The 2024 Kentucky and Tennessee TRiO Fall Conference, held from October 27 to 30 in the vibrant city of Chattanooga, marked a milestone event for educators, administrators, and program leaders. This gathering brought together professionals dedicated to promoting educational opportunities for first-generation, low-income, and disabled students through TRiO programs. The conference offered an engaging blend of professional development, networking, and sharing of best practices, making it a transformative experience for all attendees.
A key feature of the conference was its lineup of passionate and knowledgeable presenters, who shared new strategies for student success, federal policy updates, and best practices for TRiO programs. Their energy and dedication were infectious, inspiring attendees to return to their institutions with fresh ideas for enhancing the services they provide to students.
Among the many informative sessions, I had the opportunity to attend three standout presentations. Chelsea Rolph from Talent Search at Bluegrass Community & Technical College in Kentucky led a powerful session on supporting students and staff with invisible disabilities. Her deep knowledge and passion for the topic were evident throughout the presentation. She emphasized the importance of recognizing the prevalence of hidden disabilities and the need to approach them with kindness, empathy, and respect. Chelsea shared practical strategies for fostering an inclusive environment where all individuals feel supported and valued. Another insightful session was led by Destiny O’Rourke, Director of the Student Support Services Center, and Bethany Smith, Director of the Educational Opportunity Center, both from Western Kentucky University. Their session focused on the value of assessments, discussing key assessments, their purposes, and how they contribute to program success. Attendees were provided with actionable steps to implement across all TRiO programs, highlighting the importance of using assessments to drive meaningful outcomes.
The session on “Getting Parent Buy-In,” presented by Dr. Charles White and Liaren Gladfelter from the Academic Enrichment Upward Bound Program at the University of Tennessee, was another highlight. They explored the importance of parental involvement in student success and offered practical strategies for engaging parents effectively. Their dynamic presentation style and ability to facilitate meaningful conversations left a lasting impression on the audience.
In between sessions, the Positional Breakout for Program Directors offered a unique opportunity for small group discussions tailored to the specific needs and interests of each program. These breakout sessions allowed for more in-depth conversations, problem-solving, and sharing of ideas, making the discussions highly relevant and impactful.
The Veterans Upward Bound Program Round Tables were another valuable opportunity for program leaders to exchange insights and strategies specific to their work with veterans. These focused conversations fostered a deeper understanding of program challenges and successes, providing participants with new perspectives to apply to their own initiatives. A personal highlight of the conference for me was attending the Emerging Leaders Institute, an exclusive session sponsored by the
Tennessee and Kentucky TRiO State Presidents. I was honored to be invited to this three-hour session, where we explored the history of TRiO, the structure of the state and regional associations, and leadership development. This session was designed to equip future TRiO leaders with the knowledge and confidence to contribute meaningfully to state associations. It was a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t just about formal titles—it’s about sharing expertise and unique perspectives to strengthen the community.
Overall, the 2024 Kentucky and Tennessee TRiO Fall Conference was an enriching experience. I cannot recommend this and other state and regional conferences enough. The connections made with fellow TRiO professionals in a smaller, more intimate setting allowed for meaningful interactions and the building of lasting professional relationships. For anyone committed to supporting students through TRiO, this conference was invaluable—both for the knowledge shared and the personal connections formed.
Halle L. Timpson
PI/Project Director
Education Research & Opportunity Center
Veterans Upward Bound
The University of Tennessee – Knoxville