Higher EDge 2024: Centering Students and Meeting the New Commissioner

The success of our students is at the core of what we do. That’s why we wanted to make sure student voices were front and center during the programming and discussions for 2024’s Higher EDge conference.

Each year, as Texas’ premier conference for higher education policy and practice, Higher EDge brings together passionate leaders, educators, and innovators to explore key trends and issues across secondary, postsecondary, and workforce preparation pathways. The theme for Higher EDge 2024 was Today’s Student. Tomorrow’s Texas.

The students of today are the nurses, engineers, business owners, educators, and policymakers of tomorrow. They drive the workforce and economy. Hearing from students throughout our programming not only was a great reminder of why we do the work we do, it also provided critical input on how we can better serve them. 

The student panel brought a new perspective to this year’s Higher EDge.

Student panelists weighed in on topics including: 

  • fast-tracking adult learners looking to advance their careers
  • supporting students with experience in the foster care system
  • enhancing student financial wellness
  • creating supportive systems for parenting students

Sessions also included discussions on innovative programs to support student success, such as the Course Sharing from our digital learning team and Texas Direct, helping ensure a more seamless transfer. Participants also discussed holistic student support strategies and non-financial barriers facing students.

We invite you to watch the closing panel of day one, which featured five student panelists. The stories of Elias, Isaiah, Emma, Nicole, and Luke undoubtedly ring familiar to scores of students across our great state. Listening to their experiences enables us to deliver the resources and tools that will best help them achieve their dreams.

In his keynote, Dr. Stephen Moret, president and CEO of Strada Education Foundation, applauded Texas for leading the way in higher education innovation on the national stage, noting that work such as community college finance and My Texas Future will serve as the model for higher education across the country. 

Attendees also had the opportunity to get to know incoming Commissioner Wynn Rosser during a Q&A with Interim Commissioner Sarah Keyton. His words were an inspiring highlight of the event.

Incoming Commissioner of Higher Education Wynn Rosser shared his background and vision in a Q&A session with Interim Commissioner Sarah Keyton.

Higher EDge also included the EDge Expo, which highlighted the great work the THECB is delivering to support students, and an evening reception honoring the institutions that received a Star Award this year.

Be sure to mark your calendars for Higher EDge 2025, which will take place Dec. 8-10, 2025, at the AT&T Hotel and Conference Center to see how Texas and the THECB continue to bring innovative solutions to higher education’s most important stakeholders – its students. We look forward to seeing you then!