2024 CTE Conference Program

2025 Career and Technical Education and Workforce Conference

“ALL SHOOK UP: NAVIGATING TRENDS IN CTE AND WORKFORCE”

Cadence Arena and Convention Center Tupelo, MS August 4-6, 2025

Meet Our Team Mississippi Community College Board

Dr. LaToya R. Sterling Assistant Director for CTE Training and Professional Development

Dr. Valeria Williams Director of Career and Technical Education

Dr. Scott Kolle Director Of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment

Dr. Rachel D. Partrick Deputy Executive Director for Programs

SPONSORS

The Career and Technical Education and Workforce Conference would not be possible without the support of our sponsors and year round partners. We would like to thank our Lunch, Bronze and Academic Partners. Please take a moment to review the sponsors throughout the guide and be sure to visit them during the conference to learn about their products, services and efforts!

BRONZE

BRONZE

BRONZE

ACADEMIC

2025 Summer Conference Planning Committee 2 2 Su r nf r n l nnin itt

DAY 1: MONDAY

August 4, 2025

at-a-glance Schedule

Time

Session

Location

Registration, Exhibitor Walk & Networking

9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Convention Center

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Opening General Session

West Hall

Opening General Session

Opening Remarks Mississippi Community College Board Dr. LaToya R. Sterling, Assistant Director, Training and Professional Development

Dr. Rachel D. Partrick, Deputy Executive Director, Programs Dr. Valeria Williams, Director, Career and Technical Education

Welcome to Tupelo Dr. Jay Allen, President Itawamba Community College

Welcome from Mississippi Community College Board Kell Smith, Executive Director Mississippi Community College Board Governor’s Remarks The Honorable Tate Reeves, Governor, State of Mississippi

Time

Session

Location

Program Area Meetings

As assigned in the program

2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

3:30 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.

Break

Vendor Area

East and West Hall

3:45 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Breakout Sessions

*Dinner is on your own*

2025 Workforce, Career and Technical Education Summer Conference

August 4, 2025

DAY 1: MONDAY

Welcome from Itawamba Community College

Dr. Jay Allen became the seventh president of Itawamba Community College on July 1, 2017 after serving as president and chief executive officer of Hopkinsville Community College in Kentucky since January 2014.

Dr. Jay Allen

President

A native Mississippian, Dr. Allen has served in several leadership positions at Hinds Community College and as a senior-level administrator for Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College – Perkinston and the George County Center – for a combined total of 25 years. He earned the Associate of Arts degree from Hinds; the Bachelor of Science degree and the master’s degree, both from Mississippi State University; and the doctorate in higher education administration, from the University of Mississippi. His experience includes both academic and career and technical education, student services, institutional development, information technology, business services, athletics, workforce and other non credit areas. He currently serves on numerous local, state and national boards. He serves as Chair of the Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges State Workforce Education Committee, Past President of the Mississippi Association of Colleges and Universities, Chair of the Mississippi Education Achievement Council responsible for the statewide educational attainment goal, Co-Chair of the HERDI South Executive Board, Mississippi representative on the Community Colleges of Appalachia Board of Directors and is a former member of the American Association of Community Colleges Board of Directors. He was nominated in 2019 by students and awarded the national Paragon Award recognizing college presidents who show exceptional dedication and support of student success by emphasizing academic achievement, leadership and service among high-achieving students at their college. Most recently, Dr. Allen was named as a 2023 Top CEO in the state of Mississippi by the Mississippi Business Journal. He was recognized as Hinds Community College Alumnus of the Year in 2024, celebrating for his pioneering of recruiting strategies and student ‑ focused initiatives. Dr. Allen and his wife, Belinda, have two daughters, Emma Grace and Mollianne.

