The 6th Annual

Carroll University Ethos Symposium

Civility and Democracy
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Shattuck Auditorium, Carroll University
Learn about Registration and Event Speakers

Carroll University’s 6th Annual Carroll University Ethos Symposium reflects our commitment to fostering meaningful and transformative learning experiences that support our mission and Ethos. This year’s theme, “Civility and Democracy,” invites us to explore how each of us can contribute to a campus culture that values respectful engagement and collective responsibility. This program will provide tools, resources, and skills to help us all play a role in this important work. When we prioritize civility and democracy, we create a stronger, more connected community—one where everyone feels empowered to contribute.

*Afternoon sessions: please note that each session is open to everyone, however the audience of a particular workshop may be targeted towards Carroll students, faculty, and staff.

Schedule Overview 

All morning sessions will be held in Shattuck Music Center, Auditorium.

  • 8:30 a.m., Breakfast in the Shattuck Music Center, Lobby
  • 9 a.m., Welcome by Adrienne Reese, Director of Community Culture and Enrichment at Carroll University
  • 9:05 a.m., Invocation by Rev. Elizabeth McCord, University Chaplin and Director of Spiritual Life at Carroll University
  • 9:10 a.m., Opening Remarks by Dr. Cindy Gnadinger, 15th President of Carroll University
  • 9:20 a.m., Performance by Ansuya Shrestha ('27), Carroll University, Living Goddess of Nepal - Kumari Dance
  • 9:30 a.m., Remarks by Mohammed I. T. Bey, Vice President for Campus and Community Services at Carroll University
  • 9:45 a.m., Break and Travel Time
  • 1011 a.m. See Event Speakers for our Fireside Chats
  • 11 a.m. 12 p.m., Lunch
  • 11 a.m.12 p.m., Cultural Market in the Campus Center, Lobby
  • 121 p.m., Cultural Showcase in the Campus Center, Stackner Ballroom
  • 1:202:20 p.m. See Event Speakers for Breakout Session 1
  • 2:303:30 p.m. See Event Speakers for Breakout Session 2

 

Fireside Chats 

Fireside Chats are informal and engaging conversations designed to foster meaningful dialogue. Rather than traditional presentations, they provide a space for guest speakers to share personal stories and insights on a specific topic. Moderated by a facilitator who guides the discussion, Fireside Chats encourage interactive participation, allowing attendees to actively engage in conversation rather than passively listening.
 

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Dr. Scott Jordan

Trust 101: Who to Keep In, and Who to Keep Out

Dr. Scott Jordan
Professor and Chair of the Psychology Department, Illinois State University


Location: Humphrey Memorial Chapel and Art Center, Humphrey Memorial Chapel
Audience: All

Register for Dr. Jordan's Fireside Chat

Do you allow just anyone to enter your home? Do you reveal your suffering to anyone who will listen? Do you ever find yourself holding back from full self-expression because you do not trust your current social context? Do you accept friend requests from everyone who asks to be your friend on Facebook? Do you believe most things you read on Twitter and other social media? Do you act as if your vote is counted properly in local, state, and federal elections? Trust permeates our daily lives, from one-on-one interactions to social media, to looking for help, to casting a ballot in an election. How do we decide who or what to trust? Is there a right or wrong way to trust? Are some people, social media sites, and forms of government more trustworthy than others? Why? The present talk/workshop will discuss the neuroscience, psychology, and philosophy of trust, and how it impacts our assumptions regarding freedom, democracy, and the notion of human rights.


J. Scott Jordan, Ph.D., is a cognitive psychologist who studies the neuroscience, psychology, and philosophy of cooperative behavior. He regularly publishes papers about connections between pop-culture narratives, psychology, and the realities of lived life. He has published a peer-reviewed, song about the ‘self’ (It’s hard work being No One), (song), which received a positive review in Discover Magazine. He is the organizer of ReggieCon, a virtual comic-con panel series that celebrates diversity and heritage months during the academic year. He also produces the Dark Loops Productions channel on YouTube. Finally, he is extremely proud of his international comic-book collection.

