Featured Speakers

Dr. Tamika Williams


Vice President for Student Formation and Dean of Students, Belmont University

Dr. Tamika Williams has worked in higher education for approximately 17 years. She has worked in residence life and housing, student conduct, CARE/BIT, and the Dean of Students Office. Currently, she serves as the Vice President for Student Formation and Dean of Students at Belmont University, located in Nashville, TN. In this capacity, she is the senior student affairs officer and is responsible for 14 departments that comprise the division.

Dr. Julie Williams


Associate Vice President for Student Affairs, Nashville State

Julie Williams, EdD, has been in higher education for over 30 years where she has served as a faculty member at both 2 and 4 year institutions, a campus director, an academic dean, and is currently the AVP for Students Affairs at Nashville State Community College. Her passion is providing support and resources to students who face many obstacles while trying to obtain an education. 

Claudia Alonzo


Director of Community Care and Standards, Austin Peay State University

Claudia Alonzo serves as the Director for Community Care and Standards at Austin Peay State University, overseeing student conduct, case management, and educational interventions. With a background in public health and higher education, she is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and developmentally focused campus environment. Claudia is currently pursuing her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, with research centered on generative AI and academic integrity policy.

G.L. Black


Vice Provost for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, Vanderbilt University

G.L. Black serves as Vice Provost for Student Affairs and Dean of Students. G.L. provides strategic leadership for the Office of the Dean of Students at Vanderbilt University. He oversees the operations of the Office of Housing and Residential Experience; the Student Care Network, including the Center for Student Wellbeing, the Office of Student Care Coordination, and the University Counseling Center; the Office of Student Accountability, Community Standards, and Academic Integrity; the Project Safe Center for Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response; and the Student Engagement and Leadership offices, including Arts and Campus Events, Greek Life, Student Centers, Student Organizations, Leadership, and Service, and the Student Center for Social Justice and Identity.