The UAGC Culture of Care fosters a community grounded in trust and belonging. We believe our culture provides opportunity for individuals to thrive academically, professionally, and personally, creating a transformative student experience.
About the Culture of Care Summit
The UAGC Culture of Care Summit educates and inspires participants to take action in their own organizations, teams, and circles by better understanding what a Culture of Care looks like and feels like, and the positive benefits of building this culture. Whether in education, business, or a community not-for-profit, the summit supports national and international constituents in improving customer service, organizational well-being, and lasting positive, impactful conditions for their organizations by creating a culture that does not just say they care but really do care for their employees and customers.
2026 Culture of Care Summit Special Invited Speakers
Dr. Chris Culver
It is a privilege to announce that Dr Chris Culver will be sharing his expertise all 3 days of the 2026 summit. Dr. Christopher Culver is a highly sought-after, dynamic, and engaging thought leader, keynote speaker, and founder of Orange Sparrow, where he helps organizations, leaders, and teams transform through The Science of Kindness. His energetic keynotes and workshops merge vulnerability, neuroscience, leadership, and humanity to create spaces where people feel seen, valued, and inspired to thrive.
A proud product of Oklahoma public education, Dr. Culver’s story began between Tulsa, a 300-acre farm in Wyandotte, and Fayetteville, North Carolina, an upbringing that taught him the power of perspective, empathy, and grit.
For more than a decade, he served educational communities as a classroom teacher, secondary principal, and cabinet-level administrator. Today, he brings that same servant-leader mindset to all corners of the globe, guiding spaces to reimagine success through belonging, compassion, and connection.
Dr. Culver is a member of the Board of Directors for the Virtue Center focused on holistic healing and recovery, former Vice President of Oklahoma Citizens for Education, and the former President of the Oklahoma Association for Bilingual Education. As an adjunct professor, Chris teaches future teachers and leaders how to cultivate trust, autonomy, and purpose through kindness.
He believes that if you cannot find the light, be the light because kindness is not one more thing. It is the thing that changes everything.
Free Resources: www.orangesparrow.org and www.drchrisculver.com
Join Mitchell Levy, 2x TEDx speaker, an international bestselling author of over 60 books, a Certified Stakeholder Centered Coach, and an executive coach at Marshall Goldsmith’s 100 Coaches for a session on how leaders can intentionally shape a culture of care and abundance by translating purpose into action. This session explores the leadership behaviors and clarity required to create alignment, trust, and sustainable impact across teams, organizations, and stakeholders. Mitchell will be previewing content from his upcoming book Executive Abundance!
2026 Culture of Care Summit Keynote Speakers
When service is rooted in care, it moves beyond meeting needs to the uplifting of people and creating conditions for trust, belonging, and growth. True service begins with self-care, because tending to our own well-being allows us to show up with empathy, presence, and purpose rather than burnout. Care at the community level reflects shared responsibility, where service becomes a collective commitment that strengthens trust and ensures people feel respected and included. Within such communities, individuals don’t just receive help—they experience belonging. For students, care is the foundation that shapes engagement, persistence, and confidence in their future. When care is present across self, community, and student interactions, it transforms outcomes in ways strategies alone cannot.
Developing an empathy network allows individuals to better understand themselves by reflecting on how long-term interactions with students shape their perspectives and growth. Because each student brings unique experiences and challenges, faculty and staff can continually learn and evolve through these relationships. Similarly, purposeful reflection on interactions with colleagues helps individuals gain insight from the many exchanges they experience with other faculty and staff over time. Harnessing care in this way extends beyond individuals to the entire university community, reinforcing a shared sense of responsibility and connection. Research highlights how isolation can occur in online academic environments, affecting not only students but also faculty and staff. By intentionally building empathy networks, institutions can reduce this isolation and strengthen connection, belonging, and care in online higher education.
Dr. Beattie will inspire us all to walk away with a forward-looking framework for sustaining a culture of care across programs, departments, and organizations. Building on Summit learning, they will explore strategies for embedding the CARES pillars into long-term structures, policies, leadership practices, and course design. Participants will gain actionable tools for shaping ecosystems that foster belonging, enhance resilience, and support the well-being of students and educators. They will leave empowered with a roadmap for transforming care from a short-term initiative into a durable, mission-aligned institutional force that endures far beyond the Summit.
