Conference
Agenda & Details
Monday, June 22
11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Conference Check-In
Location: Rowling Hall Lobby
Pick up your conference materials, connect with colleagues and get settled before SECCA 2026 officially begins. See Conference Details below for map.
11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
VP Session: Registration & Check-in
Location: Rowling Hall Lobby
12:00 p.m.
VP Lunch
Location: Rowling Hall – Nixon Boardroom (1st Floor)
12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
VP Meeting
Location: Rowling Hall – Nixon Boardroom (1st Floor)
1:15 p.m., 2:15 p.m. & 3:15 p.m.
Campus Golf Cart Tours
Location: AT&T Hotel Valet Station
Experience the Forty Acres through a guided campus tour highlighting some of UT Austin’s most iconic landmarks, academic spaces and traditions.
4:45 p.m.
Transportation to Evening Events
Location: Depart from AT&T Hotel
Shuttle transportation will begin departing promptly at 4:45 p.m. for Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium.
5 – 6 p.m.
Welcome Reception
Location: Texas Hall of Fame, Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium
Reconnect with colleagues and kick off SECCA 2026 with happy hour beverage and appetizers, networking and Longhorn hospitality.
6 – 8 p.m.
Welcome Dinner, Group Photo & Gift Exchange
Location: Texas Hall of Fame, Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium
Join fellow attendees for an evening of networking, conversation and SEC camaraderie. The evening will include welcome remarks, an SEC Academic Update, a group photo and the annual SECCA gift exchange tradition.
Tuesday, June 23
7:30 – 8:30 a.m.
Breakfast
Location: Rowling Hall Lobby
8:45 – 9:15 a.m.
Tech, Growth and the Forty Acres
Location: Crum Auditorium (1st Floor)
Session Details
Mark Arnold, Associate Vice President, UT Austin
Universities are at the epicenter of the innovation ecosystem. Discover how UT Austin is accelerating research commercialization, cultivating entrepreneurship, and building industry partnerships — and why adopting a holistic view of university innovation can help drive stories that resonate with the audiences that matter most.
9:15 – 10:15 a.m.
Turning Enterprise Channels into a Unified Storytelling Engine
Location: Crum Auditorium (1st Floor)
Session Details
Chelsey Cooke, Assistant Director, Enterprise Channels, Texas A&M University
Elizabeth Eckelberg, Enterprise Communications Coordinator, Texas A&M University
Learn how Texas A&M transformed enterprise platforms such as digital signage, event calendars, Google Business Profiles and a mobile app into a connected storytelling ecosystem. This session will explore strategies for creating more intentional content, stronger brand alignment and a more cohesive audience experience across channels.
10:15 – 10:30 a.m.
Break
Location: Rowling Lobby
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Crisis Communications: Weathering the Storm
Location: Room 3.402
Session Details
Kathy Pharr, Chief of Staff and Vice President for Marketing & Communications, University of Georgia
Lisa Stone, Vice Chancellor for Marketing & Communications, Ole Miss
Webb Lewis, Assistant Director Marketing and Brand Strategy, Ole Miss
Emma Dickerson, Marketing Specialist II, Ole Miss
Erin Garrett, Strategic Communications Director, Ole Miss
Jacob Batte, News/Media Relations Director, Ole Miss
How do communications teams prepare for the unexpected? Through case studies from Georgia and Ole Miss, this session will explore lessons learned from navigating major weather events, the importance of planning ahead and how teams adapt when even the best-laid plans are tested.
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
High-Visibility Integrated Campaign Strategy & Execution
Location: Room 3.406
Session Details
Jacob Rudolph, Associate Vice Chancellor, University of Tennessee
Joey Williams, Director of Marketing, UT Austin
What does it take to build a campaign that captures attention and delivers results? This session will explore the strategy, planning and execution behind high-profile marketing initiatives, including lessons learned and insights that can be applied across institutions.
11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Lunch
Location: Rowling Special Events Room (5th Floor)
1 – 2 p.m.
Lightning Rounds: Big Ideas from Across the SEC
Location: Crum Auditorium (1st Floor)
Participating Institutions:
Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, LSU, Mississippi State, Missouri, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, UT Austin, Texas A&M and Vanderbilt
One of SECCA’s most popular traditions, Lightning Rounds feature fast-paced, five-minute presentations showcasing innovative ideas, successful campaigns and practical lessons from across the SEC.
2 – 2:15 p.m.
Break
Location: Rowling Lobby
2:15 – 3:15 p.m.
From Students to Storytellers: Building Brand Ambassadors That Work
Location: Room 3.406
Session Details
Webb Lewis, Assistant Director, Marketing and Brand Strategy, Ole Miss
Chloe Calvert, Senior Social Media Content Strategist, University of Georgia
Moderator
Bailey Evertson, Social Media Content Creator, UT Austin
Student voices are often among an institution’s most authentic and influential storytellers. Learn how universities are building ambassador programs that create engaging content, strengthen brand affinity and extend the reach of institutional messaging.
2:15 – 3:15 p.m.
If We Don’t, They Won’t: Telling Our Story in Today’s Media Landscape
Location: Room 3.402
Session Details
David Garraway, Director, University Television Center / Associate Director, Office of Public Affairs, Mississippi State University
Jacob Batte, News and Media Relations Director, Ole Miss
Moderator
James Hataway, Senior Director for Integrated Media Communications, University of Georgia
Media relations continues to evolve as audiences, platforms and expectations change. This session will explore strategies for building relationships, identifying compelling stories and helping institutional messages break through in a crowded media environment.
3:15 – 4:15 p.m.