August 4, 2025

DAY 1:MONDAY

Welcome from the Mississippi Community College Board

For over 34 years, the Mississippi Community College Board (MCCB) has proudly served the state’s community colleges by concentrating efforts to improve statewide educational opportunities and advancement of the community college system through coordination, support, leadership, and advocacy. The MCCB supports the 15 community colleges as they educate and train Mississippi’s citizens by delivering more than 250 programs of study to over 97,400 students annually.

Kell Smith Executive Director

On January 20, 2023, the Mississippi Community College Board (MCCB) unanimously selected Mr. Kell Smith to serve as the agency’s sixth Executive Director. He has been with the MCCB since May 2008, previously serving as Director of Communications and Legislative Services from May 2008 to July 2021 and Interim Executive Director from July 2021 until January 2023. Kell believes in the generational impact that community colleges can have on students and families. He works to ensure the system has the tools and resources necessary to provide services that are critical to both student success and the state’s economy. He serves on the State and School Employees Health Insurance Management Board, State Workforce Investment Board, State Longitudinal Data System, Colleges Savings’ Board of Directors, and the Mississippi Commission on College Accreditation. He is currently chair of the Mississippi Prison Industries Corporation (MAGCOR). Mr. Smith is a former member of the Board of Directors for the College Public Relations Association of Mississippi and Board of Directors for the Mississippi Council on Economic Education. He is a 2009 graduate of the Mississippi Community College Leadership Academy. Kell attended Mississippi Delta Community College. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 2003 and a Master of Public Policy and Administration in 2005 both from Mississippi State University.

Mr. Smith is married to the former Mary Straton Karatassos of Starkville. They live in Madison and are the parents of Eleanor and Rosie.

August 4, 2025

DAY 1:MONDAY

Governor's Remarks

The Honorable Tate Reeves Governor of the state of Mississippi

As the 65th Governor of Mississippi, Tate Reeves continues to build on his strong record as a leader who fights to improve educational opportunity and grow new careers so that Mississippi’s best and brightest can raise their families and thrive. Since he took office as governor, Mississippi has seen record educational gains which have been called the “Mississippi Miracle.” Thanks to Governor Reeves’ fiscally conservative leadership, Mississippi is in the best fiscal and financial shape ever and its economy is thriving. Less than one month into 2024, Mississippi shattered yearly economic development records when Governor Reeves announced $12 billion in new private sector investment. Under Governor Reeves’ leadership, Mississippi achieved an overhauled statewide workforce development strategy, an all-time low unemployment rate, and the largest tax cut and the largest teacher pay raise in state history. A Rankin County native, Governor Reeves is a graduate of Florence High School and an honors graduate of Millsaps College, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in economics. Governor Reeves and his wife, Elee, are the proud parents of three daughters, Tyler, Emma, and Maddie.

PROGRAM AREA MEETINGS 2:00 P.M. – 3:30 P.M.

Agriculture Business & Management Technology; Field Crops; Horticulture; Irrigation; Golf/Turf; Landscape Management; Forestry; Well Construction Technology; Veterinary Technology Automotive Machinist; Machine Shop; Machine Tool; Precision Manufacturing; Tool & Die; Millwright Technology; Pipefitting; Plumbing Technology; Brick & Stone Masonry; Residential Carpentry

Mimosa

Sweetgum

Automotive Technology; Automotive Vehicles & Accessories Marketing Operations; Collision Repair; Diesel Equipment Technology

Sweetgum

Elm

Aviation & Industrial Technology

Radiological Technology; Polysomnography; Diagnostic Medical Sonography Technology

Cedar

Criminal Justice; Court Reporting; Paralegal; Conservation Law Enforcement

Maple

Construction Equipment Operations; Commercial Truck Driving; Logistics; OSHA

Meeting Room 1

Cosmetology; Barber/Stylist; Massage Therapy; Nail Technology

Meeting Room 2

PROGRAM AREA MEETINGS 2:00 P.M. – 3:30 P.M.