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Kristin Brey

Building Bridges in a Divided World: Civil Discourse, Local Politics, and Conversations Across Differences

Kristin Brey
Columnist and Radio Host


Location: Shirley Hilger Hall, Oak Room
Audience: All

Register for Kristen Brey's Fireside Chat

Join this engaging and thought-provoking fireside chat with Kristin Brey, the dynamic voice behind impactful conversations on bridging divides and fostering positive change online and offline. Kristin will share her insights on navigating the challenges of civil discourse in the online world, practical ways to get involved in local politics, and strategies for engaging with those who see the world differently. In a time when polarization often dominates headlines, this discussion will inspire you to think differently about how we communicate, collaborate, and create solutions that matter. Whether you're an active advocate, a concerned citizen, or just curious about making a difference, this event promises to leave you with actionable takeaways and a fresh perspective.


Kristin Brey is a columnist, video creator and radio host whose work can be defined by getting people to laugh, making the super complicated super not & motivating more people to give a damn. While born and raised in Madison, WI, Kristin spent half her life bouncing around the coasts and changing career paths almost as often as she changed her hair color. Now you can her daily on her 620AM WTMJ radio show "Spanning the State", read her weekly at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, and find her videos anywhere on social media @kristinbrey. 

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Nehemiah Edwards

Love Yourself, Love Others

Nehemiah Edwards
Contemporary Artist


Location: Campus Center, Stackner Ballroom
Audience: Students

Register for Nehemiah Edward's Fireside Chat

A transformative workshop combining self-reflection, creative expression, and forgiveness to help participants uncover their inherent worth and embrace self-love. Through art creation and introspective exercises, attendees will explore how to extend love and compassion to others, fostering connection and equity in their lives.


Nehemiah R. Edwards, also known by his moniker, Nemo, is a contemporary artist based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Having studied electrical engineering at the University of Wisconsin Madison, Nehemiah is self-taught in painting and digital art. With a unique expressionistic style, Nehemiah's playful iconography of angel and demon characters showcases the complex relationship between our morality and vices. His works are imbued with a sense of whimsy and humor, inviting viewers to reflect on their own inner struggles and the human condition.

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Dr. Ada Cheng

This Is Me!: Storytelling, Belonging, and Self-Love

Dr. Ada Cheng
Dominican University, Professor and Artist


Location: Shattuck Music Center, Dorothy Goff Frisch Recital Hall
Audience: All

Register for Dr. Cheng's Fireside Chat

During this session, Dr. Cheng will first share a vulnerable story to demonstrate how writing and telling stories enables us to create a sense of identity, belonging, and empowerment. Following the short performance, she will discuss how she uses central principles of storytelling, such as vulnerability, trust, and intimacy, to build bridges across differences and to create genuine connections with others. 


An educator-turned storyteller, creator, and producer, Dr. Ada Cheng has utilized storytelling to illustrate structural inequities, raise critical awareness, and build intimate communities. Dedicated to creating inclusive storytelling platforms, she has provided opportunities for individuals to share meaningful and personal experiences. Dr. Cheng has been a speaker for the Illinois Humanities Road Scholars Speakers Bureau since 2019. She was named 2023-24 Lund-Gill Endowed Chair at Dominican University. She was one of the Illinois Humanities Public Humanities Award honorees in 2024. Her interests encompass academia, storytelling/performance, and advocacy.

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Sadie Webb 

A Braver Campus Dialogue

Sadie Webb
Associate Director, College Debate & Discourse


Location: Doug and Nancy Hastad Hall, Room 145
Audience: All

Register for Sadie Webb's Fireside Chat

In this highly interactive workshop, participants discover that differing viewpoints are not obstacles but essential components in addressing our most controversial issues. Guided in light parliamentary style by an experienced facilitator, participants navigate the nuances and complexities of a challenging political or social topic, probe into its root causes, and join in spirited ideation toward potential solutions.


As Associate Director of the College Debates & Discourse Alliance, Sadie works with students, faculty, and administrators to bring debate and dialogue programming to colleges and universities across the US. Sadie graduated magna cum laude from Denison University, double majoring in International Studies and Political Science, with a concentration in foreign policy formulation.