Pre-recorded Sessions
All times are in Pacific Time Zone
Links to the sessions will be available Day One of the summit.
Day 1 - Wednesday April 1, 2026
9:00 - 9:25 a.m. PT
Join Blake Alan Naughton, Ph.D., Vice Provost for Global Campus Academic Affairs, Caleb Simmons, Ph.D., Executive Director of Online Initiatives, Katie Scheie, Vice Provost, UAGC Student Success, and Tony Farrell, Ph.D., Dean: College of Professional Advancement, UAGC Culture of Care Council Chair for opening remarks for our attendees of the 2026 Culture of Care Summit.
9:30 - 10:30 a.m. PT
Theme: The Power of Authentic Learning and Development
Join a panel of experts from a variety of higher education roles as they share practical strategies to strengthen personal wellness and effectiveness while nurturing a caring campus environment. Learn tools to avoid exhaustion, set boundaries, practice in-the-moment self-care, and build collective resilience—enabling sustainable compassion in daily academic life.
Panelists: Dr. Yolanda Harper, Professor and Applied Behavior Science Program Chair; Dr. Romona (Felicia) Banks, Associate Faculty Division of Health and Behavioral Professions Department of Human Behavior & Performance Professions; Stephani Kilby, Director, Student Success, Office of Student Success; Dr. Jackie Kyger, Professor Department of Elem, Sec, and Higher Education, COPA; Sam Passey, Academic Advisor, Student Services; Dr. Michael A Robinson, Academic Outreach Specialist, Associate Faculty, Student Affairs; and Kimberly Tamares, Access & Wellness Counselor, Student Affairs)
9:45 - 10:15 a.m. PT
Theme: The Power to Shape
Join a seasoned panel of experts as they invite attendees to explore how ethical leadership, purpose-driven decision-making, and essential soft skills like communication and adaptability can transform learning and drive project success. This dynamic session highlights innovative strategies to engage students, support diverse learners, and prepare them for real-world, global workforce challenges—showing how a culture of care and collaboration creates lasting impact beyond the classroom.
Panelists: Bill Davis, Program Chair, University of Arizona Global Campus (UAGC), Fatima- Zahra Zouali, Mohammed I University, Oujda, Morocco, Laurissa Armstead, UAGC Student Success Program Coordinator, Kira Heske, UAGC Associate Director of Learning Support, and Manny Harim, UAGC Admission Specialist.
10:15 - 11:00 a.m. PT
Theme: The Power Beyond
Kiri Storlie, Student Success Program Manager, and Melissa Galaise, Student Success Program Coordinator, will share with attendees about the CHAMPS Peer Mentoring Program at the University of Arizona Global Campus (UAGC) and how it creates a culture of care that directly supports student success, encouragement, and persistence throughout their academic journey, from enrollment to graduation. This session highlights the inspiring journey of Ashley Gesler, a student pursuing a BA in Social and Criminal Justice. From overcoming trauma and navigating career changes to finding success as an active student, mother, and caregiver, Ashley exemplifies dedication and involvement through her commitment to UAGC clubs and communities.
10:30 - 11:15 a.m. PT
Theme: The Power to Shape
Join Dr. Rosser-Majors, Chair of the UAGC Culture of Care Summit, as she explores how respect is understood, expressed, and experienced differently across individuals, cultures, and organizational roles. Participants will engage in guided discussion and reflection to examine how assumptions about respect can vary based on cultural norms, lived experiences, and communication styles. By increasing awareness of these differences, attendees will gain practical insights for fostering respectful interactions, reducing misunderstandings, and strengthening inclusive practices within diverse organizational environments.
11:15 - 11:45 a.m. PT
Theme: The Power Beyond
Feeling safe keeps you alive. Feeling seen lets you thrive. Join Stephanie Powell, speaker, educator, and brain science strategist, as she dives into the neurobiology of care and connection, unpacking how your nervous system drives trust, burnout, and belonging—and how small, science-backed shifts can move you from survival mode to genuine connection.
