2026 TLSD Conference
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CONTACT DETAILS
Academic Affairs
AAffairs@BristolCC.edu
774.357.2186
777 Elsbree Street
Fall River, MA 02720
D210c
2026 Teaching, Learning and Student Development Conference
Designing for a Resilient Future
May 1, 2026.
Bristol Community College.
777 Elsbree Street, Fall River, MA 02720.
REGISTER FOR THE 2026 TLSD CONFERENCE
On behalf of Bristol Community College, host of this year’s Teaching, Learning, and Student Development (TLSD) Conference, we are delighted to invite you to join us on May 1, 2026, on our Fall River campus (and online) for a day organized around the American Association of Community Colleges’ (AACC) “Resilient by Design” work – focusing on practical, replicable strategies community colleges can adopt to strengthen their ability to serve students, communities, and the workforce amid rapid change.
The TLSD Conference brings together faculty, staff, and educational leaders from across Massachusetts' community colleges to share insights, engage in meaningful discussions, and explore new strategies to enhance student success. This year’s event will feature dynamic sessions led by colleagues and professionals dedicated to advancing teaching, learning, and student development.
Click here for a map of Bristol's campus.
Schedule at a Glance
Please note that sessions are presented in 50 minute standard blocks, however, a mix of 75 minute workshops as well as 25 minute sessions are available as presented throughout the day.
- 8:15 - 8:45 a.m. – Conference Check-in
- 8:45 - 9:50 a.m. – Opening session featuring
- Dr. Sedgwick L. Harris, Bristol Community College
- Dr. Noe Ortega, Department of Higher Education
- Dr. DeRionne Pollard, American Association of Community Colleges
- 10 - 10:50 a.m. – Main stage: Phyliticia Jamerson, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Session I presentations found throughout campus.
- 11 - 11:50 a.m. – Main stage: Shelly Gillis and Tim Hathaway, Small Business Administration. Session II presentations found throughout campus.
- 11:30 a.m. - 12:50 p.m. – Lunch served continuously in G Building.
- Noon - 12:50 p.m. – Dr. Ashley Finley, American Association of Colleges and Universities, G Building.
- 1 - 1:50 p.m. – Main stage: Dr. Robert Awkward, Department of Higher Education. Session III presentations found throughout campus.
- 2 - 2:50 p.m. – Main stage: Dr. Mark Nicholas, NECHE. Session IV presentations found throughout campus.
Featured Presenters
Dr. Sedgwick L. Harris is President of Bristol Community College, having taken office in March 2025 as the fifth president in the college’s history. He brings more than 25 years of higher education leadership experience and is known for advancing student success through strategic planning, innovation, and a strong commitment to access and opportunity. His leadership reflects a deep belief in the mission of community colleges and their power to transform lives, families, and communities.
Show time: 8:45 - 8:50 a.m.
Main Stage: H Building Auditorium
Simulcast on TLSD landing page
Dr. Noe Ortega is the Massachusetts Commissioner of Higher Education and has led the Department of Higher Education during a significant period of statewide investment in college affordability, access, and student success. His leadership reflects a strong commitment to educational opportunity and to the role of public higher education in advancing both individual achievement and the broader public good. He brings a valuable statewide perspective on policy, coordination, and the future of postsecondary education in the Commonwealth.
Show time: 8:50 - 9 a.m.
Main Stage: H Building Auditorium
Simulcast on TLSD landing page
Dr. DeRionne P. Pollard is President and CEO of the American Association of Community Colleges and one of the nation’s leading voices for community colleges. Prior to assuming this national role, she served as president of Nevada State University, Montgomery College, and Las Positas College, building a distinguished career rooted in student access, institutional leadership, and public impact. Her leadership has consistently emphasized the transformative power of higher education in the lives of students, families, and communities. She brings a deep understanding of leadership, policy, and the evolving mission of community colleges at a pivotal moment for the field. We are honored to feature Dr. Pollard at TLSD this year.
Show time: 9 - 9:50 a.m.
Main Stage: H Building Auditorium
Simulcast on TLSD landing page
Phylitia Jamerson serves as Executive Director of Early College in Massachusetts and has helped lead the Commonwealth’s efforts to expand awareness, participation, and opportunity in Early College. Her work focuses on strengthening pathways between high school and higher education so that more students can see college as both accessible and achievable. She brings a clear commitment to student success, intentional design, and long-term educational opportunity.
Show time: 10 - 10:50 a.m.
Main Stage: H Building Auditorium
Simulcast on TLSD landing page
Shelly Gillis is an Outreach and Marketing Specialist with the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Massachusetts District Office, where she connects entrepreneurs and small businesses with resources, partnerships, and opportunities for growth. Her background in outreach, marketing, and public service gives her a strong understanding of how institutions can support local economic development in practical ways. She brings an engaging and community-centered perspective to conversations about innovation, workforce, and regional opportunity. Tim Hathaway is the Director of Curriculum Engagement at Bristol Community College. He is leading the transition to a skills-based curriculum for all career-oriented credit bearing programs.
Show time: 11 - 11:50 a.m.
Main Stage: H Building Auditorium
Simulcast on TLSD landing page
Dr. Ashley Finley is Vice President for Research and Senior Advisor to the President at the American Association of Colleges and Universities and is widely recognized for her work on student learning, academic freedom, civil discourse, and workforce preparation. Her research has helped shape national conversations about educational quality, student outcomes, and the public value of higher education. She brings both scholarly depth and practical relevance to some of the most important questions facing colleges today.
Show time: Noon - 12:50 p.m.
Main Stage: H Building Auditorium
Simulcast on TLSD landing page
Dr. Robert Awkward serves as Assistant Commissioner for Academic Effectiveness at the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education and has been a leading voice in the Commonwealth’s work on open educational resources. He has helped advance statewide OER strategy, implementation, and reporting in ways that support affordability, access, and student success. His work reflects a strong commitment to practical innovation in teaching and learning.
Show time: 1 - 1:50 p.m.
Main Stage: H Building Auditorium
Simulcast on TLSD landing page
Dr. Mark Nicholas is Vice President at the New England Commission of Higher Education, where his work includes oversight related to self-study and public comments as institutions navigate accreditation processes. He brings deep experience in academic affairs, assessment, program review, and institutional effectiveness, informed by prior leadership roles in higher education and a strong record of scholarship and keynote presentations. His perspective connects accreditation expectations with practical institutional learning and improvement.
Show time: 2- 2:50 p.m.
Main Stage: H Building Auditorium
Simulcast on TLSD landing page
Preferred Hotels
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Westport
41 Old Bedford Rd, Westport, MA 02790
Hampton Inn Fall River/Westport
53 Old Bedford Rd, Westport, MA 02790
Contact Information
If you have questions, please reach out to Andrew Fisher at Andrew.Fisher@BristolCC.edu or Christine Hubbard at Christine.Hubbard@BristolCC.edu.
2025 Teaching, Learning and Student Development Conference – Shaping the Future of Massachusetts Community Colleges