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Top left to bottom right: Rabbi Josh Herman, Ahmed J. Quereshi, Rev. Dr. Lisa Bates-Froiland, Rev. Elizabeth McCord

Doing God’s Work in a Divided America – A Call to Justice and Compassion

Rabbi Josh Herman
Executive Director, Hillel Milwaukee

Ahmed J. Quereshi
Executive Director, Interfaith Conference of Greater Milwaukee

Rev. Dr. Lisa Bates-Froiland
Pastor, Redemer Lutheran Church

Rev. Elizabeth McCord
University Chaplin and Director of Spiritual Life, Carroll University
Associate Director, College Debate & Discourse


Location: Doug and Nancy Hastad Hall, Room 160
Audience: All

Register for Sadie Webb's Fireside Chat

This session will explore the role of faith leaders in promoting justice, unity, and care for one another amid political and social divisions. Panelists will discuss how to uphold compassion, dignity, and fairness while remaining committed to justice in an increasingly polarized world.


Rabbi Joshua Herman joined the Hillel Milwaukee team in March of 2023.  Born and raised in Milwaukee, Josh spent his first year of college at UW-Milwaukee where he was treasurer of the Hillel Student Board.  He then transferred schools and received his BA from UW-Madison and his MA and rabbinical ordination from the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati. After ordination, Josh served as a rabbi at Congregation Beth Israel in Houston, Texas and then made aliyah and served as the rabbi for the Year-in-Israel Program at HUC-JIR in Jerusalem. After several years in Israel, Josh moved back to Milwaukee and spent two years as a senior educator at The iCenter, focusing on Israel education.

Ahmed J. Quereshi is the Executive Director of the Interfaith Conference of Greater Milwaukee, a position to which he was appointed in 2023. Previously, he represented the Islamic Society of Milwaukee on the Interfaith Conference of Greater Milwaukee’s board of directors and served as an officer on its Executive Committee. He is a past President of the Islamic Society of Milwaukee, the largest Islamic organization in Wisconsin, a position in which he served from 2009 to 2017. By education and profession, Mr. Quereshi is an attorney. He is a graduate of Marquette University Law School.

Need Lisa bio

The Rev. Elizabeth E. P. McCord is Chaplain and Director of Spiritual Life at Carroll University in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Prior to relocating to Wisconsin for this position, Elizabeth served as Associate Dean for Vocations at San Francisco Theological Seminary. She also worked in Christian education and hospital chaplaincy with a focus in oncology. Elizabeth grew up in Appalachia and claims Hungry Mother State Park in Virginia as her childhood home. It was her collegiate experience working as a circuit preacher and Vacation Bible School director in rural West Virginia that led Elizabeth into ministry. Elizabeth is ordained in United Church of Christ and has standing in the Presbytery of Milwaukee.

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Alyssa Zajdel

Mental Health Is Your Competitive Edge: Skills for Sport, School, and Life

Dr. Alyssa Zajdel, PhD CMPC
Sport Psychologist and Owner, Inside Edge Counseling and Consulting


Location: Shattuck Music Center, Auditorium
Audience: Athletes

Register for Dr. Alyssa Zajdel's Event

Success in sport, school, and life starts with strong mental health. In Mental Health Is Your Competitive Edge, sport psychologist Dr. Alyssa Zajdel will break down practical mental skills that help athletes perform under pressure, stay motivated, and navigate setbacks. This engaging and interactive keynote will explore how emotions, self-awareness, and stress management impact performance, while also addressing athletic cultural values that shape the student-athlete experience. Attendees will walk away with actionable tools to enhance their mental game, improve focus, and maintain balance in athletics, academics, and beyond.


Dr. Alyssa Zajdel is a licensed psychologist and Certified Mental Performance Consultant. She received her PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Currently in private practice at Inside Edge Counseling and Consulting, she specializes in helping athletes and other high performers manage anxiety, reach peak performance, and improve confidence. She has worked with youth, collegiate, and adult athletes in a variety of sports and competitive levels and is currently listed on the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee Mental Health Directory. Additionally, she is an assistant professor at the Wisconsin School of Professional Psychology, teaching, supervising, and advising doctoral students in clinical psychology. 

