Welcome to the 2025 ACC Conference website. The Arkansas Community Colleges Annual Conference is the state’s primary event dedicated to community college professional development. All 22 public community colleges in the state participate in the conference. In 2024, more than 450 administrators, faculty, and staff attended, and we expect 2025 to be even bigger and better. Join us in Hot Springs, Arkansas, on October 12-14, 2025, as we Innovate, Inspire, and Explore the future of higher education.

KEYNOTE ADDRESS

Monday, October 13, 8:30am

Steve Brown, AI futurist

Revolution Ed: The Urgent Need to Rethink Education in a World of AI

The rise of generative AI platforms has left teachers scrambling to grasp what role, if any, AI should play in their classrooms. Administrators are seeking ways to stretch budgets and enhance outcomes. Students want more tailored pedagogy and preparation for the AI-powered workplaces of the future.

AI won’t replace teachers. Instead, it will enhance the relationship between educators and students — complementing and supporting teaching and learning processes. Traditional higher education faces a significant challenge: embrace AI to improve outcomes and reduce costs, or risk disruption from well-funded technology companies.

In this engaging session, AI futurist Steve Brown guides you through the rapidly evolving world of AI, the future of work, and how education must adapt to embrace AI. This is an essential session for any thoughtful academic institution contemplating its future and how to serve its students in the 21st century.

SESSIONS

Our sessions are selected to ensure professional development opportunities for community college faculty and staff from all fields including general education, technical education, academic affairs, student services, support staff, workforce, and administration.

45-minute breakout sessions will be held Monday, October 13, from 10am-12pm and 1:30-3:30pm, and Tuesday, October 14, from 8-10am. The following breakout session tracks will be offered:

  • Artificial Intelligence

  • CTE & Workforce

  • Emerging Leaders

  • Future of Higher Education

  • Special Interest

  • Student Services

  • Support Staff

  • Teaching & Learning

BIRDS OF A FEATHER MEETINGS

Join your colleagues for informal meetings designed to connect you with others in similar roles across the state. Birds of a Feather meetings will be held Monday, October 13, and include:

  • Faculty

    • Allied Health

    • Arts/Humanities/Education

    • Business/Trade/Industry

    • Math/Science

  • Staff

    • IT/IR/Finance/HR

    • Marketing/Advancement

    • Student Services

    • Support Staff

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES

The conference is designed to provide a balanced mix of professional development and social engagement. The following is an overview of the opportunities attendees will have to network with colleagues outside of the program sessions:

Sunday, October 12, 2025

  • Opening Ceremony & Welcome Reception

  • Team Trivia Scholarship Competition

  • Hospitality Suite

Monday, October 13, 2025

  • Academic All-Star Raffle

  • Academic All-Star Awards Luncheon

  • Networking Reception

  • ACC Leadership Institute Graduation (current and former ACCLI graduates)

  • Networking Dinners (ACC will coordinate, attendees will pay for their own meals)

  • Hospitality Suite

  • Karaoke at Maxine’s Live

Tuesday, October 14, 2025

  • Poker Run/Walk

  • Outstanding Faculty & Staff Awards Brunch & Closing Ceremony