Counseling, Student Support Services; Work-Based Learning; Navigators

Elm

DDT; GIS; Civil Technology; Surveying; Construction Engineering; Engineering Technology; Industrial Technology; Electrical Lineman

Meeting Room 3

Early Childhood Education Technology

Meeting Room 4

Electrical Technology; Commercial Residential Maintenance; Industrial Maintenance Technology

Magnolia

EMT Basic; Paramedic

Pine

Elm

Funeral Services; Interpreter Training Technology

IST –Computer Networking, Programming, Security, Database, Computer Servicing, Web Design, Entertainment Media, Graphic Design Technology, Graphics & Print Communication

Cherry and Dogwood

Medical Laboratory Technology; Surgical Technology; Healthcare Assistant; Medical Assistant Technology; Health Information Technology

Pine

Occupational Therapy; Physical Therapy Assistant

Pine

PROGRAM AREA MEETINGS 2:00 P.M. – 3:30 P.M.

Office Systems Technology: Accounting, Microcomputer, Health Care Data, Banking & Finance; Business & Marketing Technology; Real Estate; Fashion Marketing; Clothing & Textile Design; Interior Design PetroChemical Refining; Manufacturing Technology; Automation & Control Technology; Electronics Technology; Industrial Electronics Technology; Marine Electrical Technology; Telecommunication; Bio-Medical Equipment Repair; Instrumentation

Cherry and Dogwood

Meeting Room 3

Practical Nursing

Oak

Respiratory Care Technology; Respiratory Therapy; Dental Assistant Technology; Dental Hygiene Technology; Pharmacy Technician; Pharmacy Technology; Ophthalmic Technology

Maple

Travel & Tourism; Culinary Arts; Food Production & Management Technology; Hotel & Restaurant Management; Meat Merchandising Technology

Meeting Room 5

Welding; Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration

Meeting Room 3

DAY 1: MONDAY

August 4, 202 5

3:45 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Breakout Sessions

Bridging the Gap: Strategies for Teaching Students with Autism ELM - EAST HALL The panel will discuss behaviors seen with ASD students at the post secondary level. This presention will introduce effective communication and teaching techniques to better ensure success.

Shelly Smith, Aimee McGehee, Maya Wabel and Leann Ibarra

MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Be Stellar- Get Your Groove Back

POPLAR - EAST HALL

This session will discuss how to be “stellar.” Stellar is to be better than everything else. Life brings many daily challenges that may cause one to feel down and out. The best way to overcome those challeges is to change the outlook on them.

Eboni Mangum MISSISSIPPI COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOARD

We All Belong: Becoming a Professional

MIMOSA - EAST HALL

This session will discuss professionalism as a fundamental to our behavior in society, embodying the respect and dignity we must extend to everyone, especially in the workplace. It shapes how we present ourselves both inside and outside the classroom. By integrating professionalism into our schools and implementing it as a best practice, we will equip our students with the essential skills and mindset needed to thrive in the workforce and beyond.

Felisha Hampton COPIAH - LINCOLN COMMUNITY COLLEGE

August 4, 2025

DAY 1: MONDAY

3:45 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Breakout Sessions

Accelerate MS Data and Workforce Innovations Updates

MAGNOLIA - EAST HALL

Presented by AccelerateMS, this session will share high-level updates on workforce and career and technical education (CTE) data at the community college level. The discussion will include recent developments in career coaching, credential tracking, and the high-value program tier model, along with a summary of relevant and upcoming legislative activity and statewide initiatives supporting these efforts.

Ben Alexander ACCELERATE MISSISSIPPI

August 5, 2025

DAY 2: TUESDAY

Keynote Speaker Roy Moss

Roy Moss has served as the Vice President of Operations for the Atmos Energy Mississippi Division’s Southern Region since 2019. He has over 39 years of experience working in the natural gas industry.