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Breakout Session 1 

Alvaro Rodriguez
Alvaro Rodriguez

Beyond One-Size-Fits-All: Personalizing Success While Honoring Culture

Alvaro Rodriguez
Coordinator of Intercultural Engagement, Carroll University


Location: Doug and Nancy Hastad Hall, Room 140
Time: 1:20–2:20 p.m.
Audience: All 

Register for Alvaro Rodriguez's Event

Success looks different for every student, and this is especially true within the diverse and vibrant Hispanic community. In this session, we will explore the individuality of student success while recognizing the common cultural threads that can foster growth or present unique challenges. Through an interactive and reflective discussion, participants will gain insight into how culture can be both a foundation and a barrier for students and how intentional support strategies can empower students to define their own success.


Alvaro Rodriguez serves as the Assistant Director of Community Culture & Service at Carroll University. With extensive experience supporting underrepresented student populations, Alvaro is passionate about creating inclusive spaces where all students can thrive. Through his work with various affinity groups and initiatives, he focuses on fostering cultural humility, engagement, and empowerment. Emely Gonzalez is a senior at Carroll University, getting a degree in Psychology with a minor in Biochemistry. Emely also works within the office of Community Culture as a student fellow to help plan and implement different cultural program to ensure that students feel like they belong on the Carroll University campus. Emely passion is also shown through her philanthropy as a sister of Gamma Alpha Omega Sorority Inc., showing unconditional support to HIV Awareness.

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JohnRae Stowers

Thriving, Not Just Surviving: Strategies for Student Retention at Colleges and Universities 

JohnRae Stowers
Director, EOP- Student Support Services, Marquette University


Location: Shirley Hilger Hall, Oak Room
Time: 1:20–2:20 p.m.
Audience: All

Register for JohnRae Stowers's Event

This interactive workshop is designed to explores effective strategies for supporting Black student retention at institutions where they are underrepresented. Led by a once first-generation, low-income Black woman who has navigated similar challenges, the session will provide practical strategies for fostering belonging, academic success, and institutional support. Participants will engage in meaningful discussions, role-playing scenarios, and action planning to enhance retention efforts on their campus.


Described by most as down to earth, humble, and fun loving - JohnRae’ Stowers grew up in Milwaukee, WI and has built a life as Wife, Mother, Educator, Entrepreneur, Author, Philanthropist, Connector, and Influencer.

Over the past 20+ years, JohnRae’ has dedicated her professional career to preparing future leaders for a life of college and beyond by helping them recognize their strengths to achieve their goals. Currently, JohnRae’ Stowers fulfills her passion to empower students through her role at Marquette University where she serves as Associate Director of the Educational Opportunity Program – Student Support Services (EOP – SSS), an academic program that has assisted over 2,000 first generation college students and students from low-income families in obtaining a college education.

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Sadie Webb 

Dialogue Tools for the Classroom

Sadie Webb
Associate Director, College Debate & Discourse


Location: Doug and Nancy Hastad Hall, Room 145
Time: 1:20–2:20 p.m.
Audience: Faculty

Register for Sadie Webb's Event

This interactive session is designed to offer faculty an overview of the CD&D Curricular Toolkit and best practices for fostering civil discourse in the classroom. Developed by faculty for faculty, the toolkit provides pedagogical resources for using debate and dialogue to encourage students’ critical thinking and help them craft logical, evidence-based arguments. It has been utilized in more than 100 classroom settings across a wide variety of course subjects.


As Associate Director of the College Debates & Discourse Alliance, Sadie works with students, faculty, and administrators to bring debate and dialogue programming to colleges and universities across the US. Sadie graduated magna cum laude from Denison University, double majoring in International Studies and Political Science, with a concentration in foreign policy formulation.

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Muhibb Dyer

Write Away the Pain: Using Spoken Word to Heal and Persevere

Muhibb Dyer
Motivational Speaker


Location: Main Hall, Room B11
Time: 1:20–2:20 p.m.
Audience: Students

Register for Muhibb Dyer's Event

“Write Away the Pain” is an interactive workshop designed to help college students confront and process personal trauma through the transformative power of spoken word poetry. College can be a time of immense pressure, and unresolved trauma often becomes a barrier to academic success and personal growth, sometimes leading students to withdraw or drop out. This workshop creates a safe and supportive space for students to explore their emotions, share their experiences, and begin the healing process.


