Trellis Strategies

Trellis 360 Discussion Series: Innovative Leadership for the Modern Learner – Dr. Robert Vela
2025-12-16 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | Texas
The needs of modern learners are vastly different than those of previous students and higher education leaders are rising to the challenge. Join us for the Fall Trellis 360 Series, where Debra Chromy, Ed.D., President & CEO of Trellis, hosts one-on-one conversations with innovative higher education leaders who are reimagining their institutions for the modern learner.

From fresh approaches to student success, to bold ideas about industry alignment, these candid conversations will give you a front-row seat to how colleges and universities are evolving in real time.

Tune in for our discussion with Dr. Robert Vela, President of Texas A&M University-Kingsville, who uses strategic planning and collaborative leadership to support today’s students.

From “Work First” to Workforce First Strategies
2026-01-13 14:00 - 15:00
Federal and state governments invest billions of dollars each year in higher education and workforce development programs to expand access to education and training. Yet research shows personal financial circumstances and the need to work significantly affect people’s ability to enroll and stay enrolled. When individuals cannot afford tuition and cover basic expenses, they miss out on gaining the skills and credentials employers require. As a result, those public investments fail to translate into higher earnings, increased tax revenue, stronger economic stability, or reduced use of public benefits.

Public benefit programs are intended to help people meet basic needs while working toward economic independence. However, many of these programs restrict education, creating barriers that deter, delay, or deny access to pathways proven to lead to higher wages, greater tax contributions, and lower unemployment and poverty rates.

Join us to learn more about this research and explore how some states treat public benefits as tools for success rather than obstacles by aligning benefit policies to support education, completion, and workforce participation.

Speakers:

Jennifer Stiddard, Senior Director in Policy & Advocacy, Jobs For the Future (JFF)

Caroline Treschitta, Senior Government Affairs Manager, National Skills Coalition

Carrie R. Welton, Senior Policy Strategist, Trellis Strategies

Trellis 360 Discussion Series: Innovative Leadership for the Modern Learner – Dr. Michael Baston
2026-01-20 12:00 - 13:00
The needs of modern learners are vastly different than those of previous students and higher education leaders are rising to the challenge. Join us for the current Trellis 360 Series, where Debra Chromy, Ed.D., President & CEO of Trellis, hosts one-on-one conversations with innovative higher education leaders who are reimagining their institutions for the modern learner.

From fresh approaches to student success, to bold ideas about industry alignment, these candid conversations will give you a front-row seat to how colleges and universities are evolving in real time.

Tune in for our discussion with Dr. Michael Baston, President of Cuyahoga Community College, and hear how Tri-C is successfully reengaging adult learners, strengthening career pathways, and advancing institutional transformation.

Mental Health in College: What Research Tells Us About Supporting Students
2026-04-08 13:00 - 14:00
Join editor Dr. Alexis Redding and contributing authors of the forthcoming book Mental Health in College: What Research Tells Us About Supporting Students for an engaging conversation on the evolving landscape of student mental health in higher education.

This webinar will highlight key findings from the book and explore actionable strategies for institutions seeking to better support student well-being. Panelists will share research-based insights, practical examples, and reflections on how colleges can create more responsive environments for mental health.

Speakers:

Dr. Alexis Redding, Editor

Bryan Ashton, Managing Director, Trellis Strategies

Allyson Cornett, Director of Research, Trellis Strategies
