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Conversations about higher education and public trust often omit a key constituency: students themselves. And while data suggests that students trust their own colleges more than higher education as a whole, trust is built—or lost—in key moments and experiences across the student journey. Yet many colleges and universities are still delivering student experiences through siloed offices and efforts in ways that can undermine student success and long-term confidence in and engagement with the institution. This live webcast discussion will focus on why students—from prospective students to alumni—benefit from connected campus approaches.

Based on data, experts insights and case studies, the conversation will also explore how a lifecycle approach to events and engagement can strengthen trust, improve student and alumni outcomes, and deepen connections across constituencies. Join us to learn how institutions are breaking down silos, improving accessibility, using data and AI responsibly, and building stronger connections that drive trust, engagement and lifelong affinity.

Can't attend the webcast? You should still register—all registrants will receive a recording of the webcast and a copy of the presentation slides.

Wednesday, August 19, 2026 | 2 p.m. E.T.

From Applicant to Alum: Building Trust Through Cohesive Campus Experiences

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Colleen Flaherty
Senior Editor of Special Content at Inside Higher Ed

Colleen Flaherty, senior editor of special content, previously served as Student Voice editor for Inside Higher Ed. Prior to joining the publication in 2012, Colleen was military editor at the Killeen Daily Herald, outside Fort Hood, Texas. Before that, she covered government and land use issues for the Greenwich Time and Hersam Acorn Newspapers in her home state of Connecticut. After graduating from McGill University in Montreal with a degree in English literature, Colleen taught English and English as a second language in public schools in the Bronx, New York. She earned her M.S.Ed. from City University of New York Lehman College as part of the New York City Teaching Fellows program.

Sara Custer
Editor in Chief at Inside Higher Ed

Sara Custer became Inside Higher Ed's editor in chief in March 2024. Before joining Inside Higher Ed, she was editor of Times Higher Education's (THE) Campus, a collection of daily resources designed for higher education faculty and staff members to learn, share and connect with colleagues at universities and colleges worldwide. Prior to that, she shaped THE’s online presence as its digital editor, helping to launch THE’s newsletter strategy and overseeing daily, weekly and monthly publications. From 2012 to 2017, she served as editor and senior reporter at The PIE News, covering the international education industry. Sara grew up in Cushing, Okla., and earned a B.A. in English literature from Loyola University Chicago and an M.A. in international journalism from City, University of London.

Amber Williams, Ed.D.
Senior Vice Provost for Student Success and Chief Honors Officer at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Dr. Amber Williams is a visionary practitioner-scholar and higher education leader dedicated to redefining student success through a personalized, strengths-based lens. As the senior vice provost for student success & chief honors officer at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, she has propelled the university to the national forefront of innovation by grounding her strategy in the PASS project’s ecological validation model and Martin Seligman’s PERMA framework for well-being. Under her transformative leadership, UT achieved a historic 10% increase in graduation rates, a record 92.4% retention rate and a 90% positive career outcome rate sustained over six years. Dr. Williams is the architect of the Vol Success Teams and the pioneering Vol Edge platform. Her philosophy was forged at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where she enrolled the largest class in history and served as the founding director of the Nebraska College Preparatory Academy. A certified CliftonStrengths coach with an Ed.D. in educational leadership & policy, Dr. Williams is committed to ensuring every scholar is seen, supported and empowered to flourish.