Muhibb Dyer, an acclaimed spoken word artist and advocate for mental health awareness, uses his own journey with trauma to inspire participants to channel their pain into creative expression. Through guided writing exercises, reflective discussions, and spoken word performance, students will learn how to articulate their stories in a way that empowers them rather than holds them back.

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Toni Whitaker

Attaining and Maintaining Psychological Safety: How?

Toni Whitaker
Founder and Executive Director Sawubona Enterprises


Location: Doug and Nancy Hastad Hall, Room 160
Time: 1:20–2:20 p.m.
Audience: All

Register for Toni Whitaker's Event

During this powerful and engaging conversation, we will define psychological safety, recognize the barriers we all face in implementing and leaning into psychological safety and how to invest in a culture that ignites creativity and curiosity to help lessen potential fears.


Toni Whitaker brings over 15 years of expertise as a full­ spectrum birth doula and Mental Health First Aid instructor. She is a passionate curator of learning and growth experiences that provoke deep thought and meaningful engagement. Toni is dedicated to fostering understanding and connection in every space she enters. As a mother of two, she balances her extensive professional experience with personal joys, savoring culinary adventures from around the world, cherishing the serenity of the ocean, and indulging in a well-made documentary. Though introverted by nature, Toni's quiet strength and thoughtful approach continue to make a lasting impact on the communities she serves.

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Dr. Ada Cheng

Dare to Connect!: Storytelling Workshop & Open Mic with Ada Cheng

Dr. Ada Cheng
Dominican University, Professor and Artist


Location: Shattuck Music Center, Dorothy Goff Frisch Recital Hall
Time: 1:20–2:20 p.m.
Audience: All

Register for Dr. Cheng's Event

Do you want to tell stories to create genuine connections and build intimate communities? In this session, Dr. Cheng will first hold a mini workshop discussing central tenets of storytelling. Participants will learn general tips on how to craft and tell stories. She will then give participants some time to create a story based on the lessons they have learned. After the workshop, she will host an open mic for participants to share their stories.


An educator-turned storyteller, creator, and producer, Dr. Ada Cheng has utilized storytelling to illustrate structural inequities, raise critical awareness, and build intimate communities. Dedicated to creating inclusive storytelling platforms, she has provided opportunities for individuals to share meaningful and personal experiences. Dr. Cheng has been a speaker for the Illinois Humanities Road Scholars Speakers Bureau since 2019. She was named 2023-24 Lund-Gill Endowed Chair at Dominican University. She was one of the Illinois Humanities Public Humanities Award honorees in 2024. Her interests encompass academia, storytelling/performance, and advocacy.

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Dr. Brad Kose

Applying Adult Development and Cultural Competence to Integrity and Character Development

Dr. Brad Kose
Assistant Professor of Education and Director of Graduate Programs, Carroll University


Location: Humphrey Memorial Chapel and Art Center, Humphrey Memorial Chapel
Time: 1:20–2:50 p.m.
Audience: All

Register for Dr. Kose's Event

This 90-minute workshop examines the intersection of two adult development and cultural competence models, offering participants a concise yet insightful exploration of their role in fostering integrity and character development. Through an engaging mix of presentation and discussion, attendees will analyze how developmental capacity influences ethical engagement. The session emphasizes the transformative power of growth, equipping participants with strategies to strengthen character and capacity across diverse social contexts.


Dr. Kose has been a teacher, school principal, director of professional development, and assistant professor. His teaching and scholarship center on educational leadership for equity.

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Cynthia Clark

Creating a Culture of Civility, Community, and Joy in Healthcare

Dr. Cynthia Clark
Professor Emeritus at Boise State University


Location: Campus Center, Stackner Ballroom
Time: 1:20–2:20 p.m.
Audience: Nursing and Health Sciences

Register for Cynthia Clark's Event

The harmful impact of workplace disrespect and incivility is well documented and if allowed to take root, the consequences can be grim. So, imagine an enjoyable workplace—an environment where you and your colleagues can truly thrive in your career and profession. This engaging and thought-provoking session provides an evidence-based understanding of workplace incivility, its impact on individuals, teams, organizations, and patient care—and emphasizes the need to cultivate and sustain healthy workplaces. Join a renowned nurse researcher, award-winning professor, and accomplished author for a stimulating session to explore a variety of strategies to foster healthy work environments.


