Program & Agenda

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Matthew Sowcik
Leadership Educator, Consultant, and Author

The CFGS 2026 keynote speaker is Dr. Matthew Sowcik — internationally recognized educator, consultant, and author with over two decades of experience developing leaders. Author of the bestseller The H-Factor: The Intersection Between Humility and Great Leadership, he is an Associate Professor of Leadership Development in the University of Florida’s Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, where he teaches undergraduates and graduates interpersonal leadership, organizational leadership, and advanced leadership theory. Learn more...

Conference Agenda

• April 22, 2025 · Welcome reception and networking social
• April 23, 2025 · Keynote speaker, sessions, poster presentation, networking, and dinner
• April 24, 2025 · 3MT (Three Minute Thesis) session, and closing

More to come! Check back for PDF copy of a detailed conference agenda, coming soon!

Target Outcomes

By taking part in this conference, you’ll be able to...

• Identify strategies to enhance student success and engagement within academic and co-curricular settings. 

• Explore innovative practices in research, teaching, and service that promote excellence. 

• Strengthen professional networks across Florida institutions and roles to foster collaboration and shared learning. 

• Reflect on personal and institutional goals to align with broader trends in higher education. 

• Apply new tools and frameworks to support staff development, student empowerment, and scholarly innovation.

Best of Florida Lightning Talks

Showcase a game-changing academic initiative, student engagement success, or graduate education best practice at your institution with a 10-minute Best of Florida Lightning Talk at CFGS 2026! Your talk can include an overview (why, how, budgeting, partnerships, evaluation data, and so on) plus time for questions and answers.

The CFGS 2026 Best of Florida Lightning Talks are slated for 3:15 to 4 p.m. on Thursday, April 23, 2026.

The deadline to submit a pitch for your talk is Thursday, March 26, 2026.

Click here to make your submission!

Questions? Please email us at gradschool@aa.ufl.edu.