LEWIS HONORS COLLEGE Leadership Conference

What is it?

The Student Leadership Conference is a one-day event bringing together students and leaders from across Kentucky for a day of connection, learning, and growth. On February 28, 2026 from 9:30am-2:30pm, participants will hear from experienced leaders representing a wide range of fields, perspectives, and leadership styles.

At the heart of the conference is a simple belief: leadership is personal. There is no single “right” way to lead. Through our keynote speaker, breakout sessions, and meaningful conversations, attendees are encouraged to explore what leadership looks like for them.

Whether you are just beginning to see yourself as a leader or are looking to refine your approach, this conference offers the tools, inspiration, and community to help you learn to lead your way.

When is it?

February 28th, 2026

Check-in will begin at 9:30am and the event will continue until 2:30 p.m.

Where is it?

UK Lewis Honors College

420 Hilltop Avenue, Lexington, KY

Who can come?

Everyone

Students, Faculty, Staff, Family, Friends — everyone can be a leader, so everyone is welcome!

Schedule

9:30am - 10:00am	Check-in and Breakfast
10:00am - 10:15am	Opening Remarks
10:15am - 11:15am	Lenses of Leaders - Panel
11:15am - 12:45pm	Lunch and Keynote Speaker
12:45pm - 1:25pm	Breakout Session #1
1:25pm - 2:05pm	Breakout Session #2
2:05pm - 2:30pm	Closing Remarks

Speakers

Keynote

Ryan Quarles - President of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System

Lenses of Leaders - Panel

Laura Bryan - Dean of the Lewis Honors College
Jillian Pyatte - Director of Programs & Operations at the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Bluegrass
Auburn Mattingly - Project Engineer at Brown + Kubican Structural Engineers
Jacob Rudy - UK Agricultural Education and Advocacy Student
McKenna Dowell - UK Political Science and History Pre-Law Student
Dr. Matthew Bacon - Associate Professor at UK College of Medicine and Division Chief of Golisano Children's at UK

Breakout Sessions

Dr. Karen Clancy - UK Clinical Leadership and Management Program Director
Dr. Cory Curl - Lecturer and Director of Undergraduate Studies at the Martin School of Public Policy
Dr. Savannah Robin - Lecturer for Career and Professional Development for the Equine Science and Management Undergraduate Program
Dr. Kwame Agyemang - Professor of Sport, Organizations, and Society and Director of the Future of Sport Institute
Dr. Michael Johnson - Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education and Student Success at the UK Pigman College of Engineering
Dr. Winter Phong - Assistant Professor of Arts Administration

Remember to RSVP

We'd love to know if you're coming, and we only know if you RSVP!

RSVP