11:30 - 12:30 p.m. PT
Theme: The Power to Shape
Join Dr. Ochoa, UAGC Associate Faculty, and a team of Culture of Care leaders for a Diamond Session Training that is intended to empower attendees with the confidence and skills to support others who may be experiencing trauma or feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges. Through practical guidance, compassionate communication strategies, and real-world examples, attendees will learn how to recognize signs of distress, respond with care, and connect individuals to appropriate support—without taking on the role of counselor or fixer.
11:30 - 12:00 p.m. PT
Theme: The Power Within
Join Laurel Hodory, Academic Advisor, as she shares how self-care is the foundation of self-awareness, emotional literacy, and the ability to act in alignment with one’s values and purpose. In this live learning session, participants will learn how to establish a sustainable self-care routine and experience a simple five-minute practice designed to strengthen their capacity to embody a Culture of Care—both personally and professionally.
12:00 - 12:35 p.m. PT
Theme: The Power of Authentic Learning and Development
In an increasingly complex organizational environment, communication can be one of the most meaningful ways we demonstrate care for our colleagues and institutional community. This session presented by Rachel Vensand, Communications Specialist, and Jennifer Graves, Communications Manager, explores how strategic communication—grounded in audience insights and supported by modern tools—helps us show respect for others' time, attention, and cognitive load.
12:30 - 1:00 p.m. PT
Theme: The Power Within
Back by popular demand! Get ready to laugh, breathe, and unwind! This lively interactive session blends playful laughter exercises and energizing yogic breathing techniques into a series of self-care moments full of giggles and grins. Join Dr. Yolanda Harper, Professor and Applied Behavior Science Program Chair, for a joyful wellness break that uplifts, refreshes, and reminds us of the power of intentional laughter.
12:30 - 1:00 p.m. PT
Theme: The Power of Authentic Learning and Development
Featuring Dr. Teresa Handy, this session focuses on practical, evidence-informed resources that support student engagement, emotional awareness, and inclusive learning environments. Participants will explore how these tools can be thoughtfully integrated into classroom practice to enhance communication, support well-being, and foster a Culture of Care. Emphasis is placed on real-world application, helping educators translate research and resources into strategies that are both effective and sustainable in diverse learning settings.
1:15 - 2:00 p.m. PT
The Hidden Power of Care
When service is rooted in care, it moves beyond meeting needs to uplifting people and creating conditions for trust, belonging, and growth. True service begins with self-care, because tending to our own well-being allows us to show up with empathy, presence, and purpose rather than burnout. Care at the community level reflects shared responsibility, where service becomes a collective commitment that strengthens trust and ensures people feel respected and included. Within such communities, individuals don’t just receive help—they experience belonging. For students, care is the foundation that shapes engagement, persistence, and confidence in their future. When care is present across self, community, and student interactions, it transforms outcomes in ways strategies alone cannot.
2:15 - 3:00 p.m. PT
Kindness Isn't Cringe
For too long, kindness has been misbranded as soft, optional, or naïve. In reality, kindness is one of the most strategic tools we have. In this session, Dr. Chris Culver reframes kindness through the lens of brain science, systems thinking, and real-world strategies, showing how kindness is not about being “nice,” but about creating environments where people can regulate, connect, and perform at their best. You will leave with a clear understanding of how kindness operates at a neurological level and how intentional, daily acts of kindness can create a ripple effect.
2:00 - 2:30 p.m. PT
Theme: The Power of Authentic Learning and Development
Join this panel of experts as they discuss how UAGC students apply their mentorship inside and outside of classes as they describe their goals, experiences, challenges, and successes. Learn how the program works, and how you can get involved.
Panelists: Paul Greenberg, Ph.D.; Barbara Bluitt, Invited Student Presenter; Bill Davis, Program Chair | Assistant Professor; and Dr. Teresa Leary Handy, Program Chair | Assistant Professor College of Integrative Learning.
Day 2 - Friday April 2, 2026
9:00 - 9:40 a.m. PT
Theme: The Power of Authentic Learning and Development
Join Dr. Debbie Beck for this timely session that looks deeper into the power of empathy. Attendees will discover how evidence-based strategies—early engagement, motivational communication, and authentic instructor presence—foster belonging, trust, and persistence. Join us to explore research-backed practices that create inclusive, psychologically safe online environments where students thrive. Empathy isn’t an add-on—it’s the foundation of authentic learning.
