2020 Region 1 Conference

The 2020 NACADA Region 1 Conference has been cancelled. 

Because of increased travel restrictions and the March 11 declaration of a COVID-19 pandemic by the World Health Organization, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the Region 1 Conference in Mystic, Connecticut. We understand the logistical inconveniences that may arise as a result of this decision and regret the disruption as many are additionally dealing with COVID-19 implications on their campuses and in their homes.

We will be in contact with all who had registered for the conference as well as those who had registered and cancelled earlier to provide more information on refunds.

The hotels will continue to honor the block rate and work with you during the duration of your stay. To cancel your rooms, please contact the hotel immediately. 

For more information about the cancellations and refunds, please visit here.

We understand that you will have questions. Please direct them to nacada@ksu.edu or call 785-532-5717. Our volunteer conference chairs and region chairs will direct you to the Executive Office. 

R1 Spotlight

Keynote Speakers

Lunch Keynote: Thursday, March 12

Julie Nash | Vice Provost for Academic Affairs at the University of Massachusetts Lowell

Julie Nash is Vice Provost for Academic Affairs at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, where she oversees retention and student success, pedagogy, curriculum, and accreditation. Dr. Nash has a Ph.D. in English and worked as an English Professor before moving into administration. She is passionate about access and equity for all students and created the River Hawk Scholars Academy to support first-generation college students, a program that helped UML receive the national "First Forward" designation. She has been an invited presenter nationally and regionally on such topics as higher education leadership, supporting first-generation college students, advising, and inter-campus collaborations. 

Closing Keynote: Friday, March 13

Ben McNamee | Academic Advisor at University of Massachusetts Boston

Ben McNamee is an Academic Advisor for the College of Management at UMass Boston. A proud alum of two fantastic NACADA Region 1 schools, Southern Connecticut State University (B.S. in History for Secondary Education) and the University of Rhode Island (M.S. in College Student Personnel.)

Ben is a proud product and staunch ally of public education. At UMass Boston, Ben runs a learning community for transfer students where he helps students who are transferring to campus have a smooth transition through a cohort-based program. In addition to his formal role on campus Ben also pursues his commitment to social justice on campus by advising Alternative Spring Break trips, serving on the Chancellors Sustainability Committee, and teaching a class focused on developing and connecting with mentors to increase student’s social mobility. 

Ben is no stranger to NACADA Region 1. He presented at two different Region 1 conferences and served on the Region 1 Steering Committee as a member and co-chair of the Communications Committee.

For conference schedule, hotel information, travel tips, and more, click the links to the right!