AD&D Professional Development Opportunities

The Association of Deans and Directors of University Colleges and Undergraduate Studies aims to provide professional development opportunities for its members across the country. If you are interested in presenting on a particular topic, feel free to email our office at [email protected] with your presentation proposal. 

Check out our upcoming virtual meetings and webinars!

Date/Time: March 19, 2025, 12:00-1:00 PM ET

WEBINAR: Staying the Course: Driving Persistence and Retention in Modern Undergraduate Education

Speakers: LaVie Leasure, Ph.D., and Jerrell W. Robinson, Ed.D., Winston-Salem State University

Student persistence and retention remain critical challenges in higher education, particularly for underrepresented and at-risk populations. This session will examine the key factors influencing student success and retention, offering insights on effective strategies to help institutions support students from enrollment through graduation.

Biography - LaVie Leasure, Ph.D. - Winston-Salem State University
LaVie T. Leasure (Ph.D., Indiana University of Pennsylvania) is the Acting Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education and Dean of University College at Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) where she formerly served as Associate Dean of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. A native of Sedalia, North Carolina, Dr. Leasure earned her undergraduate degree from Bennett College and a Master of Arts degree from North Carolina A & T State University. Dr. Leasure has worked in higher education, non-profit, and corporate sectors. Formerly, Dr. Leasure also served as the Dean of First, Second and Transfer Year Experiences and Engagement and as Chair of Liberal Studies at WSSU. Dr. Leasure is active in her community and on the WSSU campus. She is dedicated to the improvement of the undergraduate learning and teaching experiences students and faculty encounter. Her current research focus is on the relationships between women and the intersectionality of race, gender, sex, and culture along with the adult learner experience and experiential learning. Dr. Leasure has been married to Al Leasure for over 30 years, and they have two daughters: Ciara and Camille and one granddaughter – Emory.  Dr. Leasure is dedicated to working for the betterment of those who are marginalized. She will not compromise integrity for any sake.  Her professional work focuses on the retention and successful persistence of students and promoting holistic success for students.

Biography - Jerrell W. Robinson, Ed.D. - Winston-Salem State University
Dr. Jerrell W. Robinson is a native of Harlem, NY. He earned his Doctor of Education degree in Executive Leadership from St. John Fisher University, and both his Master of Science degree in Counseling & Psychological Services and Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from SUNY Oswego. Dr. Robinson’s career spans nearly thirty years in higher education serving in academic affairs and student affairs roles, with extensive experience leading academic and student affairs units including enrollment services, academic and student support services, student activities and leadership development, opportunity programs, mentoring programs, and strategic planning focused on improving student retention, persistence, and completion rates. He has also developed first year course curricula and taught first year seminar courses. 

Dr. Robinson currently serves as the Associate Dean of New Student Experiences and Undergraduate Engaged Learning for University College, at Winston-Salem State University, in North Carolina. In this role, Dr. Robinson serves as a member of the University College’s Leadership team in supporting an institution-wide framework for student success that enhances curricular and co-curricular programs through high-impact educational experiences, and in providing vision and leadership for an integrated set of units.

Dr. Robinson has previously served as an Associate Dean of Student Development & Campus Life, and in various director roles. Dr. Robinson is a dynamic, strategic, and visionary leader dedicated to driving student success through innovative approaches, while fostering and strengthening purposeful, transformative collaborations with educational stakeholders to revolutionize academic environments and advance educational excellence. Dr. Robinson’s interests include strengthening equitable and inclusive learning communities, advocating for social justice issues, and developing partnerships and pipelines supporting college preparedness and access.

REGISTER HERE