Dr. Clark is Founder of Civility Matters, Professor Emeritus at Boise State University, and an award-winning professor, scholar, and author. She serves as a fellow in the American Academy of Nursing, the NLN Academy of Nursing Education, and co-chaired the American Nurses Association Professional Panel on Incivility, Bullying, and Workplace Violence. Dr. Clark is best known for her ground-breaking work on fostering civility and healthy work and learning environments around the globe. She is the recipient of numerous teaching, service, and research awards—and widely acclaimed for her engaging presentations. Her empirical assessments have been translated into 16 world languages and used by scholars in 32 countries on 5 continents. She is a community builder and an unwavering advocate for a kinder, gentler, and more civil world.

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Left to right: Dawn Scott, Kenzie Carl 

The Change in Demographics – Incoming Students and the Workforce

Dawn Scott '98
Vice President for Enrollment, Carroll University

Kenzie Carl '21
Talent Acquisition Specialist, Carroll University


Location: Frontier Hall, Idea Lab
Time: 1:20–2:20 p.m.
Audience: All

Register for Dawn Scott and Kenzie Carl's Event

This session will focus on the change in our student demographics and the workforce over the next 5-10 years. Data will show that the demographic cliff not only includes the shift in the volume of students available to attend college, but also the change in the demographics of the students included in this volume. We will also focus on the changing workforce demographics to recruit and prepare for a diverse workforce.


Dawn Scott is the Vice President of Enrollment at Carroll University, where they've dedicated 26 years to supporting students and shaping enrollment strategies. A proud Carroll alum, graduating in 1998, Dawn spent 22 of those years as the Director of Financial Aid. With a deep passion for student success and a front-row seat to changing trends, Dawn is excited to share insights on how high school student demographics will evolve over the next 5–10 years.

Kenzie Carl is the Talent Acquisition Specialist in the Department of Human Resources at Carroll University. Over the past four years, she has played a key role in developing and supporting recruitment and onboarding processes with Carroll University. Her recent capstone project, Allyship: Skills to Move Toward Advocacy, was rooted in her interest in fostering belonging in higher education spaces. As a fellow proud alumnus of Carroll, graduating in 2021, she is excited to share her expertise and research in recruiting and hiring a diverse workforce.

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Breakout Session 2 

headshot of Mohammed Bey.
Mohammed Bey

Civility and Democracy: Exploring Social Dominance and Resistance

Mohammed I. T. Bey
Vice President for Campus and Community Services, Carroll University


Location: Frontier Hall, Idea Lab
Time: 2:30–3:30 p.m.
Audience: All

Register for Mohammed I. T. Bey's Event

This engaging, interactive activity focuses on the intersection of civility and democracy by educating participants about the policies and social norms—both historical and contemporary—that have shaped social resistance and fostered transformative change in America. Through group-centered discussion, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how social movements challenge dominance while advancing democratic values.


Mohammed I.T. Bey, MS, is the Vice President for Campus and Community Services at Carroll University. Mohammed started his tenure in higher education in 2006 and has experience working in the four-year private/public and two-year technical/community realms. His background in higher education spans from Admissions and Financial Aid, Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, and Human Resources to currently serving as a member of the President’s Cabinet overseeing efforts related to mission, social justice, and equity. Before 2006, Mohammed worked in manufacturing.

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Left to right: Megan Harris, Oskar Callermo

Empowering Carroll University's Global Community: A Path to Internationalization

Megan Harris
Director of Community Culture and Student Experience, Carroll University

Oskar Callermo '20
Assistant Director of International Admission, Carroll University


Location: Doug and Nancy Hastad Hall, Room 145
Time: 2:30–3:30 p.m.
Audience: All

Register for Megan Harris & Oskar Callermo's Event

Join two international education professionals as they explore the current landscape of Carroll University's international community and share insights into the University's ongoing journey toward campus internationalization. This interactive session will highlight key demographics, existing resources, and challenges faced by our international students, faculty and staff. Participants will also engage in a collaborative group discussion to brainstorm actionable ideas for enhancing campus internationalization efforts, fostering a more inclusive and globally connected university environment. Whether you are a faculty member, administrator, or student, your perspective will help shape Carroll University's future as a truly international campus!


