Columbus State group attends HLC conference

Update | Friday, April 3, 2026

The Columbus State group attending the HLC Conference last month in Chicago. 

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Annual Conference, held March 21–24 in Chicago, brought together educators from across the country to engage in professional development and dialogue focused on key challenges, institutional quality, compliance, continuous improvement, and opportunities in higher education.

An eight-person contingent of faculty and staff represented Columbus State at the conference: Teddi Lewis-Hotopp, Darla Van Horn, and Andrew Filippi from the Office of Accreditation were joined by Rachel Sanders, Dale Gresson, Mark Mahoney, Adam Keller, Michell Ward, and Kaylor Sines. 

Throughout the conference, team members participated in sessions covering key topics such as federal compliance updates, assessment of student learning, and evolving accreditation practices. These sessions provided valuable insights into how institutions can strengthen processes, enhance student outcomes, and align more effectively with HLC criteria and expectations.

The team also had opportunities to connect with peer institutions, share best practices, and explore innovative approaches to common challenges in higher education. These conversations will help inform ongoing efforts to support our campus community and ensure we remain responsive to accreditation standards.

“The HLC Conference provided a meaningful opportunity to reflect on our work, challenge our thinking, and explore new ways to better support student success. I’m excited to bring these insights back to Columbus State,” said Kaylor Sines, Office of Talent Strategy senior director. 

"The HLC conference has consistently been the most valuable conference I've attended in the past few years,” said Adam Keller, Biological & Physical Sciences professor. “They have provided information - not yet found among current literature - that immediately enhanced ongoing work at the college. In 2026, the concurrent sessions on AI, student assessments, and academic integrity were very, very valuable.”  

 

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