Opening Keynote Speaker
Wednesday, February 11th: 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Deesha Dyer
Deesha Dyer is a philanthropist, strategist, and author whose work centers on equity, community, and authentic leadership. She is the founder and president of Hook & Fasten, a social impact agency that creates purpose-driven partnerships to generate long-term change. Her professional journey is an unconventional as it is inspiring. At age 31, while attending community college, she began interning at the White House and eventually became the White House Social Secretary under President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.
Dyer is passionate about supporting Black women and has created scholarships in politics, wellness, and animal care. She co-founded beGirl.world Global Scholars, which helps teen girls access global education and travel opportunities. As a speaker, Dyer is known for her candid discussions on imposter syndrome, mental health, race, and leadership.
In 2019, she served as a Resident Fellow and Harvard Kennedy School, where she taught a course titled Imposter to Impact, which later inspired her 2024 memoir Undiplomatic. The book received acclaim from Oprah's Book club and Michelle Obama. Most recently, she led a campaign raising over $25,000 to provide free therapy for unemployed Black women, continuing her work toward healing and justice.
Case Law Update
Thursday, February 12th: 3:15pm - 4:45pm
Danny Foster
Dr. Danny Foster is currently the Co-Chair of the ASCA Public Policy and Legislative Issues Committee and also serves on the Editorial Board for the upcoming relaunch of the ASCA scholarly journal. In his professional role, Danny is a Research Associate with the University of Cincinnati’s Impact Accelerator where on research development and grant support for faculty, staff, and students. Prior to his transition to research administration, Danny held roles in Residence Life, Orientation, and Student conduct at institutions across the country—each stop further solidifying his passion for law, policy, and the student experience. Danny recently earned his doctorate in Education Policy and Higher Education from the University of Cincinnati and continues to conduct his own original research, consult on research projects, and volunteer his time to multiple professional organizations.
Brian Glick
Dr. Brian M. Glick, (he/him/his) currently serves as the director of student conduct and community standards at Adelphi University, located in Garden City, New York. Previously, he served in student conduct positions at Northern Illinois University and residence life positions at Southeast Missouri State University and Elmhurst College.
Dr. Glick’s doctoral research established that the practice of student conduct is a profession, as defined by published criteria. Glick earned a doctorate in education from Northern Illinois University, a master of science in college student personnel administration from the University of Central Arkansas, and a bachelor of arts in communication from Kansas State University.
Brian also has a long history of involvement with the Association for Student Conduct Administration, including long-time service with the Public Policy Legislative Issues Committee, the Membership Engagement Committee, and the Equity and Inclusion Committee, the Donald D. Gehring Academy Faculty, and Student Conduct 101 faculty, and various presidential task forces. Brian’s service on the ASCA Board of Directors includes Director-at-large, Parliamentarian, Treasurer, and now, ASCA President.
I would like to emphasize that it is critical that Kristi's biography remain included in the Guidebook application and other promotional material, and that her biography is read during the case law session. Kristi was instrumental in putting this presentation together and I want to ensure that she is recognized for her hard work and dedication even though she is unable to join us for the presentation.
Nathiya Nagrenda, JD
Nathiya Nagendra serves as Senior Associate General Counsel for Litigation at Howard University, where she leads litigation strategy and provides counsel on matters spanning student affairs, employment, and regulatory compliance. Prior to joining Howard, she practiced at Crowell & Moring LLP in Washington, D.C., representing education clients in complex litigation and high-stakes internal investigations. Her dedication to advancing access and equity also guided her work at the Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia, where she represented low-income tenants in housing disputes. Nathiya earned her J.D. from Columbia Law School and her undergraduate degree from American University.
Kristi Patrickus, JD
Kristi Patrickus is an attorney and consultant with deep expertise in education regulatory compliance, student conduct, procedural due process, and free speech. She is a K-12 school attorney for the Missouri-based law firm EdCounsel, LLC where she provides comprehensive legal guidance to public schools across numerous practice areas. In addition to serving as a Director-at-Large for the ASCA Board of Directors, Kristi is also the founder of Patrickus Consulting LLC, where she provides trainings and strategic advising to higher education institutions. Known for her ability to break down complex legal concepts into digestible content for students and professionals alike, Kristi is a sought-after national speaker and author in various areas of constitutional law. In her free time, Kristi enjoys playing video games with her soon-to-be wifey, chasing around her 2 year old nephew, and talking for way too long with her mom and sister.
Eli Schlam, JD
Eli Schlam is Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff for George Mason University. He previously served as Associate University Counsel at George Mason. He has experience advising on issues including student and academic affairs, athletics, disciplinary matters, employment matters, privacy, and the First Amendment. Prior to joining Mason, he was a litigator at Williams & Connolly, a Washington DC based law firm. He also clerked for Judge Richard Clifton of the Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in Honolulu. He is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, the London School of Economics and Political Science, and Harvard Law School. In his spare time, he coaches a high school mock trial team. He is also known at Mason for his fun and colorful dress shoes and his love of mangoes.
Closing Session & Brunch: Legislative & Public Policy Updates
Saturday, February 14th: 11:00am - 1:00pm
Dr. John Wesley Lowery
Dr. Lowery is a professor and graduate coordinator of the Student Affairs in Higher Education Program and Assistant Chair of the Student Affairs, Student Success, and Disability Access Department at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He previously served on the faculty and coordinated graduate preparation programs at Oklahoma State University and the University of South Carolina.
Dr. Lowery is a frequent speaker and author on topics related to student affairs and higher education, particularly legislative issues and student conduct on which he is widely regarded as a leading expert. In 2022 Dr. Lowery received the George D. Kuh Award for Outstanding Contribution to Literature and/or Research Award from NASPA-Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, as well as the Donald D. Gehring Award from ASCA. In 2020, Dr. Lowery was recognized by the NAPSA Foundation as a Pillar of the Profession, and in 2014, he was recognized as an ACPA Dimond Honoree for outstanding and sustained contributions to higher education and to student affairs. He has twice received the Tracy R. Teel Memorial Award from ACPA’s Commission for Student Conduct and Legal Issues for “outstanding contributions to the area of judicial affairs and legal issues.”
Dr. Lowery earned his doctorate at Bowling Green State University in Higher Education Administration. He also holds a M.Ed. from the University of South Carolina in Student Personnel Services, and a BA in Religious Studies from the University of Virginia.