Moss began his career as a Construction Operator at Atmos in Monroe, Louisiana, in 1986. He has held various assignments over the years, including Service Technician and Distribution Operator, where he acquired his 1104 welding certification. In 2005, he was promoted to Operations Supervisor in Round Rock, Texas. In 2013, he was promoted to Operations Manager before being appointed Director of Operations in Dallas, Texas, in 2016. Moss studied human relations and business at Amberton University in Garland, Texas. Moss served in the United States military for 20 years. He retired from the United States Air Force Reserve as a Technical Sergeant in 2008. Roy is a member of Timberlawn Road Church of Christ in Jackson, Mississippi. He is married to Laurie Moss, and they have five children, three grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter.

DAY 2: TUESDAY

August 5, 2025

at-a-glance Schedule

Location

Time

Session

Registration, Exhibitor Walk & Networking

8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

Vendor Area

9:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

Keynote: Roy Moss

West Hall

10:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Break

East, West and North Hall

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Breakout Sessions

Luncheon: Sponsored by Atmos Energy

12:00 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.

West Hall

East, West and North Hall

1:15 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.

Breakout Sessions

2:15 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Break: Snacks

Vendor Hall

East, West and North Hall

2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Breakout Sessions

3:30 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.

Break

East, West and North

3:45 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Breakout Sessions

Dinner is on your own

2025 Workforce, Career and Technical Education Summer Conference

DAY 2: TUESDAY

August 5, 2025

11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Breakout Sessions

New Administrators Panel Discussion

SWEET GUM- EAST HALL

This session will provide new administrators an opportunity to seek answers from current administratiors on community college leadership.

Dr. Amy Whittington, Holmes CC Barry Emison ITAWAMBA COMMUNITY COLLEGE Jason Mattox, NORTHEAST MS COMMUNITY COLLEG E Rod Tolbert, JONES COLLEGE Dr. Addie Boone SOUTHWEST MS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

TRADING UP the Next Generation: How Trade Schools Can Change Lives and Close the Skills Gap in Modern Worforce Skilled trades are the backbone of our nation, yet the growing skills gap continues to challenge industries and communities alike. This session will highlight and tell the story of how skilled trades can transform not just careers—but entire lives. Led by a welder-turned-CEO, this session will offer a firsthand look at how training the next generation of skilled trades workers in industries like welding,, HVAC, trucking, medical assisting, dental assisting, cosmetology, and more is helping address the massive U.S. skills gap. Through his personal story, real-world outcomes, shared best practices, and a mission rooted in changing lives, this session will show how career and technical education can solve America’s workforce crisis—one student at a time. ELM - EAST HALL Transforming Workforce Development: Scaling Apprenticeships and Elevating Digital Credentials Industries are evolving fast, and your workforce strategies must keep pace. In this dynamic session, you'll discover how scalable apprenticeship programs transform career pathways—from teaching and healthcare to advanced manufacturing and technology. MAGNOLIA -EAST HALL

CRAFT LEARNING Dennis Williamson II

DELTA TECHNICAL COLLEGE Brian Huff, CEO

DAY 2: TUESDAY

August 5, 2025

11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Breakout Sessions

OAK - EAST HALL “Bridging the Skills Gap with AR/VR: Reimagining CTE through zSpace”

Attendees will explore how zSpace creates powerful simulations aligned to industry certifications and career pathways, without the need for VR goggles or headsets. We'll showcase how schools, community colleges, and workforce development centers are using this hands-on technology to demonstrate: Health Science – Phlebotomy, Patient Care, EKG, Pharmacy Tech Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering – HVAC, Mechatronics, Automotive Career Exploration – Ideal for WIOA participants, adult learners, and nontraditional students

Jonathan Smith

Z SPACE

Electrical and HVAC Innovations Shaking Up the Skilled Trades

POPLAR- EAST HALL

As workforce and career technical education programs adapt to the rapidly evolving demands of the 21st century, the skilled trades—electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and roofing—are experiencing transformative innovations. This engaging workshop explores cutting-edge technologies and tools that are reshaping these essential industries. Participants will gain insights into smart electrical systems, energy-efficient HVAC technologies, leak-detection and water-saving plumbing solutions, and sustainable, weather-resistant roofing advancements.