Megan Harris has over a decade of experience in international education, within the realms of international enrollment and recruitment, international student and scholar services, and education abroad. Additionally, Megan has worked in the Office of Community Cultures exploring ways to improve the student experience from an equity and inclusion lens. Since joining Carroll in 2015, Megan has had the pleasure of traveling to Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Nepal to meet prospective Pioneers interested in attending Carroll University! Megan's personal travel has also taken her to France, Germany, the UK, and Mexico.

Oskar Callermo has the honor of serving as the Assistant Director of International Admission at Carroll University, bringing a global perspective shaped by travels to 27 countries and a personal journey as a Swedish international student. Since joining Carroll, Oskar has focused on fostering inclusive recruitment strategies and connecting with students worldwide. His efforts have contributed to welcoming record-breaking international classes for two consecutive years, highlighting the continued growth and vibrancy of Carroll's international community. Oskar is a proud Carroll alum who graduated in 2020.

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Left to right: Tessa Timler, Ruth Tuttle

The Interactive Process and Me. What is My Role with Accommodation Implementation?

Tessa Timler
Director of Student Accessibility Services, Carroll University

Ruth Tuttle '22
Assistant Director of Student Accessibility Services, Carroll University


Location: Doug and Nancy Hastad Hall, Room 140
Time: 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Audience: All

Register for Tessa Timler and Ruth Tuttle's Event

The accommodation process goes beyond the walls of Student Accessibility Services. Join us to learn how faculty, staff, and students contribute to appropriate accommodation implementation. We will discuss the importance of proactive conversations between faculty and students, provide insight for creating an open environment to discuss accommodation needs, and highlight how student self-advocacy ties into the process.


Tessa Timler is the Director of Student Accessibility Services at Carroll University and has worked in higher ed and disability services for over thirteen years. She works directly with students on campus who have a variety of disabilities to determine eligibility for reasonable classroom and housing accommodations. Tessa also works with faculty, staff, and other members of the Carroll community to help facilitate accommodations and direct others to important resources.

Ruth Tuttle, who graduated from Carroll University in 2022, is the Assistant Director of Student Accessibility Services at Carroll. She works directly with students on campus who have a variety of disabilities to determine eligibility for reasonable classroom and housing accommodations. Ruth aids in the implementation of accommodations by working with faculty, staff, and other Carroll community members. She also oversees the day-to-day operations of the accessibility office.

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Nadiyah Groves

Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?

Nadiyah Groves
Principal of NG Strategies


Location: Shirley Hilger Hall, Oak Room
Time: 2:30–3:30 p.m.
Audience: All

Register for Nadiyah Groves's Event

In 1968 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. published Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community? Dr. King wrote: "We are now faced with the fact that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now.” With making some connections and taking some lessons from post 2024 general election outcomes, this interactive discussion will provide an opportunity to look at our individual and collective power dynamics while examining our political contradictions and the future of democracy.


Nadiyah Groves is from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She is a proud Milwaukee Public Schools graduate from the Milwaukee Trade and Technical High School and studied User Experience at the Milwaukee School of Engineering. She possesses a strong background, skillset, and passion for political organizing, government affairs and lobbying, campaign strategy, community engagement, and issue-based advocacy through building responsive and inclusive spaces that prioritize and amplify the voices of marginalized communities. She is currently the principal of NG Strategies.

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The Rev. Elias J. Henry

Radical Hospitalities: How to Be People in Places Together

Rev. Elias J. Henry, Chaplain Resident
Carroll University


Location: Doug and Nancy Hastad Hall, Room 160
Time: 2:30–3:30 p.m.
Audience: All

Register for The Rev. Henry's Event

In today's world, how can we cultivate spaces where people feel genuinely welcome and meaningful work can take place? This session will explore the concept of Radical Hospitality through a Queer lens, offering practical strategies for fostering supportive and inviting environments in classrooms and beyond.