9:00 - 9:40 a.m. PT
Theme: The Power to Shape
Creating a culture of care isn’t a good fluff—it’s a neurobiological imperative. This session led by Stephanie Powell, speaker, educator, and brain science strategist, unpacks how safety and belonging rewire performance, showing leaders how to stop fighting the brain’s wiring and start designing cultures where every brain can thrive.
9:30 - 10:00 a.m. PT
Theme: The Power to Shape
The Culture of Care Community Impact Award honors University of Arizona Global Campus students, alumni, and UAGC employees who exemplify the university’s core value of care by extending it beyond the classroom and into their communities. This award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to service, leadership, and compassion through initiatives that uplift, support, and empower others.
Recipients of this award embody UAGC’s Culture of Care by fostering connection, promoting equity, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of those around them. Whether through volunteerism, advocacy, mentorship, or community-based projects, these individuals carry forward the spirit of UAGC to create lasting positive change.
Winners were nominated prior to the summit. Join us to congratulate these individuals.
10:00 - 10:30 a.m. PT
Theme: The Power Within
Join UAGC doctoral student, Troy Ellis, Environmental Health & Safety Professional at Devon Energy, as he uncovers functional, evidence-backed mindfulness tools for crushing workplace stress while boosting focus and lifting well-being. This interactive session reveals breathing drills, guided journaling, and digital strategies to help you protect yourself against the corporate rush and excel in high-pressure roles.
10:45 - 11:15 a.m. PT
Theme: The Power Within
Join Laurel Hodory, Academic Advisor, for this 30-minute online session offers gentle yoga and simple vagus nerve practices designed to support nervous system regulation and stress relief. Participants will be guided through accessible movement, breathwork, and brief moments of rest to promote calm, focus, and body awareness. No prior yoga experience is required, and all practices can be adapted to individual comfort and ability.
10:45 - 11:20 a.m. PT
Theme: The Power to Shape
Join Julie Nee, VP of Training, The Jon Gordon Companies and brings over 25 years of business experience in Sales, Sales Leadership and Marketing, including 19 years at The Hershey Company, where attendees will discover how leaders can build a true Culture of Care through the 4C’s: Communication, Connection, Commitment, and Care. This session equips leaders with practical strategies and research-backed tools to elevate trust, wellbeing, and team performance, creating workplaces where people feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow.
11:00 - 11:30 a.m. PT
Theme: The Power to Authentic Learning and Development
Join Lesley Lynch, UAGC Enrollment Services Manager, Adela Towle, UAGC Financial Services Manager, and Manny Harim, UAGC Enrollment Specialist as they explore how meaningful collaboration between advising and finance transforms care from an intention into an everyday student experience. By examining how these departments intersect, participants will see how communication, shared responsibility, and aligned practices can reduce barriers, increase trust, and support student success. The session highlights how care is most powerful when it is coordinated—showing that when departments work together, students feel seen, supported, and empowered.
11:30 - 12:15 p.m. PT
Theme: The Power Within
Join Dr. April Larsen as she invites participants to slow down and engage in simple, evidence-informed wellness journaling practices that support reflection, emotional regulation, and clarity. Attendees will be led through brief prompts designed to foster self-awareness, gratitude, and intention-setting, with time to reflect quietly and privately. No prior journaling experience is needed, just a willingness to pause and reconnect.
11:30 - 12:15 p.m. PT
Theme: The Power to Shape
Join Harla Frank and Dr. Kimberly Luke, UAGC Assistant Professors, for an engaging conversation on how periods of transition and change can challenge the values at the heart of an organization—while also creating opportunities for growth and renewal. This session explores practical, leader-focused strategies for safeguarding a positive organizational culture and intentionally strengthening it during times of uncertainty. Participants will gain insight into why maintaining a meaningful, values-driven culture matters and how thoughtful leadership can ensure care, connection, and purpose remain central through change.