Tim White

ALL SERVICE PRO

DAY 2: TUESDAY

August 5, 2025

Breakout Sessions

1:15 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.

Bridging the Gap Between Education, Skills and the Workforce

ELM- EAST HALL

This presentation explores the root causes of this disconnect and proposes actionable solutions to align education, training, and labor market demands to ensure that more people can access gainful employment in a rapidly evolving economy.

Nikitna Barnes MISSISSIPPI COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOARD

This session provides clear examples, practical steps, and tips to help instructors make smart, confident choices about when and how to use AI in support of their goals. We're going to let AI help us reach higher, not be a shortcut or an easy button. SWEET GUM- EAST HALL Real Talk: A Practical AI Discussion for CTE Instructors who Just Want to Teach

JONES COLLEGE Dr. Michael Trest

This interactive seminar, Empowering Workforce Leaders, is designed to equip Career and Technical Education (CTE) professionals with practical, research based strategies to: Enhance communication across diverse teams Build high-trust collaboration among faculty and workforce partners Navigate and resolve conflicts constructively to strengthen outcomes Foster a culture that is agile, innovative, and aligned with workforce demands Participants will leave energized and equipped with tools they can immediately apply in their institutions to elevate performance and student success. Empowering Workforce Leaders: Strengthening Communication, Collaboration and Conflict Resolution for 21 Century Success st MAGNOLIA- EAST HALL

Daniel Vassel VASSEL GROUP

DAY 2: TUESDAY

August 5, 2025

2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Breakout Sessions

Building Bridges: Creating Seamless Pathways from Community College to Advanced Degrees Through Industry Partnerships

In this session we will explore Mississippi State's innovative approach to stackable credentials, from certificates to bachelor's to master's degrees. Learn how Mississippi State partners with community colleges and industry to create flexible pathways that meet workforce needs while supporting adult learners' career advancement. ELM - EAST HALL

Dr. Sean Owen and Maddie Ludt MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY

Advancing Maternal Health Equity Through Community-Centered Approaches

MAGNOLIA- EAST HALL

This presentation explores how community-centered strategies can drive meaningful change in maternal health outcomes, particularly for Black women and other marginalized communities. Grounded in a historical understanding of maternal health inequities, we will review current data and highlight evidence-based, community-driven models that have contributed to improved care and better health outcomes.

Dr. Nakeitra Burse SIX DIMENSIONS

Using Postsecondary CTSOs to Shake Up the Workforce Pipeline OAK- EAST HALL This presentation highlights the pivotal role of Postsecondary Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) specifically DECA, FBLA, SkillsUSA and HOSA- in addressing workforce challenges in Mississippi. These CTSOs serve as vital tools in preparing students for the modern workforce by enhancing employability, leadership, and technical skills.

Heidi Jenkins Danielle CLay

MISSISSIPPI COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOARD

DAY 2: TUESDAY

August 5, 2025

3:45 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Breakout Sessions

ELM- EAST HALL MAMA Scholarship Opportunities

School of Hard Knocks & Soft Skills: Where Grit Meets Grace in the Workplace MIMOSA- EAST HALL This interactive session explores how community colleges can intentionally pair soft skills with hard skills to better prepare students for real-world careers. Using data-driven insights, industry case studies, and hands-on planning tools, participants will learn how to embed soft skill development into CTE courses and work-based learning. Attendees will leave with ready-to-use strategies and resources to support students in becoming not just job-ready, but future-ready. During the past twenty years, the Mississippi Automotive Manufacturers Association (MAMA) has awarded over $400K in scholarships to students attending community colleges and universities in the state. MAMA is eager to build new and strengthen existing relationships to increase awareness for students, educators, and workforce development professionals to the vast array of career opportunities in the automotive industry. In this interactive session, Ms. Johnson will explore how MAMA can further engage with educational institutions through initiatives related to automotive manufacturing. Empowering Workforce Leaders: Strengthening Communication, Collaboration and Conflict Resolution for 21 Century Success st MAGNOLIA- EAST HALL This interactive seminar, Empowering Workforce Leaders, is designed to equip Career and Technical Education (CTE) professionals with practical, research-based strategies to:

