Higher EDge
Overview
The annual Higher EDge conference takes place every December and is a time where we invite leaders in higher education, philanthropy, business, and other sectors to connect and share insights.
Every year, attendees and speakers from various industries across Texas and the nation come together to have insightful conversations around the most cutting-edge topics in higher education. Higher EDge also includes a recognition of excellence in our state’s higher education institutions, with the annual Star Awards.
We cap off the event with the Commissioner of Higher Education’s The State of Higher Education address. The speech lays the foundation for higher education in Texas for the following year and reflects on the past year’s accomplishments and challenges.
Higher EDge 2024
Higher EDge 2024 embracing the theme of “Today’s Student. Tomorrow’s Texas.” with an array of engaging programming. Designed to empower and inspire, this conference supported those dedicated to helping students flourish across Texas. With thought-provoking panels, a compelling keynote from Stephen Moret, President and CEO of Strada Education Foundation, and transformative breakout sessions, Higher EDge 2024 was a vibrant hub for forward-thinking professionals passionate about student success.
Higher EDge 2023
We went bigger and better this year thanks to our incredible speakers, sponsors, and attendees. We were joined by policymakers and leaders in higher education, business, and philanthropy, and held conversations on the role of AI, cutting-edge research efforts, and more on the dynamic movement shaking up the higher education space in Texas.
In his The State of Higher Education address, Commissioner Keller highlighted the many successes of 2023 and called on everyone to accelerate the pace of change to meet Texas’ needs and ensure the state stays competitive throughout the 21st century.
Leadership Conference 2022
A resounding theme echoed throughout this year’s conference: This is a pivotal moment in higher education, and Texas is leading the way. In his annual The State of Higher Education address, Commissioner Harrison Keller called on leaders across the state in higher education, industry, philanthropy, and government to seize the moment and strengthen higher education for impact at scale.
Leadership Conference 2021
Commissioner Harrison Keller outlined the ways in which Texas is raising the bar for higher education and unveiled an ambitious vision for higher education, including the refresh of the state’s strategic plan, Building a Talent Strong Texas.
Leadership Conference 2020
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s conference was held virtually. Despite the challenges, Commissioner Harrison Keller emphasized higher education as an essential part of the solution for how Texas will overcome and emerge even stronger from the pandemic.