12:00 - 12:30 p.m. PT
Theme: The Power Authentic Learning and Development
Join UAGC Resolution Specialist Elysa Gonzalez and Professor Jackie Kyger to discover how to resolve student issues before they escalate. Learn proactive strategies rooted in a Culture of Care, empowering faculty to foster open communication and build trust, ultimately enhancing student success and the educational experience!
12:30 - 1:15 p.m. PT
Developing an empathy network allows individuals to better understand themselves by reflecting on how long-term interactions with students shape their perspectives and growth. Because each student brings unique experiences and challenges, faculty and staff can continually learn and evolve through these relationships. Similarly, purposeful reflection on interactions with colleagues helps individuals gain insight from the many exchanges they experience with other faculty and staff over time. Harnessing care in this way extends beyond individuals to the entire university community, reinforcing a shared sense of responsibility and connection. Research highlights how isolation can occur in online academic environments, affecting not only students but also faculty and staff. By intentionally building empathy networks, institutions can reduce this isolation and strengthen connection, belonging, and care in online higher education.
1:30 - 2:30 p.m. PT
Culture Isn't Vibes, It's Design
Culture doesn’t happen by accident; it happens by design or default. After years of leading schools and systems, and grounded in his doctoral research, Dr. Chris Culver developed the 5+1 Framework to explain what sustains healthy, high-performing organizations. This session introduces a clear, research-based model for building culture through six essential elements: Relationships, Trust, Empowerment, Autonomy, Recognition, and Communication (+1). Rather than focusing on surface-level morale boosters, this framework helps organizations understand how daily decisions, language, and structures either strengthen or silently erode culture. You will leave with a shared language, diagnostic lens, and actionable strategies to intentionally design culture, especially in times of change, stress, or burnout.
1:30 - 2:00 p.m. PT
Theme: The Power of Authentic Learning and Development
Join Diane Boggan, a Coaching & Development Specialist within Faculty Affairs at UAGC, to explore how AI can support faculty and staff through neuroinclusive, care-centered systems that reduce cognitive overload and clarify impact. This session introduces a practical AI workflow that helps employees see how their daily work contributes to students - strengthening well-being, purpose, and connection within a culture of care.
1:45 - 2:15 p.m. PT
Theme: The Power Beyond
Join Dr. Charles Holmes, UAGC Professor, Chair of the MPH Program, and Chair of the Institutional Review Board, for an insightful session exploring today’s most pressing national health trends—and what they mean for individuals and communities. Dr. Holmes will highlight how these challenges can be addressed through collective action, advocacy, and informed decision-making. Participants will also learn practical ways to become effective health advocates for themselves, their families, and their communities, leaving with tools and a clear framework to begin developing a meaningful plan of action.
2:10 - 2:30 p.m. PT
Theme: Power to Shape
Join Fatima-Zahra Zouali, Mohammed I University, Bill Davis, Program Chair, and Meriem Zouali, Method Engineer to learn how leaders can build a culture of care in the workplace through soft skills such as empathy, emotional intelligence, and inclusive communication. Participants will learn practical strategies to prevent burnout, strengthen team well-being, and apply care-driven leadership competencies that support healthier, more resilient, and high-performing global teams.
2:30 - 3:15 p.m. PT
Theme: The Power Within
Learning that truly sticks starts in the brain—not the binder. Join Stephanie Powell, speaker, educator, and brain science strategist, for an engaging session that explores how psychological safety and emotion shape attention, memory, and learning. Participants will discover science-backed strategies for designing training experiences that move beyond information delivery to foster care, connection, and curiosity—creating learning that resonates and lasts.
2:30 - 3:00 p.m. PT
Theme: The Power of Authentic Learning and Development
Join the UAGC Collective Network Team (Jenna Clute, Academic Advisor, Ryan Hutchins, Academic Advisor, and Michael Castle, Financial Aid Processing Analyst - UAGC) who will share their CARE-based supporting mission, goals, and initiatives for 2026. This team’s focus is on storytelling, connection, professional development, and community-building of all UAGC team members and faculty.
2:30 - 3:00 p.m. PT
Theme: The Power Beyond
Join UAGC doctoral student Hoss Tabrizi for an inspiring session focused on personal growth, self-leadership, and purposeful change. Hoss shares his passion for helping individuals recognize their own agency and take meaningful steps toward a more fulfilling life. Drawing from a holistic framework that honors physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being, this session highlights how intentional mindset and action can support lasting, positive transformation.
