LUNCH & LEARN: The State of EACE & Higher Education

Thursday, December 4

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Virtual (Zoom)

The State of EACE & The Future of Higher Education: A Conversation with the Former, Current & Incoming EACE Presidents

Higher education is shifting quickly and the decisions made this year may redefine the student experience, workforce pathways, and the role of professional associations. Join us for an exclusive Lunch & Learn conversation exploring the state of the organization, future of our profession and the evolving landscape of higher education. This dynamic roundtable brings together three generations of EACE leadership, the former president, current president, and president-elect, for a candid discussion. Join us to stay informed, inspired, and prepared for what’s next.

What to Expect

1) The State of EACE (First 20 Minutes) · Key priorities shaping EACE today · Wins, challenges, and lessons learned from across leadership terms · Vision for the association’s future and emerging member needs

2) The State of Higher Education (Next 20 Minutes) · Impacts of recent federal changes and shifting political landscapes · What new elected officials may mean for funding, compliance, and workforce development · Predictions for 2025 and what institutions should prepare for now

3) Live Q&A (Final 15–20 Minutes)

Presenters

Monique Sample, Virginia Commonwealth University 

Amy Smith, Touro University (Past EACE President)

Amy Smith is the Director of Employer Relations at Touro University, creating connections that bring students to opportunity. She has led employer engagement and career strategy at multiple institutions and has given guest lectures and presentations on a variety of topics including personal branding, entrepreneurship, career management, workplace technology and strategic planning. Amy earned an M.S.Ed in Higher Education Leadership and Policy Studies from Hofstra University, during which she completed a thesis studying the impacts of artificial intelligence on career development and the global workforce. She also holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Connecticut.

Gerald Tang, Bridgewater State University (Current EACE President)

Dr. Gerald Tang is the inaugural Executive Director of the Career Services and Internship Program Office, leading efforts to advance the BSU Works initiative. He brings extensive experience from roles at St. Francis College, Baruch College/CUNY, Columbia University, Wentworth Institute of Technology, Carnegie Mellon University, La Roche University, and Susquehanna University. Gerald earned his doctorate from Maryville University of St. Louis, a master’s from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and a bachelor’s from Binghamton University/SUNY. His research interests include Asian American leadership, international and transfer student career development, DEIB, and technology integration in career services.

Whitney Kerr, Rutgers University - Newark (EACE President-Elect)

Whitney Kerr - (they/she) serves as the Associate Director of Campus Engagement at Rutgers University–Newark within the Office of Career Resources and Exploration. In this role, they are dedicated to creating inclusive, impactful career programming and cultivating meaningful campus partnerships that support student success. Whitney is also the President-Elect of the Eastern Association of Colleges and Employers (EACE), where they are committed to advancing equity-driven practices in career services and employer engagement across the region. A proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Whitney brings a values-centered approach to their work uplifting community, scholarship, and service in all they do.

Register