance for products and services.
9:30 a.m.
The Power of Synergy: Incorporating the Publication Process into the Classroom
Cobalt Meeting Room
Integrate the publication process into your class by assigning research papers tailored for journals, motivating students with the potential to become published authors. This assignment hones research and writing skills while exposing students to academic careers and fostering interest in doctoral studies. Faculty benefit by building a research pipeline, with some papers leading to publication. Participants will learn to implement and adapt this versatile assignment, which applies beyond accounting, and gain insights from my years of refinement and experience, making it a valuable tool for both student development and faculty research goals.
Rich Brody, Professor Emeritus at the University of New Mexico’s Anderson School of Management, is a leading figure in accounting and forensic accounting. He holds prestigious credentials, including Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA), and Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF). Dr. Brody has been honored as Educator of the Year by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners and twice as Outstanding Educator by the New Mexico Society of CPAs. His expertise extends to serving as a forensic accounting expert in civil and criminal cases, showcasing his influence in academia and practice.
9:30 a.m.
From Idea to Launch: Designing an Engaging Communications Capstone Course [A Case Study]
Moly Meeting Room
Wahiba Chair is an award-winning educator and strategist with over 15 years of experience in higher education, technology, marketing, and communications. Since 2014, she has empowered thousands of students and professionals at top Canadian universities, including University Canada West, Simon Fraser University, and the University of British Columbia, to advance their careers through industry-focused teaching. In 2024, Wahiba was honored with the prestigious Excellence in Teaching and Learning Award at University Canada West for her exceptional contributions to student success. With a focus on empathy, community building, and educational technologies, Wahiba is passionate about designing experiential, human-centered, and engaging learning experiences. Learn more about her work at WahibaChair.com and connect with her on LinkedIn, X or BlueSky.
10:15 a.m.
Break
10:30 a.m.
Student Engagement Panel
Beyond Participation: Proven Strategies to Engage Students While Reducing Teacher Workload
Copper Ballroom
Engaging students is essential for effective learning, but it often comes at the cost of increased workload for educators. This panel will explore proven strategies that enhance student engagement while streamlining teaching efforts. Experts will share insights on efficient engagement techniques, technology-driven solutions, and student-centered approaches that foster deeper learning without overburdening instructors. Topics will include low-effort, high-impact engagement strategies, tools that personalize learning without adding extra prep time, and ways to build an interactive classroom culture that runs itself. Educators will leave with practical, time-saving strategies to improve participation, motivation, and overall student success.
Kinda Wilson is a marketing instructor at the Oklahoma State University Spears School of Business and at CIMBA Italy. Her marketing and business experience ranges from working with corporations and nonprofits to founding start-up companies. Wilson is a teacher at heart and is passionate about bringing these business and marketing concepts to life for her students. Her textbook Modern Marketing Principles and interactive case simulations are used by universities internationally, and she was recently awarded the 2021 Spears School of Business Online Teaching Award and the 2017 Excellence in Teaching/Training award by the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA).
Dr. Joie S. Hain is an associate professor at Clayton State University where she teaches digital marketing and social media marketing for both the MBA and BBA digital marketing concentrations. After an award-winning career in industry, she joined academia. During her tenure at Clayton State University, she has received Professor of the Year twice and actively focuses on student engagement through high-impact practices. Dr. Hain’s academic research interest focuses on student engagement and academic success with her industry research focused on digital marketing. Dr. Hain is the proud recipient of Stukent’s first Professor of the Year award.
Dr. Weber has taught at the undergraduate and graduate levels since 2012, teaching a variety of disciplines including marketing, business, and leadership. His prior work was in the marketing field at various levels up to director. His dissertation for his doctorate examined social media marketing messages and their impact on Gen Z’s mental health.
Douglas Beech is a passionate marketing professor dedicated to inspiring students and educators to unlock their full potential. With over two decades of experience, he emphasizes the importance of soft skills, emotional intelligence, and resilience in education and business. Through his work with Twinbro, Douglas has helped over 35,000 disadvantaged youth access postsecondary education and financial aid, fostering opportunities for personal and professional growth. His teaching philosophy centers on empowering students to believe in their abilities and adapt to an ever-changing world. Douglas also advocates for integrating AI in education to enhance learning experiences and support lifelong success.