Day 3 - Friday April 3, 2026
9:00- 9:20 p.m. PT
Theme: The Power Within
Join Stephanie Cook, UAGC Senior Associate Faculty, for this yoga-based movement session where she will also discuss the benefits of movement during class and study periods to better improve cognition and help reduce stress and tension. During a 10-minute desk yoga session, attendees will explore movements for the spine, hips, neck, and shoulders that can lead to better learning outcomes.
9:00- 9:30 p.m. PT
Theme: The Power Beyond
Join Dr. Twylla Hester, CEO of House of Healing, and Glenda Bitner, Equine Specialist and Certified Instructor, for a powerful and personal conversation about the transformative role of volunteering. Through her own journey, Twylla explores how service not only strengthens communities but also brings meaning, connection, and healing into our everyday lives. This session invites participants to rethink what it means to give back—and to discover how even small acts of service can create lasting impact for ourselves and others.
9:15- 10:00 p.m. PT
Theme: The Power of Authentic Learning and Development
Join Ashley Stout, UAGC eLearning & Instructional Design Specialist, and Lyle Thomas, UAGC Learning & Development Coordinator, as they share how to create intentional virtual chat communities using the Community of Inquiry framework to reinforce a Culture of Care. Staff & faculty leaders will come away from the session with a framework for how to strengthen community through leveraging chat platforms and discussion boards within their teams and classes.
9:30 - 10:00 p.m. PT
We are proud to announce the winners of the UAGC Culture of Care Award for Organizational Impact. This award recognizes organizations that truly live a Culture of Care through meaningful action and measurable impact. The winning organizations exemplify CARE in Action by embedding compassion, accountability, respect, and empathy into everyday practices and decision-making. Through innovative approaches, these organizations have created supportive and inclusive environments that prioritize employee well-being, strengthen community partnerships, and inspire service beyond the workplace. Their leadership demonstrates a deep commitment to fostering connection, belonging, and positive cultural change—ensuring that both people and communities are empowered to thrive. These winners set a powerful example of what it means to lead with heart, purpose, and impact.
9:30- 10:00 p.m. PT
Theme: The Power to Shape
Ready to elevate your care framework and lead a paradigm shift based on wellness-centered approaches that promote sustainable well-being and resilience? Join Dr. Yolanda Harper, Professor and Applied Behavior Science Program Chair, as she challenges legacy “trauma-informed” models while offering practical strategies to promote whole-person well-being—empowering individuals and organizations to move from coping to thriving in their professional communities.
10:00 - 10:30 p.m. PT
Theme: The Power of Authentic Learning and Development
Improve team efficiency and strengthen student support through intentional, standardized documentation. Join Jeremiah Atoki, UAGC Admissions Specialist, for a practical session on using the EDAC/C2D note format to create clarity, continuity, and care across teams. Attendees will explore how structured notes help teams quickly understand context, reduce duplication, anticipate student needs, and make informed decisions without relying on fragmented or informal records.
10:30 - 11:00 p.m. PT
Theme: The Power of Authentic Learning and Development
Mitchell is a 2x TEDx speaker, an international bestselling author of over 60 books, a Certified Stakeholder Centered Coach, and an executive coach at Marshall Goldsmith’s 100 Coaches.
Join Global Credibility Expert & Executive Coach Mitchell Levy, for a session on how leaders can intentionally shape a culture of care and abundance by translating purpose into action. This session explores the leadership behaviors and clarity required to create alignment, trust, and sustainable impact across teams, organizations, and stakeholders. https://mitchelllevy.com/
11:00 - 11:30 p.m. PT
Theme: The Power of Authentic Learning and Development
Join Drs. Heather Pederson and Ellen Beattie as they offer compassionate, research-informed strategies for supporting student learning when AI use is suspected but unprovable. Participants will explore trust-building communication, ethical guidance, and assignment design tools that promote transparency and uphold academic integrity while sustaining a strong culture of care.