Building an Academic Medical Enterprise at UT Austin
Location: Crum Auditorium (1st Floor)
Session Details
Mary Kincy Cope, Deputy Chief Marketing & Communications Officer, Dell Medical School / UT Austin Health
April Anderson, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer, Dell Medical School / UT Austin Health
Moderator
Lara Zuehlke, Director of Internal Communications, UT Austin
Fueled by a historic $1 billion investment from Michael and Susan Dell, UT Austin is building an integrated academic medical enterprise that brings together research, advanced computing, clinical care and innovation. Communications leaders will share insights into the strategy, storytelling and stakeholder engagement required to support a transformational institutional vision.
3:15 – 4:15 p.m.
Emerging Leaders – By Invitation
Same Team, New Seat: Navigating the Shift into Team Leadership
Location: Room 3.406
Session Details
Lisa Stone, Vice Chancellor for Marketing & Communications, Ole Miss
Pat Wiseman, Vice President of Communications and Brand Strategy, UT Austin
Moderator
Kathy Pharr, Chief of Staff to the President and Vice President for Marketing & Communications, University of Georgia
Making the move from peer to leader can be one of the most challenging transitions in a communications career. This discussion will explore how emerging leaders can build credibility, navigate changing relationships and grow successfully while leading former peers.
5:30 p.m.
Transportation to Dinner
Location: Depart from AT&T Hotel
Shuttle transportation will depart at 5:30 p.m. for Franklin’s Backyard.
6 – 8 p.m.
Franklin’s Backyard
Join us for great food, cold drinks, live music and a relaxed evening together, Austin-style.
Wednesday, June 24
8 – 8:45 a.m.
Breakfast
Location: Rowling Hall Lobby
9 – 9:45 a.m.
The Value of Higher Education: Trust, Impact and the Road Ahead
Location: Crum Auditorium (1st Floor)
Session Details
William Inboden, Executive Vice President and Provost, The University of Texas at Austin
Marc Rylander, Chief Communications Officer, GRPR Public Affairs
This fireside chat explores the evolving role of higher education in society and the opportunities and challenges facing universities today. From public trust and student success to research, innovation and institutional impact, the conversation will examine what it means for communicators and marketers responsible for articulating higher education’s value.
9:45 – 10:30 a.m.
One Brand, Two Worlds: Partnering with Athletics for Impact
Location: Crum Auditorium (1st Floor)
Session Details
Jennifer Rodrigues, Executive Director of Brand Strategy, The University of Alabama
Caten Hyde, Senior Associate Athletics Director, Creative Development and Video Production, UT Austin
Moderator
Jennifer Singer, Director of Creative Operations, UT Austin
Athletics often serves as one of the most visible expressions of a university’s brand, creating unique opportunities — and challenges — for communications teams. This conversation will explore how central communications and athletics professionals work together to align messaging, strengthen institutional reputation and tell a more cohesive story about their university.
10:30 – 10:45 a.m.
Break
Location: Rowling Lobby
10:45 – 11:30 a.m.
From Vision to Reality: Activating OU’s Strategic Plan
Location: Crum Auditorium (1st Floor)
Session Details
Amber Theinert, Assistant Vice President of Marketing, University of Oklahoma
Stacey Reynolds, Assistant Vice President of University Experiences, University of Oklahoma
Melissa Caperton, Executive Director of Internal Communications, University of Oklahoma
Strategic plans often serve as a university’s North Star but communicating them in ways that inspire action is no small task. Learn how the University of Oklahoma is using communications and marketing strategies to build awareness, demonstrate progress and bring its strategic plan to life.
11:30 a.m. – Noon
Big Ideas, Real Takeaways
Location: Crum Auditorium (1st Floor)
Session Details
Lara Zuehlke, Director of Internal Communications, UT Austin
Before heading home, join us for a closing conversation reflecting on the ideas, insights and discussions that resonated most throughout the conference. Together, we’ll explore what we’re taking back to our campuses — and where the conversation goes next.
12 p.m.
Boxed Lunch / Departure
Conference Details
Registration & Check-In
Conference check-in and badge pickup will be in the Rowling Hall lobby on:
- Monday, June 22: 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, June 23: 7 a.m. – Noon
Where You’ll Be
Conference sessions will take place at Robert B. Rowling Hall, located just a short walk from the AT&T Hotel and Conference Center.
AT&T Hotel & Conference Center
1900 University Ave.
300 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Darrel K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium | Monday evening
2139 San Jacinto Blvd.
Franklin’s Backyard | Tuesday evening
2027 Anchor Lane.
Transportation
Conference
Shuttle transportation will be provided for all conference evening events.
Pick-up and dropoff will be at the AT&T Hotel valet stand.
- Monday Departure: 4:45 p.m.
- Tuesday Departure: 5:30 p.m.
- Return shuttles begin both evenings at approximately 8 p.m.
On Your Own
For personal transportation, Austin offers multiple transportation options including:
- Lyft
- Uber
- CapMetro Bus and Light Rail
- Self-driving Waymo (available through Uber)
Helpful Information
Campus Tours
Participants who registered for a campus tour should meet at the AT&T Hotel valet area at their scheduled time.
Tours are approximately 45 minutes and conducted via golf cart. Be sure to bring a water bottle, hat and sunscreen.
Attire
Summer business casual. Comfortable shoes are recommended.
Weather
June temperatures in Austin typically range from the low 70s to upper 90s.
Meeting rooms may be cool, so consider bringing a light layer.
Questions?
Emergency Contact Information
Emergency: 911
UT Police (Non-Emergency): 512-471-4441
Getting Around Campus
Conference events will take place across several UT Austin locations. A campus map highlighting primary venues, accessible routes and key amenities will be available soon.
In the meantime, attendees may explore campus using the interactive campus map.
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
Happy Hour Sponsor:
GRPR
Swag Bag Sponsors:
Branded Bills
Bulleit Bourbon
Humann
Siete Foods
Tito’s Handmade Vodka