Challenging the Paradigm Conference
The Challenging the Paradigm Conference 2026, at the University of North Carolina Wilmington’s Watson College of Education, will be hosted on February 19-20, 2026. Our theme and presentations this year are focused on Partnerships for Seamless Pathways.
The conference brings together community college faculty and staff, university faculty and staff, and others interested in learning, growing, and challenging the paradigm with innovative and transformative practices. Each year, the focus is on the partnerships among community colleges, universities, and the community.
The Challenging the Paradigm Conference will feature plenary presentations for all attendees.
The 2026 theme includes:
- Innovative pathways programming,
- Adult learner initiatives,
- Innovation that reduces barriers to smooth transition and transfer,
- Partnerships that enhance and increase successful transitions to degrees and life-long learning.
The conference registration fee is $150.00, and food will be provided during the conference times. We will review proposals for the final agenda and make them available on the website. We look forward to connecting with colleagues and expanding our networks to support the vital work that drives the success of our students.
We will have two fantastic keynote speakers this year who will share their experiences and hopes for the future. We look forward to their collaboration and messaging about successful work in creating pathways for all students.
We look forward to broadening our networks and getting to know you.
Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions at hennningd@uncw.edu or by phone at (910) 859-4889.
Conference Agenda- Coming soon.
Keynote Speakers:
Dr. Lisa Mabe Eads
Associate Vice President of Academic Programs
North Carolina Community College System
Dr. Lisa Mabe Eads serves as the Associate Vice President of Academic Programs at the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS) Office. In this role, she provides statewide leadership and oversight for curriculum development, dual enrollment, college transfer, and career and technical education (CTE) programs across North Carolina’s 58 community colleges.
Dr. Eads has more than 29 years of experience in education at the community college, university and PreK/K-12 levels. Her work has significantly contributed to key statewide initiatives such as developmental education redesign, the Career and College Ready Graduate (CCRG) program, workforce funding strategies for high-cost programs, and leadership development through the North Carolina Community College Leadership Program (NCCCLP).
Dr. Eads earned her Ph.D. and Ed.S. in Educational Leadership from Keiser University, an M.A.T. in Early Education and Leadership from Salem College, an M.A. in Liberal Studies from Wake Forest University, a B.A. in Psychology from UNC Wilmington, and an A.A. from Surry Community College. Her scholarly work includes publications on student persistence and the intersection of poverty and education, and she has served on multiple dissertation committees representing the System Office.
Throughout her career, Dr. Eads has remained deeply committed to educational access, student success, and workforce alignment. She continues to advocate for high-quality instruction, seamless transfer pathways, and programs that meet North Carolina’s evolving workforce needs.
Jami Dawkins
Transfer Programs Coordinator
The University of North Carolina System
Jami Dawkins has over a decade of experience in higher education, with a specialized focus on supporting transfer students. Her career has spanned various sectors, including time at a North Carolina Community College, a UNC institution, and currently, the UNC System Office, where she focuses on statewide transfer initiatives. Throughout her roles, Jami has gained extensive experience in transfer-specific academic advising, enrollment and recruitment, personal academic counseling, building transfer partnerships, training staff and faculty, student programming, and project management. Whether directly assisting students or coordinating statewide transfer efforts, Jami is committed to enhancing the transfer student experience and improving the systems that support transfer pathways to degree completion. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Experimental Psychology from the University of South Carolina and a Master of Arts in Counseling from UNC Charlotte.