Judy Johnson

MAMA

MPACTFUL MEASURES Dr. Shana Middleton

VASSEL GROUP Daniel Vassel

Enhance communication across diverse teams Build high-trust collaboration among faculty and workforce partners Navigate and resolve conflicts constructively to strengthen outcomes Foster a culture that is agile, innovative, and aligned with workforce demands

DAY 2: TUESDAY

August 5, 2025

3:45 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Breakout Sessions

SWEETGUM- EAST HALL - CTE ADMINISTRATORS ONLY Maximizing Perkins to Drive Learner Success:

This session offers a strategic overview of Perkins V, highlighting practical opportunities to leverage the law—with a key focus on the comprehensive local needs assessment. We'll share valuable lessons from successful state implementations and provide an essential update on current federal policy developments impacting CTE and workforce development.

Kate Kreamer ADVANCE CTE

DAY 3: WEDNESDAY

August 6, 2025

at-a-glance Schedule

Time

Session

Location

7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.

Exhibitor Walk & Networking

West Hall

East, West and North Hall

8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

Breakout Sessions

9:30 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.

Break

Breakout Sessions Regular CTOA Meeting (Members only)

East West and North Hall

9:45 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.

10:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Break

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Workforce Session

Sweet Gum

12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Luncheon and Closing Ceremony

West Hall

2025 Workforce, Career and Technical Education Summer Conference

DAY 3: WEDNESDAY

August 6, 2025

8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Breakout Sessions

Effective Grant Writing SWEET GUM- EAST HALL

This brief introductory workshop will prepare students to begin writing grants. The instructor will take participants step-by-step through the five major components of any grant proposal. Participants will learn how to write the problem statement; write measurable goals and objectives; how to conceptualize the project’s methodology; how to prepare a basic evaluation plan; and how to write an effective grant budget narrative.

Kenneth Wheatley MISSISSIPPI COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOARD

Stronger Together: Innovative Collaboration Between APMM, CTE, and Workforce Programs. OAK- EAST HALL This session explores how aligned partnerships between Industry, Career and Technical Education (CTE), and Workforce programs can drive learner success and regional economic development. Participants will learn innovative strategies that display how collaboration can improve student outcomes and strengthen employer engagement.

MICHAEL WILSON AUTO PARTS MANUFACTURING MISSISSIPPI (APMM)

Planning for Success: School Audits and Inspections with the MSBCB MAGNOLIA- EAST HALL

With the creation of the MSBCB in July 2024, school audit and inspection rules look a little different than with the former boards of cosmetology and barber examiners. This session will walk through a MSBCB licensed school audit and inspection while providing tips for success.

Catherine Bell MS STATE BOARD OF COSMETOLOGY

DAY 3: WEDNESDAY

August 6, 2025

9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Breakout Sessions

Becoming a Prison Education Program: How to Apply and Include CTE in Course Offerings in Correctional Facilities MAGNOLIA- EAST HALL Learn how the Mississippi Consortium for Higher Education in Prison (MCHEP) can support the launch and expansion of Career and Technical Education programs in correctional settings. Together, let’s discover practical tools, partnership models, and statewide resources that help incarcerated students gain in-demand skills and pursue meaningful careers post-release.