11:00 - 11:30 p.m. PT
Theme: The Power to Shape
Join UAGC student Jeanene “Zag” Zagajeski as she explores how psychological safety lays the foundation for a true Culture of Care. This session focuses on how empathy, reliability, and competency begin with safe connections between students, employees, and colleagues. Learn simple, research-based ways to build trust, encourage openness, and create spaces where everyone feels valued and supported. Zag currently serves as Vice President of the UAGC Student Government Association and as an officer role in the Early Childhood Education Club.
11:30 - 12:00 p.m. PT
The Power of Being Seen: Care and Connection in My UAGC Doctoral Experience
Join us for a powerful and deeply personal session with Dr. Dee LeSieur, UAGC alumna, as she shares her extraordinary journey of resilience, faith, and finding her voice. Born in Iran, Dr. LeSieur will reflect on how her belief in a Divine Creator sustained her through challenge and change, guided her into her UAGC doctoral journey, and shaped her understanding of education as a form of justice. She will also speak to the profound impact of mentorship, belonging, and advocacy within the UAGC community, and how these experiences empowered her to lead with purpose and conviction. This is more than a story of academic success, it’s a testament to courage, identity, and the transformative power of education. Don’t miss this compelling and inspiring conversation.
11:30 - 12:00 p.m. PT
The Power Within
Join Phelicia Price, UAGC Associate Faculty member in the Department of Financial Operations Professions, as she explores self-awareness, resilience, and personal well-being as foundational elements of a Culture of Care. Through the integration of yoga, mindfulness, and guided reflection, participants will engage with The Power of Mindfulness and Energy Management, gaining practical tools to reduce burnout, restore balance, and support a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle.
12:00 - 12:30 p.m. PT
The Power to Shape
Join Jackie Bullis, UAGC Lead Faculty Support and Classroom Consultant, Dr. Robin Dhakal, Faculty, Manal Harim, Admission Specialist II, and Dr. Jessi Upshaw, Program Chair as they share how recognition strengthens our institution’s culture of care. Building on last year’s Tiger Team insights, we’ll share research, institutional data, and committee initiatives, including enhanced programs and team-focused recognition, to show how consistent, meaningful recognition fosters engagement, morale, retention, and a visible, supportive community.
12:00 - 12:45 p.m. PT
The Power of Authentic Learning and Development
Join Holly Schor, CNE, and Chief Mission Officer, as she shares how Goodwill Southeast Georgia’s Associate Success Program and Dream Manager philosophy transform jobs into careers and second chances. Learn actionable strategies for building a culture of care, empowering associates, and driving engagement, retention, and self-sufficiency—tools you can adapt to create lasting impact in your own organization.
12:15 - 1:00 p.m. PT
The Power Within
Join Emily Frydrych, M.A., and explore how Internal Family Systems (IFS) principles—multiplicity of mind, Self-leadership, and parts-integration—can be applied and embodied through weightlifting. This session illustrates how the 8 Cs of Self and the dynamics of Exiles and Protectors reveal pathways toward healing, resilience, and embodied Self-connection.
1:00 - 1:30 p.m. PT
The Power of Shape
Same company, different reality? Join Joyce *Arly* Anderson, UAGC- Doctor of Psychology candidate and delve into how to measure and diagnose leader–employee perception gaps to unlock engagement. Leave with a practical rubric and a decision canvas you can use immediately to turn care into measurable outcomes.
1:30 - 2:30 p.m. PT
College of Professional Advancement, University of Arizona Global Campus
Dr. Beattie will inspire us all to walk away with a forward-looking framework for sustaining a culture of care across programs, departments, and organizations. Building on Summit learning, they will explore strategies for embedding the CARES pillars into long-term structures, policies, leadership practices, and course design. Participants will gain actionable tools for shaping ecosystems that foster belonging, enhance resilience, and support the well-being of students and educators. They will leave empowered with a roadmap for transforming care from a short-term initiative into a durable, mission-aligned institutional force that endures far beyond the Summit.
2:30 - 3:00 p.m. PT
As we conclude the UAGC Culture of Care Summit, join us for a meaningful closing session that reflects on the connections, insights, and shared commitment that have shaped our time together. This session will highlight key moments and takeaways from the summit, celebrate our Summit Award winners who exemplify a true Culture of Care, and offer special appreciations to those whose leadership, service, and dedication made this experience possible. Together, we’ll pause to honor the collective impact of our community, express gratitude, and leave inspired to carry the spirit of care forward into our work and lives.
