2026 Keynote Speaker: Dr. Amelia Parnell
Assessment That Moves Beyond Reporting—and Into Action
What if assessment was not just about reporting outcomes—but about creating real momentum for student success?
At the 2026 Assessment in Higher Education Conference, we are centering conversations on how assessment can move beyond compliance to become a powerful driver of learning, decision-making, and institutional impact. This year’s keynote will challenge attendees to rethink how data, assessment, and evidence can be used across roles and units to support students more intentionally and effectively—translating insight into action.
More about our Keynote Speaker
We are proud to welcome Dr. Amelia Parnell, President of NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, as the 2026 keynote speaker.
Dr. Parnell is widely respected for her ability to make evidence-use feel approachable and relevant—especially for professionals who may not see themselves as “data people.” As the author of You Are a Data Person, she challenges a common misconception in higher education: that assessment belongs to a single office or requires specialized expertise to matter.
Instead, her work emphasizes that assessment is strongest when it becomes a shared language across campus—informing everyday decisions made by faculty, staff, and administrators alike.
What You Can Expect from the Keynote
Dr. Parnell’s keynote aligns directly with this year’s theme, Translating Assessment to Success, by helping attendees:
- See how assessment can inform meaningful decisions—not just fulfill requirements
- Understand their role in building a culture of evidence, regardless of job title
- Move from collecting data to using insight to support student learning and success
- Engage in assessment as a collaborative, cross-functional effort
Whether you work directly with data or not, this keynote reinforces a core truth: assessment is not owned by one office. It is strengthened when everyone is engaged in the work of student success.
Plan Your Visit
Do not wait any longer - use the links below to register for the conference and secure your hotel room at our special rate!