Yolanda Houston WOODWARD HINES

Breaking Barriers with VR: Expanding Access to High- Demand, High - Wage Jobs for Gen Alpha and GenZ Sweet Gum- East Hall This session will highlight how Virtual Reality technology can revolutionize career exploration and skills training. Focusing on addressing the unique needs of Gen Alpha and Gen Z students, we will explore how VR can provide immersive and practical learning experiences that prepare individuals for high-demand, high-wage jobs, ensuring that opportunities are accessible to all. Participants will learn about innovative strategies to integrate VR in career training programs and its potential to transform workforce development.

TRANSFRVR Kaitlyn Alderman

CTOA Meeting OAK- EAST HALL CTOA Members Only

Dr. Amy Whittington HOLMES COMMUNITY COLLEGE

DAY 3: WEDNESDAY

August 6, 2025

11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Breakout Sessions

Workforce Meeting SWEET GUM- EAST HALL Workforce Directors Only

Dr. Rebecca Brown PEARL RIVER COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Tongue Tied and Shaking like a Leaf: Supporting Student’s Development of Soft Skills for Today’s Workforce OAK- EAST HALL This workshop will review research related to the need for stronger soft skills among graduates, discuss multiple teaching methods that may support soft skill attainment, and provide attendees opportunities to practice these methods during the workshop. Attendees will also be provided with links to resources they can use as they develop, or help others to develop, ideas for teaching soft skills in their classrooms and programs.

Dr. Stephanie B. King MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY

DAY 3: WEDNESDAY

August 6, 2025

11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Breakout Sessions

Lead Through the Shake-Up: Building Adaptive Leaders in CTE and Workforce Development PINE -WEST HALL Participants will explore practical strategies for adaptive leadership, including communication across generations, managing team morale, and navigating uncertainty. Grounded in real-world scenarios and supported by interactive exercises, this session focuses on leadership growth that directly impacts classrooms, training programs, and industry teams.

Tim White ALL SERVICE PRO

Using WorkKeys for Skills-Based Hiring Initiatives Cedar -West Hall

Learn how to harness the power of ACT WorkKeys assessments and skills-as well as based career navigation systems. Access free occupational profile data which builds and strengthens career navigation programs to empower learners with a skill-based credential that employers value.

Christine Nietro and Tony Garife

ACT

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to you for your presence and active participation in the 2025 , Career and Technical Education and Workforce Conference. Your contribution and engagement were instrumental in making the event a resounding success. We hope the conference provided you with valuable insights, meaningful discussions, and networking opportunities that will benefit you both professionally and personally. The knowledge and experiences shared by our esteemed speakers and fellow participants have undoubtedly enriched the event, fostering an environment of collaboration and growth. We sincerely appreciate the time and effort you invested in attending the conference. Your presence not only enhanced the event but also demonstrated your commitment to staying updated with the latest advancements in your field. Additionally, we are grateful for your valuable feedback and suggestions, which will help us improve future conferences to better meet your evolving needs and expectations. Once again, thank you for your active participation and support. We genuinely hope the conference was a valuable experience for you, and we look forward to seeing you next year! e extend our heartfelt gratitude to you for your presence and active participation in the 2025, areer and echnical ducation and orkforce onference. our contribution and engage ent ere instru ental in aking the event a resounding success. e hope the conference provided you ith valuable insights, eaningful discussions, and net orking opportunities that ill benefit you both professionally and personally. he kno ledge and experiences shared by our estee ed speakers and fello participants have undoubtedly enriched the event, fostering an environ ent of collaboration and gro th. e sincerely appreciate the ti e and effort you invested in attending the conference. our presence not only enhanced the event but also de onstrated your co it ent to staying updated ith the latest advance ents in your field. dditionally, e are grateful for your valuable feedback and suggestions, hich ill help us i prove future conferences to better eet your evolving needs and expectations. nce again, thank you for your active participation and support. e genuinely hope the conference as a valuable experience for you, and e look for ard to seeing you next year! Thank You Tha n k Y ou