The Clifford Blizzard Award for Passionate CARE and Creative Excellence
We invite all attendees and participants to vote for our annual Clifford Blizzard Award for Passionate CARE and Creative Excellence in honor of our colleague, Dr. Clifford Blizzard. Clifford supported the foundational planning for our first summit and was a shining light in our institution as he lived and modeled a Culture of Care to our students and his colleagues. During each live session (April 1-3) a link will be provided to vote for that session if you believe the session promotes the following CARE strategies. Attendees are welcome to vote for as many sessions they feel encompasses the CARE foundations.
- Fosters a caring, supportive, and creative work environment with a Focus on CARE.
- Displays a passion for implementing human heartedness in an organization.
- Implements creative solutions that address workplace challenges, especially those related to employee well-being, collaboration, and/or sustainability.
- Introduces innovative approaches to problem-solving that balance both environmental and human factors.
- Promotes strategies that can develop creativity and critical thinking in the workplace.
- Advocates for empathy, and mutual support among colleagues, students, and/or clients.
- Improves workplace wellness through applications to a healthy balance between work, school, and personal life.
The 2026 UAGC Culture of Care Summit
The 2026 UAGC Culture of Care Summit will educate and inspire attendees including, but not limited to those in educational institutions, corporations, military, and not-for-profit agencies. This call to action will increase their understanding of the value of a culture empowered by care that is focused on proactively contributing to a positive work culture and a meaningful experience by those whom they serve. The 2026 summit will support national and international attendees in improving support services, organizational well-being, and lasting positive impact for their communities by providing innovative and cutting-edge research and strategies to help them create a culture that demonstrates care for all stakeholders. Through the presentation of innovative and “cutting edge” research, the 2026 Culture of Care Summit will enlighten attendees regarding the value of creating a “Culture of Care” in their own organizations and communities. Strategies will be presented that our attendees can employ to build a climate of support, acceptance, and well-being within their own organizations and institutions of learning.
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SO1. Explain the benefits of the power of implementing a Culture of Care.
SO2. Explore the potential benefits of a Culture of Care.
SO3. Analyze the research landscape focused on dynamic cultures centered on care.
SO4. Investigate strategies to apply cultures of care practices aligned to unique goals, purposes, missions, or visions.
SO5. Advocate for specific care-related needs of diverse groups.
SO6. Empower others to establish and apply cultures of care.
SO7. Collaborate to support all students’ success.
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The University of Arizona Global Campus is committed to providing an equal opportunity to access a full educational experience within the programs and services provided.
Those who would like to request accommodations such as captioned videos, transcripts, or live remote captioning to ensure access should contact the Office of Student Access and Wellness at access@uagc.edu to submit a request for services. If you have any accessibility-related questions, please e-mail access@uagc.edu as soon as possible and by March 15th. Access and Wellness will work to support any requests made after this date. However, requests after this date cannot be guaranteed.
2026 Culture of Care Summit Chair
Michelle Rosser-Majors, PhD
My favorite part of teaching at the University of Arizona Global Campus is participating in a profession that supports and inspires individuals to be all they can be.
2026 Culture of Care Summit Co-Chair
Bill Davis, MA, CM, C.Mgr, CDM, CCTS
Always lead by example and with care, empathy, and compassion. As leaders and educators, it’s important to remember that it’s not just about what we do, but what we encourage and inspire others to do. Always put students first and work to create the best learning environment possible. Lead with purpose, a positive attitude, and a commitment to lifting and transforming those we serve so they can become their best selves.
Register for The 2026 UAGC Culture of Care Summit
You must register for this summit.
A website address will be sent prior to the live summit to give you access to all sessions.
"Fostering a Culture of Care isn’t just what we do, it’s who we are: faculty and staff at the University of Arizona Global Campus are truly invested in our students."
Dr. Stephanie Stubbs, Associate Director, Graduate Studies and Professional Accreditation
The opinions, findings, or perspectives shared during the Culture of Care Summit are solely those of the presenters and panelists and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of the University of Arizona or the University of Arizona Global Campus.