The Reverend Elias Henry (he/him) is a chaplain resident in the Carroll University Office of Spiritual Life; he also serves as a ministry resident at West Granville Presbyterian Church in Milwaukee. Eli is passionate about queer and trans liberation, rooting his work in contemplative spirituality and other traditions of the Church. He enjoys cooking, reading, and going on runs with his fiancé Micah. Eli is ordained in the Presbyterian Church (USA), and holds a Master of Divinity and an MA in Christian Education and Formation from Princeton Theological Seminary

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Heather Sanchez

The Coach Approach: Inspire Lasting Connections & Future Thought Leaders

Heather Sanchez
Owner + Licensed Performance Coach, One Wild Life


Location: Main Hall, Room B11
Time: 2:30–3:30 p.m.
Audience: Faculty

Register for Heather Sanchez's Event

Our instinct to resist challenge and assert authority can unintentionally leave others feeling dismissed. Together we will begin to recognize emotional reactions, shift from defensive responses to thoughtful engagement, and master the art of asking meaningful questions to foster connection and understanding. By adopting a coaching mindset, you’ll discover techniques to enhance communication, therefore inspiring authentic relationships and deeper thinking.


 In 2021 after an 11-year journey in a progressive corporate career, I made the bold decision to leave the comfort of stability to embark on the entrepreneurial path. My passion lies in empowering individuals and organizations to unlock their full potential. As a licensed coach, speaker, workshop leader, I specialize in leadership training, business strategy, team development, performance enhancement, and mindset shifts, bringing a dynamic and hands-on approach to fostering growth and success. My husband and I work together as a team, combining our strengths to build a business dedicated to transformation and growth. We live in Milwaukee with our three wonderful children, embracing the joy of family life while pursuing our shared mission of creating meaningful impact.

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Cynthia Clark

Creating a Culture of Civility, Community, and Joy in Healthcare

Dr. Cynthia Clark
Professor Emeritus at Boise State University


Location: Campus Center, Stackner Ballroom
Time: 2:30–3:30 p.m.
Audience: Nursing and Health Sciences

Register for Cynthia Clark's Event

The harmful impact of workplace disrespect and incivility is well documented and if allowed to take root, the consequences can be grim. So, imagine an enjoyable workplace—an environment where you and your colleagues can truly thrive in your career and profession. This engaging and thought-provoking session provides an evidence-based understanding of workplace incivility, its impact on individuals, teams, organizations, and patient care—and emphasizes the need to cultivate and sustain healthy workplaces. Join a renowned nurse researcher, award-winning professor, and accomplished author for a stimulating session to explore a variety of strategies to foster healthy work environments.


Dr. Clark is Founder of Civility Matters, Professor Emeritus at Boise State University, and an award-winning professor, scholar, and author. She serves as a fellow in the American Academy of Nursing, the NLN Academy of Nursing Education, and co-chaired the American Nurses Association Professional Panel on Incivility, Bullying, and Workplace Violence. Dr. Clark is best known for her ground-breaking work on fostering civility and healthy work and learning environments around the globe. She is the recipient of numerous teaching, service, and research awards—and widely acclaimed for her engaging presentations. Her empirical assessments have been translated into 16 world languages and used by scholars in 32 countries on 5 continents. She is a community builder and an unwavering advocate for a kinder, gentler, and more civil world.

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Katherine Kreitzer, LPC

The CBT Lens: Understanding How Our Thoughts Shape Our Interactions

Katherine Kreitzer, LPC
The Center for Anxiety Disorders


Location: Shattuck Music Center, Dorothy Goff Frisch Recital Hall
Time: 2:30–3:30 p.m.
Audience: All

Register for Katherine Kreitzer's Event

This session explores how Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps us understand the connection between our thoughts, emotions, and actions. By examining the patterns that influence our choices, we can gain insight into our decision-making processes and develop strategies for more effective communication and connection with others.


Katie is a licensed professional counselor who provides evidence-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) practices such as Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) to individuals with obsessive compulsive disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. She is trained in Habit Reversal Training for tic disorders and trichotillomania-related disorders, and provides Behavioral Activation for the treatment of major depressive disorder. Katie also has training in the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, focusing on education, accommodation and modifications for those diagnosed along with working with their families. Katie has worked in numerous levels of treatment, including a residential treatment facility, partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs — with all ages diagnosed with anxiety disorders. Along with providing therapy, Katie does presentations and professional development for local school districts on the above mentioned specialties. She graduated with a Master of Arts degree in clinical psychology from Cardinal Stritch University.

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