Exploring Lives, Experiences and Voices Advancing Transformative Education - E.L.E.V.A.T.E. Summit

Field Work

2026 E.L.E.V.A.T.E. Summit

Theme: Unlocking the Power of Student Experiences

  • Friday, March 20, 2026
  • 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Baker Pattillo Student Center

The E.L.E.V.A.T.E. Summit will highlight the scholarship, pedagogy and personal experiences that shape and elevate students to perform at their best. The summit is designed to create a platform for sharing knowledge, experiences and strategies related to factors impacting college student identity development and experiences and to generate interest in future scholarship. Our goal is to support research and empower individuals and organizations to build more empirically validated inclusive environments that support successful student development.

This event will showcase students’ various experiences through stand-up presentations, panels, art museum, music and dance performances in collaboration with faculty and staff. This is open to all interested parties within and outside the university.

* The online registration deadline is Monday March 16, 2026.

Register for the E.L.E.V.A.T.E. Summit

Call for Submissions

Calling for submission for presentation, panel or art for display for the 2026 E.L.E.V.A.T.E. Summit. This is open to all faculty, staff, students and community members free of charge.

  • Presentation submissions: Submit your 1,000 word abstract for consideration to present at the 2026 E.L.E.V.A.T.E. Summit.
  • Art Museum submissions: Send a photo of your art entry to Danny Anguiano at anguiano1@sfasu.edu.

* The proposal submission deadline is Feb. 20, 2026.

Submit a proposal for the E.L.E.V.A.T.E. Summit

Keynote Speaker

Dr. Kent Willis

Dr. Kent L. Willis
Senior Vice President for Enrollment and Student Engagement

The RAISE Journal

The RAISE Journal aims to reshape the discourse around college student identities, understanding of inclusive and transformative experiences on college student development and the transition beyond college. This peer-reviewed publication serves as a platform for original research, promoting collaboration among SFA researchers, graduate students, administrators and practitioners. It aims to enhance research capacity in higher education and form a network of scholars dedicated to this vital field.